Most of the accommodation along here is upmarket hotels, though there are budget spots on hideaway Yu Nui beach to the south, and Ao Sane to the north (via the yacht club) has one good budget choice and a mid-range option. Compared to Nai Harn, Ao Sane feels like a different world — enroute the grassy hills along the shore slope sharply downwards to the secluded, rocky beaches, and the winding road crosses several wooden bridges over streams running into the ocean. It’s a great little hideaway.

The main reason Nai Harn is so undeveloped is thanks to the Samnak Song Nai Harn monastery which occupies most of the land off the centre and southern stretch of the beach. It’s a shame more of Phuket’s beaches didn’t have temples like this to keep the developers at bay.

While we mainly aim this article at visitors to our part of the world in Phuket, Thailand, you can apply a lot of the advice to holidays anywhere in the world.

One of the great attractions of Thailand is that it is cheap. The Tourism Authority of Thailand can carry on pushing their vision of Thailand as a millionaire’s playground for as long as they want but still the majority of visitors will be people who have a limited budget.

In this article, we will give a few simple tips to help you make your money go further. We are not talking about the sort of penny-pinching measures that backpackers use to make their tiny budget stretch a year. We are not going to suggest you eat noodles every day. After all, you are on holiday and holidays are meant to be enjoyed. However, most people have worked hard for their two-week holiday in the land of smiles and there is no reason why they should not get the best from their money. Here are a few simple tips to make the money go a bit further.

Accommodation

If you want budget accommodation then usually you can find good deals just by walking in off the street. Walk around the side streets of any of Phuket’s beach resorts and you will find guesthouses. During peak high-season (Xmas & January) it is better to book in advance as there may not be any rooms available. Whatever you do, do not ask a tuk-tuk driver for a recommendation. They will just take you somewhere that pays them commission.

If you want mid to high range accommodation then you should book in advance. If you walk in off the street, you will pay more for your room. It may seem strange but it is cheaper to book in advance through a travel agent or internet-booking site. The internet booking sites have the best rates. An excellent tool for finding the best rates is Hotels Combined. This Australian based website does a price comparison across 30 internet-booking sites and finds the cheapest available rates.

If you are on a longer-term holiday of a month or more then it may be worth looking for an apartment. If you go further back from the beach (e.g. Nanai Road in Patong), you can find nice one bedroom apartments from 12,000 baht a month.

Flights

Finding cheap airfares is a little more complicated.

There is a lot to be said for buying a package holiday from a travel agent. They will use their buying power to ensure you get good rates for your hotels and flights. However, many people enjoy the flexibility and independence of booking their own flights.

We would like to give a link to a single site that provides cheap international flights across the globe. Unfortunately, it does not work like that.

The airlines do not give their cheapest tickets to the major international travel sites. They know that companies such as Travelocity & Priceline have the marketing power to sell tickets that are more expensive. Therefore, while these companies sell in more countries and cover more destinations, they do not have cheap airline tickets.

The airlines give their cheapest tickets to small independent travel agents. These smaller agents usually only sell flights that depart from their local country. So for example, if you are in the UK you could check cheapflights.co.uk and they will check for the cheapest flights from a range of small agents. You will probably find return flights to Phuket from ?500 or less. If you try the major international travel agents then return flights start from $2,000. Therefore, whatever country you are in, check the internet or classifieds for your local travel agents and look around.

The best international internet-booking site is ebookers.com. This site covers most major destinations and sells tickets in most countries. While their prices are not the absolute cheapest, they are very competitive.

Travel Insurance

Many visitors seem willing to travel to Thailand without travel insurance. The low medical costs in Thailand mean this is not such a big gamble as at a destination such as the United States where high medical fees and a litigious society make travel insurance an essential.

However, we really would recommend that new visitors to Thailand get some form of travel insurance. Things can and do go wrong and it is best to be protected.

Do not get travel insurance from your travel agent. They may offer good deals on package holidays but they try to make the money back on the extras and their insurance rates are overpriced.

Get your insurance from a local and reputable insurance broker. There are no international insurance brokers providing competitive travel insurance to all nationalities. Instead, you need to go to an insurance broker in your home country.

