Dreaming of a sunny getaway this winter but a jam-packed Cancun or even an exceedingly-pricey Maui do not get you particularly excited?
What if you jet off instead to a beautiful island where dreamy beaches line turquoise waters as far as the eyes can see, jungles are dotted with historic temples and waterfalls, and perhaps more surprisingly even, luxury resorts start at $134?
No, it’s not too good to be believed. It’s just how it is in Phuket, Thailand:
Is This The Gateway To Paradise?
The largest island in Thailand, covering a landmass of roughly 210 square miles, Phuket is both a tropical haven, just over 455,000 people are lucky to call home, and a fast-growing resort destination that’s stolen the Western gaze recently.
Just this year, it is expected o host between 13 and 14 million guests, and significant number of those are Europeans, Australians… and Americans, who are all driving up revenue, with spending in tourism services already higher in 2024 than it was in a pre-crisis 2019.
Unless you’ve been in traveler or digital nomad circles, you might not have been properly introduced to Phuket and its natural (and manmade) wonders––in that case, allow us to give you the shortest possible overview:
Stunning Beaches For Miles On End
If relaxing by a beach is your primary reason for flying halfway across the world, you’re spoiled for choice here––and they’re all within short driving distance of many of the resorts! For instance, there’s a lively Kata Beach, with its many seafood restaurants and hotels.
In Kata Noi, on the other hand, it’s a much quieter, peaceful environment with smaller crowds and limited development; for postcard-ready, teal-colored seas crashing against stunning geological formations, Ya Nui is the place to go.
Let’s not forget the sandy Freedom Beach, its laid-back vibes and serene waters, or even the antithetical Patong, a buzzing alternative lined with beach clubs and party venues––as you can see, finding a swimming spot to your liking in Phuket is hardly a challenge.
Amazing Sights
Contrary to your usual Caribbean beach getaway, however, Phuket is a lot more than just beaches: from discovering the monumental Big Buddha, perched on a hill overlooking the jungle, to exploring protected wildlife reserves, there’s plenty to see and do.
The Elephant Care Camp is a must-see if you’re an enthusiast of the playful giants, and booking this guided activity, not only will you learn more about conservation efforts and see them in the wild, you’ll even get to bathe with them for only $54.59! How exciting!
More interested in the cultural sights instead? Tick off Wat Chalong, one of the holiest temples on the island, visit a traditional cashew nut factory, and top it off by exploring Phuket City and its intact, 19th-century historic center on a day trip around the island starting at $41.65.
Visit The Beach
There are enough sights in Phuket to keep you busy for weeks on end, though some would argue no visit is complete without a little island-hopping adventure: indeed, there are 31 other equally beautiful islands in the vicinity, and it’d be a shame to miss them.
Especially when the Phi Phi Islands, home to Maya Bay, probably the most famous beach in Thailand, which provided the backdrop for the Leonardo DiCaprio-starred The Beach, and the Similan archipelago, with all its lush rainforests and crystal-clear lagoons, are a short boat ride away.
As for the best way to do it? It has to be this 7-island tour by long tail boat leaving from Phuket: other than the bucket list experiencing of riding the traditional floating vessel, it includes stops in Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, and the coral-fringed Bamboo Island––and it’s $33.77 per person!
Phuket Is A Budget-Friendly Sunny Getaway
As you might have guessed based on the price of excursions, Phuket is one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world: it may be on the pricier end of Southeast Asia, for sure, but from food to transportation to accommodation, it is still dirt cheap by American standards.
On average, tourists spend $42 on meals per day, $12 on local transport, and $123 on hotels, as estimated by Budget Your Trip, bringing the total cost of a one-week stay in Phuket to $934––good luck surviving one entire week in the Mexican Caribbean on under a thousand bucks!
Of course, the more luxury you crave, the pricier it can get, but not to the point you’ll be breaking the bank: this winter, the cheapest all-inclusive offer is a ‘lux’ suite at the Barcelo Coconut Island Phuket, starting at a very reasonable $216.
Alternatively, a ‘no extras’ stay with breakfast only is an even cheaper $134: you still get all the amazing amenities, access to the 3 oceanfront pools, free cabanas, and sun loungers.
For more luxury, all-inclusive deals, check out:
Looking for a more modest, 4-star hotel instead?
All of the below have pools and wellness facilities, and are on or within driving distance of a beach, and they are much more affordable to book than Patong’s string of all-inclusives:
Flying to Thailand soon?
You should know entry rules have changed for U.S. passport holders as of December 2023.
Learn about the new requirements, including the need for an online travel permit before boarding here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
