Mid-Range Travel Guide: Phuket

Accommodation

$30-80 per night

Private rooms in mid-range hotels, comfortable guesthouses with private bathrooms, three-star properties, boutique hostels with private rooms

Food & Dining

$25-50 per day

Mix of local restaurants, casual tourist-friendly eateries, hotel breakfasts, occasional street food, air-conditioned restaurants

Transportation

$15-35 per day

Combination of public transport, metered taxis, ride-sharing apps, occasional private transfers, short-distance flights within region

Activities

$30-70 per day

Paid temple and museum entries, organized group tours, boat trips, cooking classes, cultural shows, adventure activities

Eat where locals eat - meals in neighborhood areas typically cost 50-70% less than tourist district restaurants while offering authentic quality

Use public transportation instead of taxis for most trips - can reduce transport costs by 70-85% with minimal time difference

Book accommodation 2-3 months in advance during high season for discounts of 20-40% compared to last-minute bookings

Visit temples and cultural sites early in the morning - many are free or significantly cheaper, plus you'll avoid crowds and heat

Buy snacks, water, and breakfast items from local convenience stores and markets rather than hotel shops - typically 60-80% cheaper

Travel during shoulder season (just before or after peak) for 25-40% savings on accommodation while still enjoying good weather

Take overnight buses or trains for long distances - saves both a night's accommodation ($15-40) and daytime travel time

Join free walking tours and pay voluntary tips rather than expensive private tours - save $30-80 per person while meeting other travelers

Taking taxis or ride-shares for every trip instead of learning the public transport system - increases transportation costs by 300-500% unnecessarily

Eating exclusively in tourist areas and hotel restaurants - typically adds 100-200% markup compared to local neighborhoods just 10 minutes away

Booking tours and activities through hotel concierges without comparing prices - often includes 30-60% commission markup versus booking directly or using local tour offices

Exchanging money at airports or hotels instead of local ATMs or exchange booths - can lose 5-15% to poor exchange rates and high fees

Not checking if attraction passes or multi-day tickets are available - individual entry fees can cost 40-60% more than bundled passes for popular sites