There are plenty of car rental and motorbike rental agencies around Phuket and Krabi so getting around is easy. In the high season, cars can be rented for anything from around 600 Baht a day upwards. Motorbikes are usually about 150 Baht a day depending on the size. Both prices can be reduced by long term rental.

In has become law recently in Thailand that all drivers carry their licence and that helmets be worn on motorbikes. On Phuket Island, police are doing spot checks in various fixed and random locations so be prepared to pay a fine and probably take a trip to the police station if you are caught breaking the law.

The roads here are safe and well kept but the island does have a high accident rate so take it slowly on the mountains and watch out when it rains as it gets really slippery. Drivers on Phuket tend to do it fast. You end up getting tooted at when you drive slower than the crowd. This is just a natural warning to let you know someone is behind you and there is no need to take offence. It may sound a little patronising, but there's bit of 'anything goes' attitude on the roads here so you can't really take your mind off the road and what's going on around you at any moment.

The hazards here are different to those in the west so take a bit of time to get used to different things like dogs running out from everywhere, vehicles overtaking on both side and screeching trucks expecting you to get out of the way as they thunder past.

Another one to watch is the heavy vehicles getting stuck on steep hills with you and everybody else left to keep your feet on the brakes.

Phuket does have one or two particularly dangerous driving hotspots. The most well known are the hill on the way into Patong, the hills North of Patong and the approaches to Tesco & Big C supermarket on the Airport road.

If you have engine trouble there are lots of little repair shops around the island and Thai people are usually extremely willing to help if you ask. Once off Phuket driving gets more peaceful with less traffic so don't be afraid to take your bike or car through the gorgeous national parks of Phang Nga to Krabi and explore the beaches and mountains over there.

But most of all enjoy yourself, there is so much to see, make the most of it!