If you're in need of an island getaway that will take you far away from the stress of everyday life, then Phuket, Thailand is the perfect place for you. Situated in the Andaman sea off the southwest coast of Thailand, Phuket is a tropical paradise with dozens of white sand beaches, a population of warm, friendly locals and some of southeast Asia's most delicious cuisine. Plus, it's a great time of year to snag some cheap tickets to this beautiful island. Save you travel budget for fun when you arrive in Phuket!
Here's how to spend a refreshing vacation in Phuket on a budget:
Hand-pick your hotel
When you stay in Phuket, you'll find that there's no shortage of beautiful hotels and resorts. Many of them are just a few minutes walk from the ocean, if not situated right on the beach! Do your research and find lodgings that are situated close to the activities you want to participate in. For example, if you want to forget about your worries on a quiet beach, consider finding a hotel near Kamala Beach or Surin Beach. The budget hotels in these areas may not be all inclusive - but you can get an extremely affordable room that's only five minutes walk from the beach. If you're looking to spend more time in the local nightclubs, find a room in Patong - it's a little bit of Las Vegas, a little bit of Hawaii, and a whole lot of fun!
Pack light
Even if you plan on staying in Phuket for an extended period of time, you should still aim to pack light and avoid lugging too many of your possessions to the island. Once you're settled in, you'll be able to find budget-friendly accessories such as beach blankets, sandals, sunglasses and swimsuits. Plus, most hotels offer laundry services for around $1 per two pounds of clothing. And, when you pack light, you'll have more room in your luggage to bring home some souvenirs for your friends and loved ones.
Plan some day trips
There's a lot of fun to be had on Phuket beyond the beaches and the nightclubs. Wherever you happen to stay on the island, there are sure to be a number of fun day trips to enjoy. For example, you might want to rent a jetski and spend a few hours riding the waves with your friends. Or, you can hire a boat to take you parasailing, an adventure that will get your adrenaline pumping while giving you an amazing view of the scenery.
If Phuket isn't quite remote enough for you, you can also take a chartered tour of the surrounding islets. The limestone towers known as James Bond Island are just one example of a spectacularly unique photo opportunity waiting for you in Phuket.
But don't plan too much
After a day in Phuket, you'll soon understand that time moves a little differently on the island. Without the responsibilities of work and home life, chances are you will settle into a slower pace of life. Take a day or two to just spend time wandering through the small beach towns and breathing in the fresh ocean air. Let your feet take you wherever they please and see what kind of fun and relaxation there is waiting for you. You're sure to end your trip feeling completely refreshed and energized.
Start looking for your cheap flights and affordable lodgings in Phuket today! You'll be relaxing on the beach in no time at all.