Phuket Takes Centre Stage on the Global Travel Map as City Sightseeing Phuket Launches Double-Decker Bus Tours on 20 October

Phuket continues to cement its reputation as one of the world's most sought-after travel destinations. The island was recently named among Lonely Planet's 25 Best Destinations to Visit in 2026, while Travel + Leisure ranked Phuket fourth among the Best Islands in Asia for 2026. These accolades reflect an island whose appeal extends far beyond its famous beaches, encompassing a rich tapestry of history, culture, cuisine, local life and diverse travel experiences.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Phuket Office, the island welcomed more than 9.2 million visitors during the first eight months of 2026, generating over THB 356.2 billion in tourism revenue. Of these, 6.79 million were international visitors, underscoring Phuket's position as a major global travel destination and highlighting opportunities to develop tourism services that make the island's attractions more accessible while spreading the economic benefits of tourism across local communities.

Against this backdrop, Elephant GoGo Phuket Co., Ltd. has partnered with City Sightseeing, the global sightseeing bus network originating in Spain, and Central Phuket, a key local partner, to officially launch City Sightseeing Phuket on 20 October 2026.

The new double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus service will connect 11 key stops across the island, from Phuket Old Town and cultural landmarks to temples, attractions and lifestyle destinations. Designed to introduce visitors to "Phuket Beyond the Beaches", the service offers a fresh perspective on the island while creating new economic opportunities for businesses and communities along the route.

From London and Paris to Phuket: A New Way to Explore the Island

Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing has long been a popular way to explore some of the world's most iconic cities, including London, Paris, Barcelona and New York. The concept is simple: travellers can board and disembark at designated stops, spend as much time as they wish exploring each destination, and catch a later bus when they are ready to continue their journey, without being tied to a fixed tour itinerary.

More than simply providing convenient transport between major attractions, the experience offers visitors an introduction to the city as a whole. It encourages them to discover new places and venture beyond the main stops to explore nearby local restaurants, shopping districts, historic neighbourhoods and attractions that might otherwise be overlooked on a conventional sightseeing itinerary.

In Thailand, Elephant Bus Tours has pioneered the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing concept and partnered with City Sightseeing to bring its services in line with international standards while expanding into the country's leading tourism destinations.

The Phuket launch marks another significant step towards turning the island's tourism momentum into tangible economic opportunities for local communities, helping distribute tourism revenue more widely and sustainably.

Mr. Krit Vitayasamrit, Managing Director of Elephant GoGo Phuket Co., Ltd., said: "Phuket is a destination recognised by travellers around the world, with the potential to stand alongside the world's leading tourism cities. We believe the island is ready for the Hop-On Hop-Off experience that has become so popular in major destinations globally. The launch of City Sightseeing Phuket is therefore about much more than introducing double-decker sightseeing buses. It is about giving travellers another way to experience Phuket and discover a different side of the island."

"Many visitors come to Phuket for its beaches and coastline, but there is so much more to discover, from the historic Old Town and cultural heritage to local cuisine and everyday life. We want our buses to be a starting point for exploring these experiences, while encouraging travellers to venture further into the surrounding areas. By giving visitors more freedom and flexibility, we hope they will spend more time discovering the island and connecting with its communities."

Beyond Sightseeing: Creating Jobs and Bringing Tourism Revenue to Local Communities

One of the key ambitions behind City Sightseeing Phuket is to connect visitor mobility with economic opportunities for local residents and businesses.

Rather than serving solely as boarding and drop-off points, each stop is designed to act as a gateway to nearby shops, restaurants, attractions and local services, encouraging travellers to explore surrounding neighbourhoods and spend more time and money within the community.

"We want every stop to become a starting point for economic opportunities for local people. Every time a traveller steps off the bus to enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, shop with a neighbourhood vendor or use a community-based service, there is an opportunity for tourism spending to reach local businesses directly," Mr. Krit explained.

The company also aims to work alongside existing tourism operators, including local tour companies and guides. Rather than competing with established services, the Hop-On Hop-Off model can introduce visitors to destinations and experiences they may wish to explore in greater depth through additional guided tours or local activities, creating further business opportunities for tourism professionals on the island.

The launch will also generate local employment across a range of roles, including drivers, customer service personnel, sales staff and operations teams, while creating opportunities for collaboration with local partners.

"We don't want to be simply another sightseeing bus operator. Our ambition is to become part of Phuket's wider tourism ecosystem, connecting visitors with local businesses and helping those businesses grow alongside the island's tourism industry. For us, success is not measured by passenger numbers alone, but also by the opportunities and income that tourism can bring to local communities," Mr. Krit added.

Partnering with Central Phuket to Strengthen Local Collaboration

Central Phuket plays a key role in the launch of City Sightseeing Phuket, providing space for a customer service and tour package sales counter, as well as establishing the route's starting point at Central Phuket Floresta.

The partnership also supports coordination with government agencies and other stakeholders across the province, helping bring the new tourism service to life.

Ahead of the official launch, the company conducted a route trial on 6 October 2026, attended by Mr. Romdon Haji-a-wae, Vice Governor of Phuket, together with representatives from relevant agencies, to assess the service and its readiness for operation.

The official launch will also be attended by representatives from key provincial authorities and organisations, including Phuket Province, Phuket City Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, the Federation of Thai Industries Phuket Chapter, and the Phuket Tourism Industry Council.

Their participation reflects the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors to enhance the island's tourism experiences and strengthen Phuket's economic potential.

Discover 11 Stops Across Phuket, with Audio Guides in Eight Languages

City Sightseeing Phuket has designed a route connecting 11 key stops, offering visitors an accessible way to experience the island's many different sides.

The route includes Central Phuket Floresta, Old Town 1 / Mongol Nimit Temple, Old Town 2 / Kopi De Phuket, Saphan Hin Park, Kiew Thien Keng Shrine, Muay Thai Street (Soi Ta-iad), Chalong Temple (Wat Chai Thararam), Robinson Lifestyle Chalong, Hanuman World Phuket, King Power Phuket, and Aquaria Phuket / Central Phuket Floresta.

Together, these stops connect a diverse range of experiences, from admiring Sino-Portuguese architecture and soaking up the atmosphere of Phuket Old Town to discovering local history and culture, visiting temples and shrines, exploring the island's famous Muay Thai street, and enjoying a variety of leisure attractions.

The flexible route also gives visitors the freedom to explore additional places of interest around each stop, tailoring their journey to their own preferences.

On board, passengers can enjoy an audio guide available in eight languages: Thai, English, Chinese, Russian, German, French, Spanish and Korean. The commentary shares stories of Phuket's history, culture and local way of life throughout the journey, helping international visitors gain a deeper understanding of the island beyond its landmarks.

Service Information and Ticket Prices

City Sightseeing Phuket will officially begin operations on 20 October 2026, with daily departures from Central Phuket Floresta (Stop No. 1).

Buses will depart every hour between 10.00 AM and 4.00 PM, with a complete circuit taking approximately 2-2.5 hours. A GPS real-time tracking system will allow passengers to check bus locations and plan their journeys more conveniently.

Two ticket options will be available: a 24-hour pass priced at THB 1,200 for adults and THB 600 for children, and a 48-hour pass priced at THB 1,500 for adults and THB 750 for children. Child fares apply to passengers aged 6-12 years or those under 150 centimetres in height, subject to the company's terms and conditions.

For more information, visit www.elephantbustours.com/phuket .