The road to the Big Buddha

The southern loop: beaches and viewpoints

Karon → Karon Viewpoint → Nai Harn → Ya Nui → Promthep Cape → Rawai. About 25 km, 1–1.5 hours riding.

The island’s most scenic ride. Start in the morning, swim at Nai Harn and Ya Nui, and have seafood by Rawai pier for lunch. For the sunset, save Promthep for last. The climbs are steep — two-up you’ll want 150cc or more.

Big Buddha and Chalong

Kata or Chalong → up to Big Buddha → Wat Chalong. About 15 km.

The Big Buddha road is a steep switchback, so come down slowly. Shoulders and knees must be covered at the temple; sarongs are available at the entrance. Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple, is on the way down.

Old Town and Rang Hill

Patong → Patong Hill → Phuket Old Town → Khao Rang viewpoint. About 20 km each way.

Explore Thalang Road and Soi Romanee on foot, with their Sino-Portuguese shophouses. Leave the bike at a car park on the edge of the old town. On Sunday evenings Thalang Road becomes a walking street market. At sunset, ride up Khao Rang for a view over the whole town.

The northern beaches

Kamala → Surin → Bang Tao → Layan → Nai Yang. About 30 km.

The north is quieter than the south. Layan and Nai Thon are often almost empty. Finish at Nai Yang and Sirinat National Park by the airport: pine trees along the sea and planes landing right over the beach. More in Bang Tao, Surin & Kamala.

Sunset at Promthep Cape

Any southern beach → Promthep Cape for sunset.

The most popular sunset spot, so in high season get there 40–60 minutes early — the car park fills up. For fewer crowds, try Windmill Viewpoint near Nai Harn. You’ll ride back in the dark: check your headlight and take the descents slowly.

Riding tips

  • Fill up at proper petrol stations (PTT, Bangchak, Shell): roadside bottled fuel costs more and can be poor quality.
  • Pack a rain poncho. Rainy-season downpours are short but heavy; wait them out under cover — the road is slipperiest in the first minutes.
  • Don’t leave valuables in the basket or keys in the ignition.
  • Always carry your license and IDP. See “License for a scooter in Thailand”.

Questions

Can I ride around all of Phuket in a day?

Yes — a full loop is around 150–200 km. It’s easier on a maxi-scooter two-up. Leave in the morning and stop every hour.

Which is the most beautiful route?

The southern loop: Karon Viewpoint, Nai Harn, Ya Nui and Promthep Cape.

Can I take the scooter off the island?

Check with us first. The bridge to Phang Nga leads onto a busy highway, so a more powerful scooter suits that trip better.