How to Save on a Vacation in Phuket: Travel Tips
Phuket is famous for its white beaches and vibrant experiences, but it is often considered an expensive resort. However, with proper planning, you can enjoy your vacation without going over your budget. Here's how to save money on your vacation while still enjoying it to the fullest.
Travel during low season
The high season lasts from November to March - this is the time when prices for accommodation, excursions and flights are the highest. The most expensive period for a holiday is the New Year holidays, this is the peak season. The low season is officially from May to October. At this time, operators, airlines and hotels offer significant discounts. Yes, the likelihood of rain increases, and the waves interfere with a quiet beach holiday, but not everything is as bad as it seems. Often the rains are short-lived and occur at night, and there are beaches without waves even in summer. Read information about weather conditions by month in the section "Weather in Phuket".
Find budget accommodation
- Guest houses and hostels . They can be found not only in the tourist areas of Patong, Karon and Kata. But also in Chalong, Wichit and Phuket Town. Yes, it will take longer to get to the sea, but the savings are significant.
- Apartment rental . For a long stay, it is more profitable to rent a condominium. And remember - the further from the sea. the cheaper.
- Book in advance . Agoda, Booking.com and Airbnb can help you find great deals.
Eat at local establishments
Thai street food is inexpensive, delicious and authentic.
- A serving of pad thai, fried rice or tom yum soup will cost 50-100 baht in a regular Thai cafe with plastic chairs.
- Buy fresh fruit at markets or supermarkets - it's cheaper than from vendors near hotels.
- Take a closer look at the food courts - it's not hot there, and the prices are very reasonable.
Use cheap transport
- Public songthaew buses connect the beaches with Phuket Town.
- Renting a motorbike will cost 200-300 baht per day. It is convenient and inexpensive, but is only suitable for those who know how to drive and have already received a category A (international) license.
- If you are planning an active holiday with your family, then renting a car will help you save on taxis and travel in comfort and safety.
- For short trips, use Grab, InDrive or Bolt, which are cheaper than tuk-tuks.
Find free entertainment
- Visit Big Buddha (*currently closed) , Wat Chalong or viewpoints.
- Explore the beaches. There are over 30 in Phuket, most of which are free to use.
- Snorkel the beaches without renting a boat.
Save on excursions
- Book tours in our agency - we have been working for more than 12 years and offer tours with an excellent price-quality ratio. This is confirmed by good reviews.
- Group excursions are cheaper than individual ones.
- If you are flying for the first time, we recommend that you first visit the nearest islands - tours there are cheaper than to remote ones, for example, Racha and Coral .
Buy profitably
Don't waste your time on a free sightseeing tour from tour operators, they take you to the most expensive shops for tourists. If you are planning to buy souvenirs or clothes, pay attention to the markets of Phuket Town.
Exchange money profitably
- Avoid exchanging currency at the airport - the rate there is usually unfavorable.
- Choose exchangers such as SuperRich or Value+ that offer the best conditions.
- If you run out of currency, it is better to exchange rubles online than cash. You can do this in a reliable exchanger EX24 .
Save on communications and the Internet
Buy a local SIM card with an internet package. Thai operators such as AIS, DTAC and TrueMove offer cheap rates for tourists at their offices. The airport sells the most expensive packages, which often work poorly.
Reduce your alcohol spending
- Alcohol is expensive in tourist areas. Buy drinks at 7-Eleven or Tops.
- In beach areas, prices for cocktails and beer can be lower than in bars.
- Reduce your alcohol consumption to avoid health consequences and negative holiday memories. In the heat, you need much less of the fun drinks.
Get your tax back
If you have purchased something large, check with the seller - can he fill out the documents for VAT Refund for you. This way you will be able to get the tax back when you leave Thailand. We described this procedure in more detail in the article "Tax Refund in Thailand" .
Avoid tourist traps
- Refuse dubious offers from the tour operator you flew with. It is enough to read reviews on the Internet and make sure that the overpayment for their additional services is significant.
- Don't take advantage of "free" offers of sightseeing tours from taxi drivers and travel agencies, they are just a trip to expensive shops
- Do not use the services of dubious agents and exchangers in Telegram. Make sure that the company really exists before sending money for services. Any agent will be happy to show you reviews on third-party resources. If the agent has no other means of communication except Telegram, you are looking at a typical scammer who will delete your correspondence at any time and it will be impossible to find him.
Conclusion
Phuket can be a paradise, but it’s also affordable for budget travelers. Thoughtful planning, choosing local services, and being mindful of your spending will help you enjoy your vacation and save money.
