Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Budget Tips
Shopping for Hotels
In densely populated tourist areas, you can visit guesthouses on foot to find the best
deal. Always ask to see the room before agreeing to stay there. It is possible to get a
steep discount if you arrive late in the afternoon, since the room is likely to remain
unoccupied if you do not take it.
Local Food
Some of Phuket's most delicious food, usually costing a fraction of what you would
pay at a cheap restaurant, can be found on the streets. A good rule of thumb for street
food: the more locals eating there, the better. Some vendors have English signs; if not,
just point and smile.
Market Shopping
Plenty of good deals can be found in the island's night markets. You can save a lot of
money if you shop for souvenirs here instead of the air-conditioned malls or boutique
stores. Quality T-shirts, beachwear, wood-carvings, and more can be found at afford-
able prices. Night markets are everywhere on Phuket.
Long-term Stays
At small guesthouses, staying for longer than one night often proves to be a good bar-
gaining chip for discounting the room rate. At big hotels or resorts, you will probably
need to stay a week before the owner reduces the cost. Monthly rates at apartments or
small hotels are much lower than nightly rates.
