11 Unusual & Funny Things in Phuket

In Thailand, beer needs to be paired with lots of ice cubes as it gets warm within minutes. While this could be considered as a lack of taste in Europe, it's very common in Phuket bars, restaurants and pubs. We highly recommend giving beer on the rocks a try – you might discover a new way to appreciate your brew.

When it rains in Phuket, you can often see people riding their motorbikes holding an umbrella in one hand. They seem to have little to no consideration for risks such as slippery roads, reduced visibility and the wind factor.

Petrol stations aren't easy to find in some areas of Phuket, so it's best to fill your up vehicle before heading out. The locals have found a simple way to make a bit of money while helping other drivers – they sell gasoline in whisky bottles. You can spot these colourful and somewhat misleading displays in front of houses or small shops close to the road. Note that the price is a bit higher than most petrol stations, but unavoidable if you're in a remote part of Phuket.

Locals lacking the budget to invest in proper beach chairs often come up with rather amusing yet practical solutions. In this case, they collect spare plastic pipes (usually in blue) to construct sun loungers. These concoctions are surprisingly sturdy – almost as good as the real thing.

Bamboo scaffolding is only secured by rope, sometimes without safety harnesses. You'll see many builders, painters and window cleaners casually going about their day on these rickety constructions. Just looking at them is enough to make anyone shake in their shoes.

Thai truck drivers attach rubber strips above their tyres as an easy way to keep them clean and black. When the truck is mobile, these straps flap about, removing the dust and mud throughout the trip.

Thai workers have enough dangers to deal with at their worksite, but unfortunately, getting to work is also a major hazard for them. You'll often find them crammed into the back of small trucks and pickups. In the mornings and evenings, you'll see these vehicles straining and creaking under the weight of workers, all looking remarkably cheerful.