Go directly to the websites of the carriers that fly between Bangkok and Phuket. These include JetStarAsia, Air Asia, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.
Purchase the ticket that is most suitable for your time line and budget. Buying online eliminates the risk of being scammed by an untrustworthy travel agent or illegitimate middleman.
Hire a taxi to take you to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Be sure to insist that the meter is used so that you are not overcharged. Allow at least one hour for travel time.
Find your gate and check in. While this is self-explanatory, Suvarnabhumi Airport has only one terminal, and it is huge. Allow ample time for finding your way around.
Arrive at Phuket International Airport, which is on the north side of the island. Options for reaching your final destination include minibus and taxi.
Board an overnight train bound for Surat Thani from Hualamphong Train Station. Trains are slow and take several hours, so be prepared. No trains go directly from Bangkok to Phuket.
Disembark at Phun Phin railway station in Surat Thani province. Be sure to pay close attention to each stop announcement so you don't miss it.
Continue to Phuket by bus. This will take approximately five hours. Do not buy a ticket until you see the bus, to ensure that you are not sold a standing-room-only ticket. The last bus for Phuket leaves in the afternoon.
Board at the Southern Bus Terminal. Allow ample time to get there as it is on the other side of the river from Khao San Road and other popular Bangkok tourist destinations. Be sure that your taxi driver knows where it is and that the meter is running before accepting a ride.
Purchase a ticket from BKS public buses. It is best to avoid buying a bus ticket from agencies on Khao San Road, as they are notorious for theft. Other private companies that may be acceptable are Phuket Travel Tour, Phuket Central Tour and Phuket Travel Service.
Prepare yourself for a long bus journey, as travel takes at least 13 hours. The bus will drop you off in Phuket Town, where you can take a tuk-tuk, taxi or bus to your final destination.
Take Highway 4 west through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong province and Phang-nga province.
Cross the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge onto Phuket island.
Travel south to Phuket Town or your destination on the island. Total travel distance is approximately 530 miles, but keep in mind that Thai roads can be rough and unreliable, so anticipate a fairly lengthy, though beautiful, travel time.
