Daily budget: two levels

A yellow tuk-tuk in Phuket

According to 2026 guides, excluding international flights:

Level Per person per day What it covers
Budget about 1,100 to 1,200 THB excluding accommodation; about 40 to 55 USD with a simple room according to another guide Hostel or guesthouse bed, street food, shared transport
Comfort about 1,700 to 3,000 THB excluding accommodation; about 80 to 130 USD according to other estimates Mid-range hotel, restaurants, an excursion now and then

Another source gives 3,000 to 5,000 THB per person per day for "economy" independent travel, which shows the gap between estimates. The luxury level (beachfront resort, private boat, diving) has no ceiling.

Accommodation, the first expense

Prices climb from November to April. According to 2026 guides, a simple guesthouse or hostel costs about 600 to 1,200 THB a night in low season, a 3 to 4-star hotel about 1,500 to 3,000 THB, and a mid-range stay near the beaches about 1,500 to 3,500 THB. To choose the area, see where to stay in Phuket; the beaches of Kata and Karon are more family-friendly, Patong livelier.

Eating and drinking

A street-food meal costs about 150 to 300 THB according to a 2026 guide; a full restaurant dinner starts around 1,000 THB. Eating at small local restaurants and markets, such as the Lard Yai Sunday Market, costs far less than at beach restaurants.

Getting around

A 2026 guide gives 350 to 700 THB a day for a rental scooter and 500 to 1,000 THB per taxi or tuk-tuk ride. Tuk-tuks are expensive and negotiated: Grab is often cheaper and shows the price in advance. We did not find a reliable airport taxi fare: see from the airport to the beaches and getting around Phuket.

Boat trips

The Phi Phi Don viewpoint, on the programme of many excursions

Boat trips are the biggest expense after the hotel. Ranges found in October 2026:

  • Phi Phi Islands: about 50 to 80 USD per adult by shared speedboat; park fee 400 THB per adult, sometimes extra.
  • Phang Nga Bay: about 1,000 to 2,000 THB per person by large boat or longtail, about 1,400 to 1,700 THB by speedboat; park fee 300 THB.
  • Similan Islands: about 80 to 110 USD per adult, park 500 THB; open about October to May.
  • Coral Island: about 45 USD for half a day with transfer.
  • Racha Island: from about 1,300 to 2,000 THB.

Always compare what is included (park, lunch, transfer, equipment) before deciding.

Spending less

  • Travel in low season (May to October): cheaper hotels, but a rougher sea.
  • Book excursions on clear offers rather than at the last minute on the beach.
  • Go for free things: public beaches, temples and viewpoints (see free things to do in Phuket).
  • Withdraw or change money carefully: see money and tipping in Phuket.
  • Beware of prices announced without prior agreement: see scams to avoid in Phuket.