Phuket Budget Travel
Phuket has a reputation for being expensive, and honestly, it can be, if you stick to the tourist trail. But after 30 years living here, I can tell you that enjoying this island on a budget is absolutely possible. You just need to know where to look.
The trick is simple: do what locals do. Eat at the restaurants where Thai families eat, not the ones with photos on the menu. Take the Smart Bus between beaches for 50 baht instead of paying 400 baht for a tuk-tuk. Exchange money at dedicated exchange booths in Patong or Phuket Town, not at the airport or your hotel. These small choices add up fast.
Realistically, you can have a great time in Phuket on 1,500-2,500 baht per day (about $45-75 USD), which covers a decent guesthouse, three meals, transport, and even a beer at sunset. Go a bit higher, and you can add tours and activities. The pages below break down everything I’ve learned about stretching your budget here: where to find cheap but clean hotels, how to eat well for almost nothing, free things to do, and how to get around without getting ripped off.
Budget Hotels and Accommodation in Phuket
Finding affordable places to stay in Phuket isn’t hard. Finding good, affordable places is the challenge. I’ve visited dozens of budget hotels over the years, and the difference between an 800-baht disaster and a 1,200-baht gem often comes down to knowing which ones to pick. The hotels below are places I’d actually recommend: clean rooms, decent location, working air-con, and no nasty surprises. Most are in the 1,000-2,500 baht range per night. Patong and Phuket Town have the best selection for budget travellers, but Kata and Karon have some good finds too if you book in advance.
Tips to Save Money in Phuket
These are the practical things I wish someone had told me when I first arrived. Getting the best exchange rate can save you 5-10% on your spending money, and yes, it really matters where you go. Transport is where most tourists overspend: a tuk-tuk ride that costs 400 baht takes the same route as a 50-baht Smart Bus. And timing matters too. Visiting in low season (May to October) means hotel prices drop by 30-50%, beaches are emptier, and it doesn’t actually rain all day as people think.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Phuket
Some of the best experiences in Phuket don’t cost anything. Walking through Old Phuket Town, watching the sunset from Promthep Cape, exploring the Big Buddha, visiting temples, all free. Night markets are cheap entertainment with food for 40-60 baht per dish. Even the beaches, obviously, cost nothing (though the beach chairs do, so just bring your own towel and skip them). I’ve listed below the activities that give you the most experience for the least money, from completely free to “cheap enough that it’s worth it.”
Eating Cheap in Phuket
This is where budget travel in Phuket gets genuinely exciting. Forget saving money, eating local is just better. A plate of Pad Thai from a street stall costs 50-60 baht and tastes better than the 250-baht version at a tourist restaurant. My rule: if the menu has photos and prices in dollars, keep walking. Look for places packed with Thai customers, plastic chairs, and a handwritten menu. Night markets are perfect for budget eating. Chillva Market and the Sunday Walking Street in Old Town have dozens of stalls where you can fill up for 100-150 baht. The pages below cover my favourite local spots and the dishes you shouldn’t miss.
Phuket Itineraries
Planning your days helps you avoid the expensive “what should we do today?” trap that leads to overpriced tours and taxi rides. These itineraries mix free activities with the experiences worth paying for, and they’re designed so you’re not zigzagging across the island wasting money on transport. Whether you have 3 days or a week, the idea is the same: mornings for activities, afternoons for beaches, evenings for markets and cheap local food.
