Travel Budget for Phuket Visit Phuket on a Budget or Travel in Style

Phuket, Changwat Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is a stunning resort island known for Karon Beach, Patong Beach, and Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Phuket that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Phuket?

You should plan to spend around $129 (฿4,422) per day on your vacation in Phuket. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $40 (฿1,377) on meals
  • $11 (฿393) on local transportation
  • $120 (฿4,090) on hotels

A one week trip to Phuket for two people costs, on average, $1,809 (฿61,908). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $129
    ฿4,422
  • One Week Per person
    $905
    ฿30,954
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,809
    ฿61,908
  • One Month Per person
    $3,877
    ฿132,660
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,809
    ฿61,908
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,619
    ฿123,816
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,755
    ฿265,320
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Phuket cost?

A one week trip to Phuket usually costs around $905 (฿30,954) for one person and $1,809 (฿61,908) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Phuket on average costs around $1,809 (฿61,908) for one person and $3,619 (฿123,816) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Phuket will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Phuket on average costs around $3,877 (฿132,660) for one person and $7,755 (฿265,320) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Phuket expensive to visit?

Phuket is a popular resort island among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

You can find Phuket to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $55 (฿1,817) per day, mid-range travelers spend $133 (฿4,422) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $344 (฿11,397) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Phuket.

Within Asia, Phuket is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Phuket is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Phuket Expensive?

Phuket Beaches Phuket Beaches

How much money do I need for a trip to Phuket?

The average Phuket trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Phuket travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Phuket cost?

Phuket on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$23
(฿789)
$60
(฿2,045)
$159
(฿5,441)
Local Transportation 1 $4
(฿144)
$11
(฿393)
$34
(฿1,150)
Food 2 $16
(฿537)
$40
(฿1,377)
$105
(฿3,580)
Entertainment 1 $18
(฿599)
$45
(฿1,554)
$121
(฿4,147)
Alcohol 2 $1-4
(฿43-128)
$3-10
(฿116-349)
$10-30
(฿344-1,032)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Phuket, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $55 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Phuket, such as Lub d Phuket Patong, BearPacker Patong Hostel, and The Luna Hostel Phuket Airport. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Dining is a highlight for all types of visitors in Phuket, but budget travelers typically settle for street food or hostel meals, meaning they may not fully enjoy the delightful local cuisine.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most visitors to Phuket will want to visit Karon Beach, Patong Beach, or Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $133 per person, per day.

Phuket offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Nicky's Handlebar is an excellent option for kids, and Seapines Villa Liberg is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Phuket here.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $344 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the resort island with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Royal Siam Thai Package with Thai Massage in Phuket - offered by Viator.

Phuket, Thailand Phuket, Thailand

Accommodation Budget in Phuket

The prices for hotels in Phuket can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $44, while during peak winter season, that average price jumps to around $82. With budget accommodations starting at $15 and luxury hotels peaking at $278, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Phuket for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $120 (฿4,090). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $60 (฿2,045) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $60
    ฿2,045
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $120
    ฿4,090

Hotels in Phuket

Looking for a hotel in Phuket? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Phuket

The average hotel room price in Phuket based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $44 in the low season and $82 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Phuket include:

  • Phuket Kata Resort starting at $22
  • Boathouse Phuket starting at $84
  • Kantary Bay Hotel Phuket SHA Plus+ starting at $43
  • Pacific Club Resort starting at $33
  • Modern Thai Suites Hotel starting at $17
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Phuket

While Phuket has a good public transit system that allows for staying farther from the resort island, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.

This resort island has an array of resorts to choose from. You might discover one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite dining.

Spending up to a week in Phuket is common. If you're staying for a longer time, consider a vacation rental with a kitchen to prepare your own food.

By avoiding the peak winter season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Phuket

The public transit in Phuket is quite good and serves many major spots. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.

Exploring Phuket is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $11 (฿393) per person, per day, on local transportation in Phuket. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Phuket is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $11
    ฿393

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Phuket Shared Departure Transfer for $18 details
  • Phuket International and Domestic Airport - Arrival Transfer for $18 details
  • Private Airport Transfer Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Etc. For $65 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Phuket
How much does it cost to go to Phuket? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Phuket
The price of renting a car in Phuket will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Phuket?

