What budget should I plan for outings in Phuket?

Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well! Just a quick question—I wanted to know, excluding accommodation and flight tickets, just for leisure activities and food on the spot, I go out a lot so I’d like to know what the costs are for a budget that includes some outings, drinks, eating (local food), and a few massages (local massages). Could those of you who know share some prices, please? Do you think a budget of 100 € per day is reasonable? I’ve read in some places that it’s more than enough, and in others that it’s really tight 😕 I hope I won’t have to watch every penny 😅 I’m staying for two months, from May 27th to the end of July.

Here and there in Thailand, you can still find little restaurants serving local dishes for 50 baht, or a small steak and fries for 199 baht. There’s a whole range of massages with different durations, but it’s often around 200-300 baht. It’s true that Phuket isn’t where you’ll find the best prices. That said, it depends on whether you’ll move around the island or stick to the most touristy spots. 100 € a day is really comfortable.

Okay, thanks for your reply! I’m in Patong for two weeks at the start, but I plan to move around afterward to see other things. Your message reassures me—I was worried I might be a little too light on funds! :)

For a full month in Thailand, excluding hotels, we spent about 2500 € for two. Excursions, taxis, and national park entrance fees already made up half of that amount. And we didn’t hold back. Obviously, you can’t expect to buy a round of vodka for the whole nightclub...😛

Okay, just when I see the prices on forums etc., it's often from 2008, 2012—I figure it must have gone up a lot since then. And since I like to party, I was worried about that too. Anyway, thanks, you’ve really reassured me! :)

Keep track of all your expenses for the first 3 full days and adjust your budget accordingly for the rest—might not be a bad idea...

I just got back from Thailand.

I spent around 1,000 € per person for 15 days (excluding the long-haul flight and car rental).

Without going overboard (mid-range hotel, restaurants, 1 alcoholic drink per day, self-organized excursions).

The cheapest meal cost 3.90 € for two (drinks included). The most expensive was 50 € with a bottle of wine. Most of the time, it was around 15-20 €.

But I wasn’t in Phuket (prices are higher there).

hi there, just a heads-up about massages—watch out for extra charges, it can end up costing a fortune 😛

I go out a lot... I hope I won’t have to watch every penny...

if you want to save money and not spend too much, then maybe don’t go to Phuket—there are just too many temptations. If you like partying at night, you’ll burn through cash, especially over two months. Don’t forget that a bottle of Tsingtao, plus another one, plus tips if you’re feeling generous—it adds up *fast*. Last time I was in Phuket, I was hitting the ATM almost every other day 😕

Do you think a budget of 100 euros per day is reasonable?

100 euros a day is doable for accommodation in a bungalow and meals... but if you go out for drinks in the evening, you’ll have to stick to just one beer and call it a night. Again, the temptations (pretty devilish, I must say) are everywhere in Phuket 😉

Since I’m kind of a party animal, I was worried about that too

you might end up broke in Phuket...

'a bottle of Tsingtao

Aren’t you mixing up countries?

Ordering straight for 6?? What a night!... 😉

Oh no, that’s a bar’s menu! 😄

Aren’t you mixing up countries?

No matter the bottle, as long as we get the buzz, eh? Ha ha, touché!

Watdee khrap, 100 €, let's say 3,500฿/day all-in, even including massages! (around 400฿/hour). Especially since you mentioned eating local :) Food: 200฿/meal, which is a bit high if you're eating local. If you don’t rent a motorbike, though, getting around by tuk-tuk or Grab taxis can get pretty pricey. But if you drink, I’d strongly advise against renting a 125cc bike—especially without a license. I’m not the best example, but I rented one last April for 150฿/day, though the base rate can be 200–300฿/day. Since you’re staying a while, 150฿/day or less is totally negotiable!

Have a great trip!

Oh, by the way, how’s it going after your first few days? Are you still up for chatting? 😏

Honestly, I'm loving it—I'm in Patong right now. Yeah, I’ve seen the downsides of the area, but it’s still pretty cool. Tomorrow I’m checking out the old town, and in just under 10 days, I’ll be leaving Patong. Not sure where to go next though—any suggestions? The weather and budget are stressing me out a bit, but prices here are *super* cheap, and in 4 days, I haven’t seen a drop of rain so far 😄 Thanks for your tips!