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Dreaming of a sunny getaway this winter, but not particularly excited about a crowded Cancun or even an exceptionally pricey Maui?
What if instead you fly to a beautiful island where dreamy beaches fringe turquoise water as far as the eye can see, jungles are dotted with historic temples and waterfalls, and perhaps even more surprising, luxury resorts start at $134?
No, it’s not that nice to believe. It just depends on how it works Phuket, Thailand:
Is this the gate to paradise?
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with a landmass of approximately 340 square kilometers, and is both a tropical getawayjust over 455,000 people are fortunate enough to be able to call home, and a fast-growing resort destination that recently stole the western gaze.
This year alone it is expected that between 13 and 14 million guests will stay, and a significant number of these will be Europeans, Australians… and Americans, all driving up revenues, while spending on tourism services is already higher by 2024 than a year ago. before the 2019 crisis.
Unless you’ve been in traveler or digital nomad circles, you may not have been properly introduced to Phuket and its natural (and man-made) wonders. In that case we can help you the briefest possible overview:
Beautiful beaches, miles long
If relaxing on the beach is your main reason for flying halfway around the world, then you’re spoiled for choice here – and they’re all within a short drive of many of the resorts! For example, there is the lively Kata Beach, with its many fish restaurants and hotels.
In Kata Noi, on the other hand, it is one much quieter, peaceful environment with smaller crowds and limited development; for postcard-ready, teal-colored seas crashing against beautiful geological formations, Ya Nui is the place to go.
Let’s not forget the sandy Freedom Beach, its laid-back atmosphere and serene waters, or even the antithetical Patong, a vibrant alternative full of beach clubs and party spots. As you can see, finding a swimming spot to your liking in Phuket is a piece of cake. hardly a challenge.
Great sights
Unlike your usual Caribbean beach holiday, however, Phuket is much more than just beaches: from discovering the monumental Big Buddha, perched on a hill overlooking the jungle, to exploring protected nature reservesthere is plenty to see and do.
The Elephant Care Camp is a must-see if you are a fan of the playful giants and book it guided activityNot only will you learn about conservation efforts and see them in the wild, you’ll even bathe with them for just $54.59! How exciting!
More interested in the cultural sights? Tick off Wat Chalong, one of the holiest temples on the island, visit a traditional cashew nut factory, and top it all off by exploring Phuket City and its intact, 19th-century historic center on a day around the island from $41.65.
Visit The Beach
There are enough sights in Phuket to keep you busy for weeks, although some would argue that no visit is complete without a little island hopping adventure: indeed there are 31 others Nice islands nearby, and it would be a shame to miss them.
Especially when the Phi Phi Islands, home to Maya Bay, probably Thailand’s most famous beach, which provided the backdrop for the Leonardo DiCaprio star The beachand the Similan Archipelago, with all its lush rainforests and crystal clear lagoons, are a short boat ride away.
As for the best way to do this? It must be this Tour of 7 islands by longtail boat departure from Phuket: Apart from the bucket list of sailing on a traditional floating ship, it also includes stops at Monkey Beach, Maya Bay and the coral-lined Bamboo Island – and it costs $33.77 per person!
Phuket is a budget-friendly, sunny holiday
As you might have guessed based on the price of excursions, Phuket is one of the most affordable tropical destinations in the world: it may be on the pricier side of Southeast Asia, but from food to transportation to accommodation it’s still dirt cheap by American standards.
On average, tourists spend $42 on meals per day, $12 on local transportation and $123 on hotels, as estimated by Budget your tripbringing the total cost of a week’s stay in Phuket to $934 – good luck surviving an entire week in the Mexican Caribbean on less than a thousand dollars!
Of course, the more luxury you demand, the more expensive it can get, but not to the point of breaking the bank: this winter the cheapest all-inclusive offering is a ‘luxury’ suite at the Barcelo Coconut Island Phuketstarting at a very reasonable $216.
Alternatively, a stay without extras with breakfast only is possible an even cheaper $134: you still get all the great amenities, access to the 3 oceanfront pools, free cabanas and lounge chairs.
For more luxurious, all-inclusive offers, check out:
Looking for one more modest four-star hotel instead of?
All of the hotels below have pools and spa facilities, are on or within driving distance of a beach, and are much cheaper to book than Patong’s range of all-inclusives:
Flying to Thailand soon?
You should know The entry rules for US passport holders have changed from December 2023.
Read more about the new requirements here, including the need for an online travel authorization before boarding.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
