Finding a cheap guesthouse or hotel in Phuket

If you're trying to stretch out your funds -- maybe living in cheap guesthouses, fan rooms, washing your laundry in the sink, walking 3km when it'll save you 20B and generally travelling on the cheap, then you've probably heard that Phuket province can be a real budget-buster. This is true, but it would be a shame to skip this beautiful and unique island, so we thought we'd point out some ways for the frugal wayfarer to see the whole island, and stay within budget. Read on to learn how to see Phuket on the cheap.

The first rule of thumb is to travel in Phuket during the off season, if possible, when accommodation prices are as are as much as 50 to 70% lower. The only drawback is the rain -- lots and lots of rain -- so keep your plans flexible. If you're here to experience Thailand, most of the life of this country isn't going on at the beach anyway. And there are plenty of sunny days, even in the rainy season.

Another good idea is to buy as little as possible when you're actually at the beach, where prices become quite stiff. If you're really serious about pinching baht, skip Patong altogether -- you won't be missing out on anything.

Prices are the most reasonable in Phuket Town itself -- the Pengman Hotel costs 120B, and the On On Hotel starts at 170B. It's possible to see everything worth seeing on the entire island on day trips from Phuket Town. Just catch the appropriate songthaew from the station on Ranong Road, for 20 or 30B. Give up the idea of traveling from beach to beach unless there's a songtheaw available -- as transport courtesy of the taxi and tuk-tuk mafia will cost 200 to 400B.

When you do stay at the beach, there at least some budget options available on most of them (see our List of Budget Spots on Phuket Beaches at the end of this story). Call ahead to make sure they actually have an available room in your price range. You can also rent tents at Surinat National Park on Nai Yang beach for 150B/night-enquire at the visitor's center. Even where a cheap room is available, everything else is more expensive at the more popular beaches, but prices decrease the further you get away from Patong.

In terms of food, you've probably already discovered 20B noodles and som tam, in Phuket Town there's a really great place, Pa Laem on Bangkok Road, just south of the traffic circle It has a vegetarian buffet for just 20B, and they'll let you pile your plate to the ceiling. Traditional markets are always a good bet, so head for the fruit market on Ranong Road, which is open 24/7, and has a wide variety of food (other than fruit) at dirt cheap prices.

Serious budgeters know to buy their libations at the convenience store rather than in a bar or restaurant, but there are a few, tiny, sit-down places in the market which charge convenience store prices for drinks. If you're looking for music while you tipple, try Music Matter, on a side street just south of the Phuket Crystal Inn. They'll let you bring your own bottle of spirits, but you should buy their reasonably-priced mixers while you're there. Go on a Wednesday night for a continuous set of live, improvisational jazz-at no extra charge.

Internet at the beaches is 60B per hour and if you find a cheaper price somewhere -- let us know. The notable exception is the Crystal Beach Hotel, on Karon Beach, which currently offers unlimited access for a flat rate of 20B. Try to do all of your internet in Phuket Town, where Goo.net provides great service for 20B per hour, located on Phuket Road between Phang Na and Rasada Roads.

There are things to do other than go to the beach. Phuket Town has a 10B bus line designed for tourists-you can pick up a schedule at the main bus station. It makes stops at some worthwhile spots for a picnic -- Saphan Hin (on the water), King Rama IX Park (known as Suan Luang), and Rang Hill (a stiff hike from the songthaew to the top, but worth it). You should probably try to make room in your budget for Phuket FantaSea in Kamala Beach, which would be a shame to miss. Nature-lovers may feel themselves drawn up to the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park to the north, but if you've been to other national parks in Thailand, this one isn't a must-see.

For an affordable splurge, head to The Natural Restaurant in Phuket Town, with great food and cheap beer (for a restaurant) in a fun and friendly atmosphere. An indulgent evening will only cost about 200B a head. If you break down and go for on binge at the beach, it may end up costing a lot more.

List of Budget Spots on Phuket Beaches

Here's a list of the cheapest places to stay on each beach. For the area, we consider anything under 600B a night to be 'budget,' and this list reflects the cheapest places available on the beach in question in that price range. You'll notice that some places only make the list by virtue of their low season prices. All offer double room accommodation unless otherwise specified. See their individual entries for details.