Phuket is not accessible by train but has an airport with international flights and direct domestic flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya. Many buses also regularly come Sai Tai Mai, Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (you can book tickets online here) while others connect Krabi to Phuket every hour. Formulas bus + boat from Koh Samui also exist.
WARNING: many buses can only be booked 30 days before depature tops. They won't be displayed in the results on our transportation booking partner's website if not bookable yet.
Phuket is often the starting point to go to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. After Phuket, some people also go to Phang Nga Bay a little in the North, to Khao Lak or Similan Islands and Surin island. By plane you can reach Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Pattaya but also foreign countries like Australia for instance. And by bus you can go back to the north or Bangkok (12 hours drive, you can book tickets online here).
WARNING: many buses can only be booked 30 days before depature tops. They won't be displayed in the results on our transportation booking partner's website if not bookable yet.
The train is the cheapest way to travel in Thailand especially in 3rd class. This is also where the contact with the population is the most interesting and incredible...
Taking the plance to travel in Thailand is often not that much more expensive than the bus especially with the numerous specials offers and it is so much faster !