Phuket on a Budget: Beaches & Culture Galore

Experience paradise on a shoestring budget in Phuket.

21 June 2023

Travel to Phuket, Thailand on a limited budget can be achieved with careful planning and research. Opt for budget accommodations and street food for meals. Explore inexpensive attractions such as beaches, markets, and temples to fully experience the cultural richness of the island.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bumming

  • Start the day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café Siam Bakery, famous for its delicious croissants and pastries.
  • Head to Patong beach for a day under the sun, sand, and surf.
  • For a break from the beach, explore the bustling streets of Patong and indulge in some souvenir shopping.
  • Savor a Thai lunch at No.9 Blue House, a quaint restaurant serving authentic Thai food at affordable prices.
  • Take a sunset stroll along the Karon beach and watch the sky transform into a canvas of warm colors.
  • Dine at the Baan Rim Pa Patong, known for its romantic setting, tantalizing seafood, and live music performances.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central a perfect blend of comfort and affordability.
Day 2

Culture and Cuisine

  • Start the day with a visit to the Big Buddha, a 45m high statue that gives stunning panoramic views of the island.
  • Learn about Thai culture and history at the Wat Chalong Temple, a must-visit attraction in Phuket.
  • For lunch, head to One Chun Café and Restaurant for some authentic Thai cuisine that won't break the bank.
  • Take a stroll through the Phuket Old Town and explore the vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art.
  • Try some unique Thai flavors at the Torry's Ice Cream, famous for its unusual flavors like Tom Yum and Pandan.
  • End the day with a relaxing foot massage at the Divine Spa, a budget-friendly spa that provides exceptional services.
  • Hotel Recommendation: Lub Sbuy House Hotel a cozy and charming hotel that offers great value for money.
  • Phuket is a gem of Thailand that can be explored without burning your pockets. There is always something to do or see in this stunning island, and with some smart planning, you can enjoy a fun-filled trip on a tight budget.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Phuket by plane is to fly into Phuket International Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Thailand. There are several airlines that operate daily flights to Phuket from major cities around the world, including Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Emirates

Car

Driving to Phuket is possible, but it can be a long and tiring journey. The best way to get to Phuket by car is to rent a car in a nearby city like Bangkok or Surat Thani and drive to Phuket. The journey takes around 12-14 hours from Bangkok and around 5-6 hours from Surat Thani. Make sure to take rest stops along the way to avoid fatigue

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Phuket. The closest train station is in Surat Thani, which is about a four-hour drive away from Phuket. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to get to Phuket

Boat

If you're coming from nearby islands like Phi Phi, a boat is a great way to get to Phuket. There are several ferry companies that operate daily ferries from Phi Phi to Phuket, and the journey takes around 2 hours. Make sure to check the weather conditions before making your journey by boat

Bus

One of the most popular ways to get to Phuket by bus is to take a bus from Bangkok. There are several bus companies that operate daily buses from Bangkok to Phuket, including VIP buses and standard buses. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and arrives at the Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Destination

Phuket

Welcome to the land of beautiful beaches, mouth-watering food, and puzzling pronunciations. Get ready to be amazed, confused, and possibly lost in Phuket!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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