Price comparison sites are the quickest way to find a good a good deal. You need to find a site that covers your own country. So for example you could try here if you are a US Citizen or try here if you are a UK Citizen.

Rather than just getting an insurance package for your two-week holiday, it may be a good idea to consider an annual multi-trip insurance package. If you have more than one holiday a year or even a few weekends away then these can be very good deals.

Money Exchange

Do not change money in your home country before coming to Thailand. You will get a much better rate of exchange in Thailand. Bring an ATM card or travelers cheques. In fact, it is nice to have two sources of money in case of problems so why not bring both.

Do not exchange your money at hotels. They give bad rates. Exchange booths at airports also give poor rates. The best way to get money when you first arrive is to use an ATM at the airport.

Tours

The tour prices in Phuket are generally very competitive. These organised tours are a convenient and reasonably priced way to see Phuket’s tourist attractions. There are many tour shops and lots of tours so the competition keeps the prices down. Just go to any tour shop and you are likely to find some good deals.

The only problem with booking tours is you do not know the quality of the tour service. The price may be competitive but if the experience is poor then you will still be disappointed. Most of the tour organisers provide a good service but there are also a few stinkers.

If you do not want to take a shot on an unknown tour company, you could book your tours in advance with Viators. Their prices are only a little above what you will find at the local tour shops and you have the benefit of knowing you are dealing with reputable tour operators.

Tipping

Tipping was never really a part of Thai culture. It is a custom that we visiting westerners have introduced and which Thai customers have now taken up. Most western visitors over-tip.

The normal tip in Thailand at restaurants or bars is 20 baht. That may seem like a derisory sum to leave by western standards but in Thailand they do not expect any more. You are not being tightfisted by leaving so little. In fact, some claim that westerners who come here and tip big are actually causing problems for everybody else. They are creating an expectancy of big tips from westerners that never used to exist.

Getting Around

The tuk-tuks have earned themselves a bad reputation for both prices and service. They are now charging a ridiculous 200-baht for short trips around Patong. Unfortunately, if you have bags or want to make a long journey then there is often no choice but to use them. All we would say is make sure you agree a price before starting the journey. Considering the prices they charge, there is no reason to give a tip.

There are motorcycle taxis everywhere. You can recognise them from their coloured vests. A short trip around town should cost 20-40 baht.

You can hire a motorcycle for 200 baht a day. They are a great way to get around town and see a bit of the island. Drive carefully and always wear a helmet. Bring an International Driving License and carry it whenever you are driving. If you do not carry an IDL, you may end up paying the police a few 300-baht fines.

You can hire jeeps from independent renters for 800 baht a day (but with very little insurance) or cars from reputable hire companies from 1,400 baht a day.

Restaurants

Eating out is remarkably cheap in Phuket. There are so many restaurants that there is a lot of competition and even the tourist restaurants will seem cheap to most visitors. Still there are big price differences between restaurants. Generally, the further you go from the beach, the lower the prices. If you eat at one of the major restaurants along the beachfront then you are going to pay for the location.

Thai food is cheaper than western food. It is also very good and there is a tremendous range of dishes. You are sure to find something you like and appreciating the local cuisine is part of getting to know the local culture.

You should also consider getting out of the tourist resorts and trying some real Thai style restaurants. The difference in price and style of food can be startling.

Check Your Bill

Do check your restaurant or bar bill before paying. We would not want to say this is common but it does occasionally happen that they add extra items or total it up incorrectly to get more money. Don’t feel bad about it. Thai customers invariably check their bill and are not embarrassed to point out ‘mistakes’.

Shopping

You should avoid shopping at the tourist stalls along the beachfront and around the tourist resorts. The quality of goods is unreliable and the prices are vastly hiked. Unless of course you just want the fun of haggling and do not mind that you may be buying overpriced rubbish.

You have to be careful when asking tuk-tuk drivers for recommendations. If you are looking for specialty shops (jewelry, tailors, etc) then there are a lot of these that pay commission to tuk-tuks for bringing customers. The tuk-tuks will take you to these shops rather than the places that will give you good deals.

You should do your shopping at the department stores, shopping malls, markets or at specialty shops which are mostly in Phuket Town. The new Jung Ceylon shopping mall is the best option in Patong. Beyond the tourist resorts are Robinsons, Central Festival, Tesco Lotus and Big C.

