Cheap holidays to Phuket

Phuket's picturesque beaches and lively nightlife are now more affordable

After a 12-hour flight from the UK you’ll be relaxing on one of Phuket’s picture perfect beaches.

And with balmy temperatures year-round, the wet season from May to October can be the best time to find cheaper deals to Phuket – although, even then, rain is sporadic and short-lived.

In Phuket you can find a choice of busy beaches with plenty of watersports or remote bays where you can relax under the shade of a palm tree. The tree-lined Bangtao Beach is the second longest on Phuket’s west coast. It is generally very peaceful at the northern end while the southern end of the beach offers waterskiing, banana boats and jetskiing.

One of the most popular beaches in Phuket is the sandy, crescent-shaped Patong Beach which is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars. The town is famed for its lively shopping and nightlife. In contrast, if you prefer a quieter location, head to Nai Harn, a small bay which has a few restaurants and shops and retains its quiet charm.

Cheap days out in Phuket

Whether on the water or beneath it, Phuket offers a wide choice of activities. Choose from banana boat rides and jet skis, or explore the tropical sea life with a snorkelling or diving expedition. No trip to Phuket would be complete without a trip to one of its 30 temples. Affordable tour options are available with tour guides or many tuk tuk drivers will ferry you between temples.

The temple at Wat Tham, meaning temple cave, sits in a limestone cave and houses a 15-metre Buddha statue, as well as plenty of monkeys. Wat Chalong is also worth a visit. It’s a large, colourful temple with bright paintings depicting the story of Buddha. If you prefer to discover Phuket’s natural beauty, take a bicycle ride through the jungle to see the Ton Sai Waterfall, among the largest in Asia.

Other popular holidays in Thailand

Other areas of Thailand, popular for a cheap holiday include Khao Lak which has a slower pace but also gorgeous beaches and incredible natural beauty. Or Krabi, home to hundreds of islands with some of the best beaches in the world. Little wonder that sailing and diving around this stunning coast are popular choices.

But if your prefer to holiday in Phuket, read more about it in our travel guide and below are some of our most affordable hotels.

Other popular cheap holidays

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Best Western Bangtao Beach Hotel

You get value for money at this 4* hotel, located on a prime stretch of Bangtao Beach, with restaurants overlooking Bangtao Bay. The hotel has two swimming pools and a range of activities including kayaking, windsurfing, Pilates, yoga and a fitness room. You can choose to eat not just at the beach restaurant serving Thai and Western dishes or the seafood bar and grill, but also at the eateries in the Sunwing Resort and Spa next door. If you fancy exploring other cuisine, there’s a shuttle bus, payable locally, to Phuket town and Patong.

Patong Merlin Hotel

Set in acres of tropical gardens with swaying coconut palms, facilities at this 3* hotel are themed around relaxation. The hotel has four huge swimming pools, a spa and a fitness centre. Located near Patong Beach, this hotel is ideal if you want to sample Phuket’s liveliest nightlife. Themed buffets with live music are held nightly in the beachfront Seaside Terrace restaurant or you can dine on authentic Thai and Asian dishes at the elegant a la carte restaurant overlooking the sea. You can also relax in the cafe or bars while enjoying live music.