Phuket On a Budget: 5 Days of Fun-in-the-Sun

Experience paradise on a budget in Phuket, Thailand.

21 June 2023

A budget trip to Phuket, Thailand is possible if travelers avoid high-end resorts and opt for budget-friendly accommodations. There are plenty of affordable guesthouses and hostels in the area, which offer basic amenities but are centrally located. To save on food expenses, visitors can eat at local markets and street food stalls, where they can find delicious Thai cuisine at a fraction of the cost of restaurants.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach-hopping Bliss

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at No.9 2nd Restaurant, a hidden gem loved by locals.
  • Visit Patong Beach, the most well-known of Phuket's beaches. Rent a sun chair and a beach umbrella, soak up the sun, and swim in the crystal clear waters.
  • Next, head to Karon Beach. With its long strip of white sand, Karon is the perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset.
  • For dinner, head to On the Rock, a restaurant perched on a cliff. The views of the ocean and the food are both spectacular.
Day 2

Island Escape

  • Take a speedboat to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands. Once there, swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, and sunbathe on the white sandy beaches.
  • Visit Monkey Beach, where monkeys roam free.
  • Take a walk up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint and admire the breathtaking view of the island.
  • Fill up on delicious Thai food at Iyo Cafe.
  • End the day with a sunset cocktail at One Beach Club, with stunning views of the beach.
Day 3

Rainforests and Waterfalls

  • Take a jungle hike through the lush rainforest of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.
  • See the stunning Tonsai Waterfall and take a dip in the clear water.
  • For lunch, head to the local restaurant Mee Ton Poe. Try the famous Phad Thai Noodles!
  • Take a stroll through the Old Phuket Town, a mix of Sino-Portuguese architecture and street art.
  • Grab some dinner at the lively night market of Chillva Market.
Day 4

Temples and Culture

  • Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket's most famous temple. Admire the intricate carvings and learn about Buddhist culture.
  • Take a trip to the Big Buddha, a magnificent marble statue with amazing views of the island.
  • Satisfy your hunger with some delicious street food at Tung Ka Cafe.
  • Take a stroll through the Thalang Road for a peek into the history of Phuket.
  • Watch the sunset over the sea at Promthep Cape.
Day 5

Relax and Unwind

  • Spend the day lounging poolside at The Nap Patong, a budget-friendly hotel complete with poolside bar and convenient beach access.
  • Indulge in a Thai massage at the hotel's spa.
  • Grab a bite to eat at Nine-Two Five Restaurant, famous for its burgers and cocktails.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bang Tao Beach, taking in the views of the Andaman Sea.
  • Watch the sunset at Dream Beach Club, with a cocktail in one hand and your feet in the sand.

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

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