For cheap clothes, trinkets, accessories, etc, two good locations are the Weekend Market (Sat & Sun 3pm-10pm) on Wai-Rat-Hong-Yak Road in Phuket Town and Expo Indoor Market on Tilok Uthit 2 Road, Phuket Town.

If you are looking for gold, silver, pearls, jewelry, art, antiques, etc then the best specialty shops are in Phuket Town. The problem is finding them. You have an extra problem here because even if you know where you want to go, your tuk-tuk driver may still try to claim a commission from the shop. Unfortunately, the best option is to drive yourself or dump your tuk-tuk after the drop off and do your shopping on foot.

There are good gold & jewelry shops on Montree Road in Phuket Town. The best art & antique shops are in the old town area of Phuket Town around Thalang Road & Dibuk Road. You should be aware that you need an export permit to take genuine antiques out of the country.

Bartering

Bartering is part of Thai shopping culture but only at market stalls and independent shops. Try to haggle the price down a little (a lot if you are shopping at tourist stalls). It really helps if you have an idea of what is a good price. Try to haggle in good spirit with a smile.

If you can speak a little Thai, it will help. Not only does it create goodwill but it also gives the seller the impression you know a little about Thailand and might actually know what would be a good price. Even just an opening ‘Sawatdee’ may be enough to help your cause.

Girls

Yes, this little section is for the guys who intend to play around with the bar girls. If you are not careful, this will rapidly become the biggest expense of your holiday.

Just because you have picked up a girl at a bar, that does not mean you have to buy drinks for every other girl at the bar. They will try their luck and if you are a soft touch, they will keep coming back for more. Just say no from the start.

You do not need to ring the bell and buy everybody in the bar a drink.

If you take a girl back to your hotel then agree the price up front (usually 1,000 to 2,000 baht). You do not have any responsibility to buy her food, drinks or pay her taxi home. It is up to you.

Most of all, you do not have to pay for her family’s healthcare, sick buffalo or whatever other sob-story she may tell. And you definitely do not need to send her money once you have gone home.

Credit : James Spellman

This bay, which has the islands largest and most visited pier, is located 11 kilometers south of town. From this pier, holidaymakers can get chartered boats to some nearby islands south of Phuket. The bay area is dotted with dive shops, a few travel agencies and superb seafood restaurants. Although the bay has a stunning setting and relaxing ambience, swimming is not recommended here. Accommodations are available at the Phuket Youth Hostel.

Ao Sen

This is a small bay located next to Hat Nai Han, near the Phuket Yacht Club, which has a peaceful and scenic beach with white powdery sand.

Dino Park

An 18-hole mini-golf course is located beside Marina Cottage on Karon Beach. The golf course is set in a prehistoric atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy golfing in a world out of time. Take an adventurous trip to the world of Dinosaurs at the Dino Park, an entertainment and dining complex. Call 076 330493-7 or visit www.dinopark.com for more information.

Hat Karon (Karon Beach)

Located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach’s signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. The beach is located approximately 20 kilometers from the town and can be reached by taking either s or buses from Ranong Market in Phuket City. Transportation is available from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip. Taking a taxi to the town is another option. It costs approximately 200 baht to Phuket City and 150 baht to Patong Beach.

Hat Kata (Kata Beach)

Located approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) and Kata Yai (Big Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to see the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Ko Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst tropical and cliff settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget to top end accommodations according to their preference. Well known hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse. For more information on how to get there, please refer to the transportation section in Hat Karon.

Hat Nai Han

Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag! Despite having a rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget bungalows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information and room rates. This beach can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 baht / person / trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a lot more at 150 baht to 200 baht / trip.

Hat Rawai

Located approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to a well-established community of Phuket s Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Kha, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Ko Lon, and Ko He. Laem Phromthep, Phukets landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts. Getting to the Beach is easy by songthaeos, which cost approximately 20 baht / person / trip. Songthaeos depart from the stop at the circle of Ranong Road, while chartered tuk-tuks will cost more at 150 baht / trip.

