Ticket to Phuket

Having just came back from a wonderful getaway in Phuket island, Thailand, I thought I should share a few tips how to to maximize your dollar while you are there. These tips might be specific to Phuket but I guess it should apply to most beach resorts in Asia.

1) Rent a Car
The taxis and tuk-tuks there charge exorbitant fees for short rides and nobody ever goes by the meter (neither is there any meter to be found). A return trip to Phuket town from your hotel could set you back by 1000 Baht while renting a car for a day costs the same. You do the math. Roads in Phuket are easy to navigate and car rental is available everywhere so just arm yourself with a map and go.

2) Bargain
Except in your hotel, you can bargain almost anywhere in Phuket. T-shirts can be bought for 150 Baht or less and I got offered a hammock for 1200 Baht of which my relentless girlfriend brought down to only 250 Baht. Island-hopping tours and cabaret tickets can be slashed at the various tour agencies too, more on this later.

3) Tour Agencies
There are tour agencies all over the island offering island-hopping tours (to Phi-Phi Island, James Bond Island, Maya Bay etc.) and cabaret tickets. Almost all of these agencies offer transport to and fro your hotel but some of them are able to offer cheaper prices by giving you an inferior mode of transport (for example, a ferry instead of a speedboat for an island tour). So do check it out before paying for anything.
Point to note: tour agencies in your hotel lobby offer no discounts so do not ever pay for your tours there. I learnt this the hard way by finding out that an agency just across the road from the hotel charged 1000 Baht lesser than what I paid for an island tour.

4) Touts
Taxi touts, suit touts and all sorts of touts are everywhere. Learn to ignore them and your trip will be much more enjoyable.

5) Enjoy.
If this is your first time to Phuket, stay in Patong beach because that is where all the action is. If you just want some quiet time, then Karon beach (where I stayed) is probably a better choice. Indulge yourself by having affordable massages and fine dining by the beach every night. I personally recommend the restaurant at Karon beach resort.
Point to note: having Western food will burn a deep hole in your pocket, stick to Thai cuisine and you would have extra Baht for more cocktails later.