I’ve written many times before that one of the most common questions I get from friends and acquaintances lately is about the cost of travel. In February, I spent six days in Phuket, and today I want to share with you what prices are currently like on the island. Before my trip, I tried to research travel costs myself and came across two opposing opinions: some said prices for goods and services had risen significantly in recent years, while others insisted Phuket is still great for budget travelers. I’d say both sides are right. Let me explain everything in detail.
Trip to Phuket
I flew to Thailand from Tashkent and returned from Kuala Lumpur. The cost of the flight was $705 per person.
Phuket has a huge number of hotels—from small budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious villas with private pools. I stayed in the Dome Kata Resort, close to Kata Beach, mainly because my friends were staying nearby. A double room for six nights cost $669. I must say, I expected more from the hotel: the price is comparable to that of a nice apartment in Kuala Lumpur, but the service was far from great. There was no laundry service, the elevator was slow, and the staff wasn’t particularly responsive to guest requests.
Getting Around the Island
Phuket’s beaches and attractions are scattered all over the island, so getting around without a car or scooter can be tough. My friends, whom I met in Thailand, rented a car for a month at about $500. Renting the same car for six days would cost around $115. There are many local rental points for cars and bikes, which may be cheaper than international rental platforms.
There are also several taxi apps available on Phuket. I used Bolt, which supports Russian in its interface and only accepts international bank cards. To give you an idea of prices: a ride from my hotel to the airport cost me $24, and a 15-minute, 8-kilometer trip around the island cost about $7.
You can also use “smart buses”—mini buses that go from the airport to the southern tip of the island and back. The fare is just 100 baht, but in my opinion, it’s one of the most inconvenient transportation options: the full route takes over two hours, with lots of stops and frequent traffic jams.
Food and Cafes
Like in many other destinations, Phuket offers everything from cheap local eateries to expensive high-end restaurants. I believe budget travelers can definitely enjoy a vacation here without breaking the bank—especially if they eat at local markets and small restaurants.
Here are some sample food prices: Lunch for two (pineapple with seafood and chicken stir-fry with rice), two coffees, and soda at a mid-range café — 453 baht; Four small skewers (two chicken, one mushroom, one crocodile) — 180 baht; Local rice-and-meat dishes in a Central Phuket mall restaurant — 200–300 baht (the food court prices are about half that); Tom yum goong soup at a market — 150 baht; A large bowl of egg noodles with wontons at a small café — 70 baht.
You can also get reasonably priced snacks and meals at 7-Eleven stores. One note: they only accept card payments for purchases of 200 baht or more—smaller purchases must be paid in cash.
Entertainment
Phuket is primarily a beach destination, with plenty of free public beaches. I asked about sunbed prices at two of them, and in both cases, they cost 100 baht each. For travelers seeking a more upscale experience, there are exclusive beach clubs. A beach bed for four people at one of them cost 3,000 baht.
As for sightseeing, Phuket has many interesting places to visit for free. You can hike up to the Big Buddha or explore the island’s many temples. The most expensive excursion we took was to James Bond Island—a boat for six people cost 2,800 baht.
I hope this information is helpful for those planning a trip to sunny Thailand. In my next post, I’ll tell you more about one of the island’s landmarks—Wat Chalong Temple.
Phuket Travel Budget for Two People (Six Days, February 2025):
- Round-trip flights from Tashkent: $1,410;
- Hotel with breakfast: $669;
- Transport (taxis, smart bus): ~$80;
- Food (approx. 700 baht/day): ~$123;
- Attractions and beaches: ~$35;
- Total: ~$2,317. If you plan to rent a car, be sure to budget for that separately.