Khao Rang

A small hill located northeast of the town, Khao Rang offers a fascinating view of Phuket City. Inside the park is a fitness park, restaurants and souvenir shops. The statue of Phraya Ratsada Korsimbi, (Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong) the Governor of Phuket between 1890 and 1909 is also situated here.

Ko Bon

A small island located south of Phuket that is well known for its long- stretch of white sandy beach set in a secluded tropical ambience. Ideal for swimming, the island is accessible by chartering a boat from Rawai Beach or Laem Ka. No accommodations are provided.

Ko He

Located southwest of Cape Panwa, the island is famous for its white powdery beach and rich coral reefs which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and other water sports. As the island is not affected very much by the monsoon, would be visitors can enjoy traveling to the place year round. Ko He has become a popular one-day tour from Phuket as it is only half an hour from the Chalong Pier. It is also dubbed the Coral Island by tourists. Accommodations and basic tourist facilities are available, contact the TAT Phuket Office for more up-to-date information.

Ko Kaeo

A small island located approximately 3 kilometers from Rawai Beach, south of Laem Phromthep where a replica of the Lord Buddha’s Holy Footprint is enshrined. This quiet, white, sandy beach complimented by rich coral reef is a major tourist attraction. The island can be reached by taking a 30-minute boat trip.

Ko Lon

A relatively large island located south of the city close to Ao Chalong. Tranquil and undisturbed, the island is perfect for those wishing to unwind and recharge. A typical fishing village and a school are located on the island. Accommodations are available. To get there, visitors can take ferries which depart from Ao Chalong from 8.00 a.m. Alternatively, they can charter long-tailed boats. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

Ko Mai Thon

A small peaceful island located southeast of Phuket, Ko Mai Thon is famous for its unique corals, crystal clear water and relaxing ambience. The island is ideal for diving, swimming or even fishing. Accommodations are available for those wishing to stay in this enchanting, secluded den. A one-day trip is also provided by travel agencies. There are boats to Ko Mai Thon from Rawai Beach.

Ko Racha

The island consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands located south of Phuket. Ko Racha Yai (Big Racha) has an enchanting beach located on the west between the valleys that resembles horseshoes. The area is known as Ao Bungalow which is famous for its white powdery beach and crystal clear water. Visitors can marvel at the delightful panoramic view of the whole island from the vantage point at the peak of the mountain located south of the bay. Ko Racha Yai is the ultimate place to explore the wonders of the underwater world, especially at Ao Siam, Ao Tue and Khon Kae. Accommodations are available. Ko Racha Noi (Small Racha) is located just 10 kilometers from Big Racha Island. Originating from the accumulation of coral stones, the island has more rocky hills than beaches, thus the island is more suitable for fishing. To get there, visitors can charter long-tailed or speed boats from Chalong Pier. Alternatively, they can buy a package tour from reliable travel agencies.

Ko Si-re

An interesting site to visit where visitors can explore the daily life of Chao Le as it is the oldest and biggest community of Phukets sea gypsies. With an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, the island is located approximately 4 kilometers southeast of Phuket and is separated from the main island only by the small Thachin Canal. The mountain-top temple on the island houses a big Buddha image in the reclining position. The island is not an ideal place for swimming, but is perfect for discovering the sea gypsies’ way of life, especially at Laem Tukkae.

Laem Ka

This Cape is located approximately 16 kilometers from the town center at the extreme southwest end of Chalong Bay. Ideal for swimming, the beach is clean, quite and dotted with rocks.

Laem Phromthep or Phromthep Cape

Literally translate as Brahmas Cape, Laem Phromthep is perhaps one of Phuket’s most important landmarks. There is a saying that you havent been to Phuket unless you visit Laem Phromthep. It is here that visitors soak up the sun and savor the breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea from the islands southern-most tip. The Cape is crowded especially in the evening, as it is a popular observation point at sunset. Laem Phromthep is located approximately 2 kilometers from Rawai Beach.

Phuket Aquarium

Located at Cape Phanwa, southeastern-most end of the island is an extraordinary aquarium that displays hundreds of exotic and colorful marine species found in the sea around Phuket. The aquarium opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Call 076 391126 for more information. To get by public transportation, take a local bus from the towns fresh produce market.

