Phuket Travel Budget
Budget: 1,200 - 2,200 THB/day. A hostel dorm bed or basic guesthouse room runs 350-600 THB. Eating at local street stalls and food courts costs 150-250 THB for three meals. Get around by shared songthaew (30-50 THB/ride) or rent a scooter for 200-300 THB/day. Stick to free attractions like Patong Beach, Old Phuket Town streets, and temple visits (small donations only).
- Mid-range: 3,000 - 5,500 THB/day. A 3-star hotel or pool-access guesthouse averages 1,500-2,800 THB. Meals at casual restaurants run 400-700 THB total. Grab rides or a rented car add 400-600 THB. Budget 500-1,000 THB for paid sights such as Big Buddha viewpoint donations, Wat Chalong extras, or a shared-boat day trip to Phi Phi Islands.
- Luxury: 9,000 THB and up per day. Beachfront resorts along Patong, Karon, or Kata start at 5,000-9,000 THB nightly. Fine dining and seafood restaurants cost 1,200-2,500 THB per meal. A private driver or chartered longtail boat adds 2,000-4,000 THB. Premium experiences like a private Phi Phi speedboat charter or spa packages run 3,000-8,000 THB.
Tip: prices spike during the November-March high season, so book accommodation and boat tours in advance.