Traveler's Phuket - Saving Money
Tips for Making Your Baht Go Further When Traveling Around Phuket
Phuket, Thailand is a wonderful holiday destination, but it is not a cheap option compared to Thailand's other beach resorts.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, the size of Singapore. Much of a traveler's money is spent on transportation around the island, as there is no official public transportation system and tuk-tuk fares are the most expensive of anywhere in Thailand.
If prepared to go it alone or go native then there are a number of ways of saving money.
Saving Money on Transportation
• It is very difficult to bargain with tuk-tuk drivers as they group together and set standard prices for trips around the island. However, it is always worth a try, especially if you are a regular customer. Alternatively try and share a tuk-tuk – check that the price quoted is per trip and not per person. The minimum price for a short trip is usually 100 Baht. A typical airport trip is around 600 - 800 Baht.
• The local Songtaews are a very cheap and fun option, allowing you to rub shoulders with local Thais. These are small converted pick-ups with wooden benches, seating around 20 people (or 40 standing). Songtaews are privately owned and ply the routes between the beach resorts and Phuket Town. There are no designated bus stops, just flag one down. They usually run every 30 minutes during the day and cost next-to-nothing, approximately 25 Baht, flat fare, depending on the route.
• If arriving at Phuket airport without pre-arranged transportation then make a point of checking out the metered taxis, usually at the rear, in the car park. These are about half the price of tuk-tuks and airport limousines. There is also a public airport bus which runs 12 times a day to Phuket Town.
• If visiting Central Festival, Phuket Town’s main shopping mall, there are free shuttle buses to and from some Phuket and Patong hotels, at regular intervals.
• The Green Man Pub in Chalong also runs a pick up service from your accommodation and return, providing you are eating at the pub. This friendly, family oriented, mock-tudor watering hole is more at home in the English countryside than exotic Phuket. It has a live band most nights, and kids eat free on Sunday lunchtimes. For mini bus pick up telephone: 076 281445
Saving Money on Excursions
• Try bargaining with tour operators and agents for the best price on an excursion. If it is low season, you’ll have better luck. Many of the tours are sold by several different agents and vary a little in price, so shop around.
• If taking an island trip or diving package, then save money by going independently to Chalong Harbor and buying a tour direct from the operators on the shore line, cutting out the middle-man. You can also hire your own long tailed fishing boat to take you to neighboring islands.
A lot of money can be saved on knowing where to shop. Rather than buying from the tourist haunts try out the local Thai markets.
Compared to back home, Phuket, Thailand still has a very low cost of living but if you are prepared to be brave and ‘go local’ during your vacation, then your Baht will go even further.
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