Phuket is stunning, but I honestly don't recommend going in December because.........
Phuket Travel Guide and Price List
Phuket, a dazzling gem located in southern Thailand, attracts countless visitors with its charming beaches, abundant water activities, unique cultural atmosphere, and tempting cuisine. Below is a detailed Phuket travel guide and price list to help you plan a perfect island trip.
1. Main Attractions and Ticket Prices
Patong Beach: Free entry, one of the busiest beaches in Phuket, suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The coastline is packed with dining options and markets, full of lively local atmosphere.
Karon Beach: Free entry, with fine sand and clear water, ideal for walking and surfing. The sunset here is especially beautiful.
Kata Beach: Free entry, consisting of Big Kata and Little Kata, calm waters perfect for family swimming and parent-child activities.
Big Buddha Phuket: Free entry, a pure white Buddha statue standing 45 meters tall on the hilltop, offering a 360° view of the Andaman Sea, with magnificent mountain and sea scenery.
Wat Chalong: Free entry, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, with magnificent golden architecture, solemn and majestic, a great place to experience Thai religious culture.
Similan Islands: Open from October to May, day tours cost about 400 RMB per person, including round-trip boat tickets, snorkeling gear, and lunch. This is a world-class diving paradise with crystal-clear waters where you can snorkel close to sea turtles and abundant marine life.
Phi Phi Islands: Day tours cost about 300 RMB per person, including round-trip boat tickets, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Maya Bay’s water is so blue it looks filtered, making it a perfect photo spot.
2. Special Experiences and Prices
Thai Massage: About 100-300 RMB per person, enjoy authentic Thai massage to relax and relieve travel fatigue.
Simon Cabaret Show: Tickets about 180 RMB, enjoy glamorous and exquisite song and dance performances, experiencing Thailand’s unique cultural charm.
Jungle Zipline: About 200-400 RMB per person, zip through tropical rainforests at high speed, overlooking green wilderness, thrilling and fun.
Cliffside Café: About 50-100 RMB per person, order a drink and sit by the cliff, overlooking the sea, enjoying the breeze and taking photos, extremely pleasant.
Rawai Seafood Market: Seafood prices vary by type and season, generally about 100-200 RMB per person. You can pick fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot, tasting delicious fresh seafood feasts.
3. Food Recommendations and Prices
Tom Yum Soup: About 30-50 RMB per person, sour and spicy, appetizing, especially fresh with shrimp, Thailand’s national soup.
Pad Thai: About 20-40 RMB per person, full of wok hei (wok breath), served with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and lime, rich in flavor layers.
Mango Sticky Rice: About 20-30 RMB per person, rich coconut aroma, sweet but not greasy, the perfect dessert after a meal.
Charcoal Grilled Seafood: About 100-200 RMB per person, including mantis shrimp and lobster, freshly caught and grilled, incredibly delicious.
Thai Spicy Chicken Feet: About 10-20 RMB per person, sour and spicy, a great street snack choice.
4. Accommodation Recommendations and Prices
Budget Hotels: About 200-400 RMB per night, suitable for travelers on a budget. Recommended to stay near Patong Beach for convenient travel and abundant dining and shopping facilities.
Comfort Hotels: About 400-800 RMB per night, offering comfortable accommodation and complete facilities. Recommended near Karon or Kata Beach to enjoy peaceful beach time.
Luxury Resort Hotels: Starting from about 800 RMB per night, offering private beaches, butler service, and high-quality dining. Recommended luxury resorts include The Surin and The Library for an ultimate vacation experience.
5. Transportation Guide and Costs
External Transport: Direct flights to Phuket are available from multiple cities in China, with a flight time of about 3-5 hours. Ticket prices vary by season and advance booking time, generally round-trip tickets cost between 2000-4000 RMB.
On-Island Transport:
Tuk-tuk: The preferred choice for short trips, full of Thai style. Always negotiate the price before getting on to avoid being overcharged.
Bolt/Grab Taxi: Similar to Didi, with clear pricing, a cost-effective and reliable option.
Motorbike Rental: Offers the highest freedom, suitable for island tours. Always wear a helmet, hold an international driver’s license, and pay attention to safety. Rental costs about 50-100 RMB per day.
Car Rental with Driver: Suitable for families or groups, allowing visits to multiple scattered attractions in one day. Prices vary by vehicle type and itinerary, generally about 500-1000 RMB per day.
6. Suggested Itinerary
Three-Day Tour:
Day 1:
Morning: Arrive in Phuket, check into the hotel, rest, and adapt to the climate.
Afternoon: Stroll along Patong Beach, experience nightlife, or listen to live music on the bar street.
Evening: Enjoy a Thai seafood feast and experience the night market atmosphere in Phuket.
Day 2:
Morning: Take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands, visit Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and enjoy snorkeling.
Afternoon: Return to Phuket, walk or surf at Karon Beach.
Evening: Dine at a restaurant near Karon Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 3:
Morning: Visit Wat Chalong to experience Thai religious culture.
Afternoon: Visit Big Buddha Phuket for panoramic island views.
Evening: Stroll through the old town of Phuket, take photos of Sino-Portuguese architecture, and taste local delicacies.
7. Travel Tips
Best Travel Time: November to April is the best time to visit Phuket, with cool weather and little rain, ideal for sea trips and outdoor activities.
Visa Policy: Check the latest Thai visa policy in advance. Currently, there are visa-free periods for Chinese citizens, but an electronic arrival card must be filled out in advance.
Currency Exchange: Exchange a small amount of Thai Baht in advance. Most places support electronic payments and credit cards. Cash is needed for night markets and similar places. The exchange rate is about 1:5 (subject to actual rate).
Sun Protection: Phuket has strong sunlight, so bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection items.
Safety Tips: Pay attention to safety during water activities, follow warning signs and staff instructions. Check personal belongings before leaving the island to avoid loss.