10 Cheap Things to Do in Phuket
Best Things to Do in Phuket on a Small Budget
Cheap and free things to do in Phuket come in a variety of options. Daily life is still pretty inexpensive concerning the basic requirements such as food, drink, and clothing in most of Thailand’s provinces. As the richest province of the country, Phuket has prices that tend to increase faster compared to many Thai islands, making life almost as expensive as in some European countries.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to find affordable places to eat, free attractions and activities, cheap services, and inexpensive yet cool shopping venues. For some ideas on how to enjoy Phuket without going over your budget, check out our list of cheap and free things to do in Phuket below.
1. Phuket Weekend Market
Where bargains are plentiful
Good for: Budget, Families, Shoppers
Phuket Weekend Market, also known as Naka Market, is a prime destination for budget travelers looking to experience local culture without overspending. Open on Saturday and Sunday evenings, this bustling market offers everything from affordable street food and fresh fruit shakes to clothing, souvenirs, and quirky trinkets.
Sample authentic Thai dishes for just a few baht and enjoy a feast without breaking the bank. The lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and endless bargains create a vibrant experience that feels both authentic and fun. Read more
Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm
Phuket Weekend Market
2. Dine on street food
Delicious treats at every stall
Good for: Budget, Food, Nightlife
Phuket’s street food scene is a feast for the senses and a dream for budget-conscious travelers. From sizzling satay skewers to fragrant bowls of noodle soup, the island’s roadside stalls and night markets serve authentic Thai flavors at unbeatable prices.
Wander through vibrant streets and sample local favorites like pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and spicy som tam (green papaya salad), often for just a few baht. The casual atmosphere and friendly vendors make it easy to indulge without overspending. Read more
3. Phuket Big Buddha, temples, and shrines
Phuket’s spiritual side
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Exploring Phuket’s shrines and temples offers a glimpse into the island’s rich spiritual heritage, and they’re often free to enter, though donations are appreciated. The most iconic is Wat Chalong, a beautifully ornate temple where locals come to pay respects and seek blessings. Visitors can admire intricate architecture, golden statues, and serene gardens that reflect centuries of Buddhist tradition.
Smaller shrines, like those dedicated to Chinese deities, add cultural depth and color to the experience. These sacred spaces provide a peaceful retreat from Phuket’s lively beaches, inviting you to slow down and connect with local customs. For history, culture, and tranquility, Phuket’s temples are an essential part of any itinerary. Read more
4. Phuket Old Town
Historic streets ripe for exploration
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Phuket’s colorful and historic Old Town is one of the island’s top attractions. The provincial capital is home to several of the most beautiful Chinese shrines, many exciting festivals, a great variety of stores, fantastic local restaurants, and charming old buildings and streets.
The Old Town was mostly built during the tin mining boom of the late-1800s. Much of the striking Sino-Portuguese architecture has been well-preserved, serving as fascinating museums and restaurants. While access to the interiors of some of these places may require a small payment, walking around the web of narrow streets and enjoying the remarkable exteriors and impressive street art is completely free. Read more
Phuket Old Town
5. Snorkeling around Phuket
There’s another world beneath the surface
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Families
There’s no charge for stepping into Phuket’s splendid seas. All but a couple of the island’s beaches are free to get onto. Buy a cheap mask and snorkel from the market and you have all you need to explore the fantastic underwater world surrounding Phuket.
The waters have vibrant corals and colorful tropical fish. During the high season, the water is comfortably warm and almost perfectly calm, though you should be careful of speedboats and jet skis around the busier beaches. It’s easy to spend hours exploring the world beneath the waves, and it won’t cost you any more to stay a bit longer. Read more
6. Phuket viewpoints
Spectacular hilltop views
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Although Phuket counts 8 ‘official’ viewpoints, natural beauty can be found all over the island. One of the most affordable ways to explore these gorgeous sights is by renting a motorbike. For roughly a few hundred baht per day, you can discover many of the island’s stunning sightseeing spots in a self-led whistlestop tour.
From Rang Hillin Phuket Town to Windmill Viewpointin Nai Harn, each is more breathtaking than the last. Take plenty of photos while you’re out, a few more shots on your phone or digital camera won’t cost any extra. Read more
7. Get a haircut at a local hairdresser/barber
Cheap trims and cute styles
Good for: Budget, Families, Shoppers
Local hairdressers and barbershops are a must-try for those who wish to enjoy a very local experience. The most typical shops are available in Phuket Old Town, try checking out Phang Nga Road, but you can find hairdressers all around Phuket. Just keep a look out for the traditional red and white swirly barber’s pole out front.
At a barbershop, you can get a traditional wet shave just like in a Western movie, or get a smart haircut for a very reasonable price. Ladies can try salon styles for much less than they cost back home. Top tip: bring a picture of what you want so you can overcome the language barrier.
8. Supercheap
A vast treasure trove of bargains
Good for: Shoppers, Food, Budget
Supercheap is a shopping institution in Phuket. Set in a huge hangar that’s larger than a soccer field, and located right off the airport road in Phuket Town, this supermarket sells just about everything at rack rates. It also has a food court where you can grab lunch at a bargain price.
The fun aspect of shopping at Supercheap comes from the incongruous items that can be found at every corner. It seems that the supermarket’s storage organization is made according to its own logic. This quirky delight will show you a different side of the real Phuket. Read more
Location: 46-30 Thepkasattri Rd, Ratsada, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 4 am to 9 pm
Phone: +66 (0)76 609 000
Supercheap
9. Get a massage by a blind therapist
Relaxation that doesn’t cost the earth
Good for: Budget, Couples, Unusual
It is widely believed that when a person loses one of their 5 senses, the other senses get boosted to compensate for the loss. This is the reason why visually-impaired people are often trained and employed to perform therapeutic massages. Their fingers ‘see’ the knots in the muscles and nerves.
There are several venues in and around Phuket Old Town where you can find massage parlors run by blind practitioners. The prices are usually very affordable, and services range from a simple foot massage to full body deep tissue massage in a variety of traditional styles.
10. Travel around Phuket by songthaew
A uniquely Thai conveyance
Good for: Budget, Families
A songthaew (‘2 benches’ in Thai) is one of the instantly recognizable local truck-buses connecting Phuket Town to all of the beaches and villages around the island. There’s no cheaper way of getting around Phuket, with prices ranging from a few dozen baht upward, to go from the songthaew station in Phuket Town to popular tourist spot Patong Beach.
While slow and rather uncomfortable, this mode of transportation is nevertheless reliable, economical, and allows you to mingle with locals and experience real Thailand. Read more
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