Listed below are some transit expenses in Phuket, taken from reports by other travelers. These costs offer a snapshot of transportation prices in the city to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that your costs may differ, especially if you opt for more expensive options like taxis, which typically cost more than public transportation.


  • Longtail Taxi (for Two)
    ฿300
  • Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town
    ฿250


Food Budget in Phuket

The food in Phuket is terrific, and you should make sure to take time to taste all of the local flavors. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Phuket can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Phuket is $40 (฿1,377) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $40
    ฿1,377

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Phuket is around $42 (฿1377) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $108. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Phuket are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $12
  • Lunch: $6 to $17
  • Dinner: $12 to $29
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $6

For obvious reasons, seafood is quite popular on the island, and is generally very good when prepared using traditional Thai recipes. Many travelers claim that the Thai food on Phuket is not as authentic as in the rest of Thailand, mainly due to the number of surrounding tourists. While this may be true, the cuisine is very diverse, as food from all over the world is available. Many westerners have set up restaurants catering to travelers from their home countries, too. This may be good if you've spent a lot of time in Thailand and are tired of the food. Otherwise it may be a huge disappointment.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Phuket. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Thai Cooking Class by Kata Thai Cooking School in Phuket for $76 details
  • Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Phuket for $122 details
  • Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket for $55 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Phuket?

Food and meal prices in Phuket, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.


  • Casual Dinner (for Two)
    ฿289
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    ฿170
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    ฿424
  • Thai Noodles
    ฿90
  • Bananas
    ฿25
  • Pizza (for Two)
    ฿300


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Phuket

It's evident that Phuket is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Phuket typically cost an average of $45 (฿1,554) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $45
    ฿1,554

Some of the most popular sights include:

  • Karon Beach (Free)
  • Patong Beach (Free)
  • Green Elephant Sanctuary Park for ฿2500 ($65)
  • Phuket Elephant Care for ฿3000 ($80)
  • James Bond Island for $75
  • Phuket Fantasea for ฿2500 ($65)
  • The Big Buddha (Free)
  • Scuba Diving for $100
  • Andamanda Phuket for ฿1500 ($40)
  • Aquaria for ฿1100 ($30)
  • Siam Niramit for ฿1800 ($50)
  • Phuket Old Town (Free)
  • Naka Market (Free)

Phuket is known for its beach resorts, and near the coast is where most people tend to congregate. Hotels and resorts along the main beach areas are surrounded by restaurants, shops, and street vendors, which sell tours and trips to pretty much anywhere.

Various temples and wats can be found around the island. At the top of Naka Kerd mountain is a large white Buddha with views of the surrounding island and sea.

The Crocodile Farm on Chana Charoen Road gets good reviews from visitors, as does the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World.

Within the town of Phuket, various historic sights and buildings can be found (with tour guides available), although history and culture enthusiasts generally skip Phuket Island in favor of more cultural locations, some interesting sights can still be found. The Ranong Market brings in many locals and visitors alike, as it's a great place to get some cheaper food for your stay at the beach. Old mansions in the town are still intact, dating back to the 19th century, and many are now shops. Various wats (temples) are around town with interesting detail, and the town also has a cultural museum.

The Thai Village and Orchid Farm serves a typical Thai lunch and offers a cultural show with dancing, boxing, a display of traditional customs, and elephants. Just outside of town, there's even a zoo!

Also, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a great place to visit, as it treats the elephants in a friendly, ethical manner.



Water activities are quite popular, for obvious reasons. Diving and snorkeling are some of the main activities. To find a dive shop or a tour company offering dive services, just look down the street. Boats are available for day trips out to sea for diving, snorkeling, fishing, or partying.

Boat tours to the surrounding islands in Phang-nga Bay are also popular. These trips herd tourists to fascinating, yet crowded, destinations such as "James Bond Island" and other geological wonders. To visit these islands at a lower price, and often during less crowded times, search for a tour operator in Phuket town or away from the main touristy areas. Research and ask questions about the number of people on the boat, the type of boat, and other safety factors. While smaller longtail boats are safe, they are only meant for a small group of people.

