Backpacking in Phuket

This is a guest post from Hannah Copues. Hannah is a travel writer and student from the UK. She has a passion for all things travel and loves nothing better than sharing her experiences with others.

Who says you have to scrimp and save for that magical holiday you’ve long been pining for? Further, does splashing out on extortionately priced accommodation (as luxurious and attractive it may be) really serve as the most important element to transform your holiday experience? They’re really quite simple questions! Take it from the expert. Broke and budgeting, but bewildered by the prospect of holidaying in Phuket, I still managed to have the experience of a lifetime…..and it lasted a total of THREE WEEKS!

Whilst it’s not as popular as it once was, backpacking in Phuket certainly isn’t dead! I won’t bore you with the figures, but I was perfectly content with my cheap and cheerful guesthouse accommodation. Needless to say, I saved a vast amount. The secrets of your cheeky buy in the bustling open air markets or that extra few Baht you spend of a delectable dinner are unnecessary and painless. What’s best, is the money I retained from my prudent planning, I ploughed into exciting excursions, elephant trails, fast pace activities, wild water-sports, scrumptious food and sensual spa experiences.

Phuket dining

Any time of year, come rain or shine, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Phuket! Not to be blunt, but I can be a miserable bugger if the rain decides to make an appearance. Whilst the majority of my three weeks was spent lapping up blazing sunshine and glorious weather, even on the days where light showers hit Thailand’s biggest island, it neither hindered ourplans or hurt us to get a little refreshment. This is a tip to remember for your visit. Whilst you’ll be needing a suitcase filled with light cotton attire, if you’re heading to the island in Monsoon season, remember to pack a waterproof. Of course, remember to leave a little room in your case. If you’re anything like me, Phuket is a shopaholic paradise and it would certainly defeat the object of budgeting if you end up paying a fine for your overweight goods on the journey home!

Phuket Beach

With an abundance of picturesque beaches, animal filled forests and luscious green parks to explore, you don’t even need to spend money on activities. The beauty of Thailand is that its second to none scenery combined with a rich history and culture to discover mean you can fully throw yourself into a range of prospective options available to you. And it’s all free!

With fantastic dining and nightlife options, my perfect days spent lazing on cashmere soft sands and bathing in emerald green waters were perfectly topped off. I lived on the uniquely beautiful Phang Nga Bay for most of my stay. Partly because the locals informed me that James Bond had been filmed there! The thought of Pierce Brosnan’s footprints interlocked with mine was highly thrilling to say the least. I’d never been partial to so much fruit, but being served refreshing snacks, from coconuts to pineapples all day long certainly built up my appetite for a savoury Thai dish in the evening. I felt like a princess, what can I say? The Phuket restaurants offered far more than Thai too. So don’t despair if you’re not willing to dabble in experimentation. The island is renowned for its seafood. Perhaps you’ll be brave enough to try this delicacy, but I gave the octopus legs a miss though!

Waters of Phuket

The range of activities and opportunities in Phuket is constantly growing in sophistication and variety, offering holiday makers of any age with an assortment of preferences and budgets, the chance to experience a once in a lifetime experience. Take it from me, you don’t have to sport an unattractive camouflage back-pack to be entitled to the appealing rewards that come from being a shrewd traveller…unless you want to that is! Nevertheless, push your boundaries and experience something new. What have you got to lose? Certainly not your life savings fund.

Tagged as: Phuket, Thailand, Travel