Phuket is directly connected to the Thai mainland by the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, through Ranong Province’s Kra Buri and Kapoe districts, Phang Nga Province’s Takua Pa and Thai Muang districts and then onto Phuket Island. The total distance is 860 km. All vehicles entering and leaving Phuket will pass through a police checkpoint (Tha Chat Chai) about 5 km south of the bridge to Phang Nga. Most cars proceed without stopping but suspicious vehicles are stopped and searched.