Phuket Butterfly Farm

Located approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection, the farm proudly presents a unique collection of tropical creatures such as butterflies and insects. The farm opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is 150 baht for adults and 60 baht for children. Call tel. 0 7621 5616, or 0 7621 0861 for more information.

Phuket City and old buildings

Phuket City is a fascinating city that can be explored on foot or by traditional means of transportation, tuk-tuk or Sino-Portuguese architecture that is evident in the citys shop houses provides the town with a charming atmosphere and a late 19th century ambience. For visitors interested in strolling along the city, start the trip at the central post office and walk west along Thalang Road, then turn south at the Standard Chartered Bank building and walk towards Yaowarat Road. Continue the trip to Fountain Circle, then head west to Ranong Road and proceed to Patipat Road, which connects with the historic Krabi Road.

Phuket Cultural Center

Located in the compound of the Rajabhat Institute of Phuket, the Center features an exhibition of Phukets intriguing history. Highlights of the daily lifestyles, traditional houses, household utilities and Thailand’s history are exhibited. A library is located on the ground floor where books on the history, culture and arts of Phuket can be found. Call 076 211959 for more details.

Phuket Sea Shell Museum

Phuket Sea Shell Museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island’s southwestern shores. On display are private collections of seashells from Thai waters (off Phuket Island itself). They are considered the most sought-after shells by collectors. In addition to such the collection, seashells from other parts of Thailand and other parts of the world are also on display. The main attractions at this Museum are the worlds largest golden 140-karat pearl, the worlds earliest known life form seen in sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils and a gigantic 250-kilogram shell. The museum is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call tel. 0 7638 1266 or 0 7638 1274 for more information.

Phuket Submarine

Phuket Submarine operates 5 dives daily and carries forty eight passengers into the waters southeast of Phuket. The dives will be to a depth of the thirty meters. The submarine is fully air conditioned and boasts the latest technology available in tourist submarines. Large 72 centimeter viewing ports and LCD screens enhance the viewing experience for the passengers. Schools of tropical fish and soft coral formations are a highlight of the dive site.The Submarine tour takes approximately two hours with 40 minutes spent underwater. For more information, please contact : Phuket Submarine Col Ltd. 64/423 Mu 7, Ratsada Harbour, Amphoe Mueang, Phuket 83000. Tel. 0 7625 3206-8, 0 7625 3215 Website: http://www.phuket-submarine.com

Phuket Zoo

Located on the way to Chalong Bay, the Zoo features a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed daily. The entrance fee is 400 baht for adult and 200 baht for children. Call 0 7638 1337, 0 7638 1227 for more details.

Saphan Hin

A public park located by the sea at the end of Phuket Road, Saphan Hin is a recreational park for both locals and tourists. The Tin Mining Monument dedicated to the memory of Captain Edward Thomas Miles, the Australian who brought the first dredge to Phuket in 1909, is located inside the park. The Saphan Hin Sports Center is also located here.

Thai Village and Orchid Farm

Located on Thepkasattri Road, approximately 3 kilometers from Phuket City is an extraordinary place for culture lovers. The village provides stunning classical Thai dance performances, sword-fighting, Thai boxing, southern customs and elephant shows. Handicrafts and traditional mining techniques are also featured. The orchid farm outside is worth exploring. The performances are at 11.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. The fees are 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. Call 076 214860 for more information.

The Viewpoint

The most famous observation point of the 3 beaches, Kata Not, Kata and Karon, is located on the road half-way between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. From this spot, an intriguing view of the 3 beaches and Ko Pu has constantly impresses visitors.

Wat Chalong

Phukets most popular and famous temple, Wat Chai Tararam, or Wat Chalong, was built in 1837. Located approximately 8 kilometers from the city, the temple houses the famous Luang Po Cham, a monk who helped the locals fight the Ang Yi rebellion during the reign of King Rama V (in 1876). A recent addition to the temple is a 61.4-meter high chedi containing the Phra Borom Sareerikatat relic, a piece of the Lord Buddha’s bones brought over from Sri Lanka. The chedi is a mixture of southern, central and northeastern architectural styles and is the first in this region to house the holy Buddha’s relic.