Discover Phuket Town on a Budget!

Experience paradise without breaking the bank in Phuket, Thailand.

21 June 2023

Phuket, Thailand is a tropical paradise that can easily be enjoyed on a limited budget. Affordable accommodations, street food, and local transportation make it easy to explore the famous beaches and natural attractions. With careful planning and flexibility, a memorable and budget-friendly trip to Phuket is within reach.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Phuket Town

  • Start with breakfast at Mee Ton Poe, where you can order a bowl of their famous Hokkien noodles for only THB 50.
  • Go on a walking tour of Phuket Old Town, where you can marvel at the influence of European architecture on the Sino-Portuguese buildings. Don't forget to take some souvenir photos with the colorful street art!
  • Visit the Thai Hua Museum, where you can learn about the history of Chinese immigrants in Phuket. Admission fee is only THB 100.
  • Take a tuk-tuk to Ao Talo Market, where you can eat lunch like a local. Try the street food such as fried chicken or pork skewers for only THB 20-40 per stick.
  • Head to the weekend market, known as the Naka Market which opens Friday to Sunday 16:00-22:00, where you can haggle for souvenirs, clothes and try some more local food.
  • End your day with dinner at No.6 restaurant, where you can enjoy Thai food for around THB 100-150 per dish.
  • Note: Some of the sights mentioned, such as the Thai Hua Museum and weekend market, are only open on certain days and times. Check before you go.

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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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.

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As a tourist in Phuket, Thailand, you can enjoy the breathtaking beaches with clear blue waters, white sand, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. You can also explore the rich culture and world-famous Thai cuisine with bustling street markets, traditional temples, and delicious street food. Finally, you can indulge in exciting activities like diving, snorkeling, island hopping tours, and adrenaline-pumping water sports like surfing, parasailing, and jet-skiing.

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A family-friendly trip to Phuket, Thailand offers a blend of beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and exciting activities for all age groups. Enjoy a day at Patong Beach, where white sands and crystal clear waters create a heavenly spot for relaxing and building sand castles. Explore Phuket Old Town's charm, with its colorful buildings, bustling markets, and delicious street food, giving you a glimpse into the island's rich history and culture.