Phuket is great for families, as many attractions and activities cater to kids as well as adults. From the beaches to the animal centers, day trips, snokeling, elephants, temples, and more, Phuket offers something for everyone. And if you're traveling with kids, check out these 10 best family resorts in Phuket.

It's possible to rent a motor scooter to explore the island on your own, but pay attention to the rules of the road.

Just as in the rest of Thailand, spas and massage parlors are popular. Day spas catering to western tourists offer all types of luxurious amenities, while smaller shops tend to just do massages.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in PhuketScuba diving ranks high among the most enjoyed activities in Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Beaches:
Beaches in PhuketPlenty of travelers choose Phuket as their beach retreat. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Phuket. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch for $85 details
  • John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay for $133 details
  • Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat for $139 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Phuket?

Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Phuket, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.


  • One Day Boat Tour
    ฿900
  • Scuba Diving (Two Dives)
    ฿2,500
  • Thai Oil Massage
    ฿640
  • Surfboard Rental
    ฿300


Nightlife Budget in Phuket

People travel from far and wide to enjoy the world-class nightlife that Phuket has to offer. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $6.81 (฿233) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Phuket per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $6.81
    ฿233

Nightlife in Phuket

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Phuket. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience for $38 details
  • Phuket Guided Pub Crawl for $29 details
  • Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery for $103 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Phuket?

Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.


  • Cocktails (for Two)
    ฿200
  • Beer
    ฿85


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Phuket

  • Look for free activities to help you save money. A few of the most popular include:
    • Karon Beach
    • Patong Beach
    • The Big Buddha
    • Phuket Old Town
    • Naka Market
    • Wat Chalong
    • Bangla Road
  • During winter, prices typically soar and the resort island can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • As Phuket is large, you can usually find a variety of price ranges for everything including hotels, food, and activities. You can save money by shopping around, booking ahead, and taking advantage of free things to do.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Many visitors come for the amazing scuba diving around Phuket. This can get expensive and there's not much wiggle room to help you save money. Dive trips, equipment rentals, and boating excursions might be a major part of your trip's budget. Also, double check your travel insurance to make sure it covers everything, including accidents or weather cancellations.
  • If you're traveling with young children, it's likely that you'll want a private vehicle or taxi. Sometimes it's just easier to skip the hassle of public transit, but you'll need to pay more.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Phuket.

How can you save money during your time in Phuket?

I found a cheaper place to stay near the beach that wasn't right on the beach not far from Kata. A lot of bigger hotels right by the beach were expensive, but a few minutes away was much cheaper. There were a lot of cheaper places to eat if you avoid the main restaurants on the beach area. And the bus is cheap to get around the island, too.

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Jul 21 2023

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Traveling in Phuket
Phuket Phuket's Big Buddha Statue

Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.



Neighborhoods & Around

The western coast of Phuket Island is why visitors flock to this world-famous destination. The coast is not as rugged as some other parts of Thailand (and many visitors say it's actually not as beautiful), but the water is clear and blue, and the beaches are wide, with plenty of room inland for larger resorts, shops, and restaurants to thrive.

Patong beach is the most popular and most crowded. It contains a large number of hotels, shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. The nightlife here is very active, and tourists are extremely prevalent.

Karon beach is the second most popular, and has a similar vibe as Patong, just a little less busy.

Kata, at the southern end, is busy, yet not too busy, for most travelers. The beach is still nice and the location is close enough to visit the touristy areas, if the desire strikes.

Chalong Bay is home to most of the yachts and also the departing point if you're planning to explore some other islands.

If you're looking for a quieter alternative, head to Kamala, which is north of Patong.

To the north are several other beaches that are quieter, also offering various amenities and access to some local culture.

Rawai, at the southern tip, offers a relatively quiet seaside vibe with great sunset views, seafood restaurants, and local culture.

Phuket town is in the southeastern section of the island, and is the largest town. It has hotels, shops, and restaurants, but these tend to cater to budget travelers and the locals. Generally most transportation options to and from the island go through Phuket town, with the exception of the airport, which is on the northern side of the island.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.