Getting Value in Phuket

Q: We are thinking of visiting Phuket in April. Can you help us find a reasonable hotel? We had heard Thailand was cheap, but the prices we have found are pretty expensive. We are also finding tours and sightseeing packages expensive, is there any way of getting those cheaper - Anton Smit

A: Thailand is justifiably known as a value for money destination, and you can have a holiday there for cheaper than in most countries around the globe. However, you should realise that the popular tourist resorts like Phuket are more expensive than other resort areas and prices in the high season are substantially higher than in the low season. The high seasons stretches from November to April, so expect to get the best prices during the Thai summer from May to October. Prices are often 50-70 percent lower in this season. So, you could holiday for far less if you can delay your trip to the July holidays! However, if your mind is set on an April holiday, try to avoid the week around April 13, which is the Thai New Year, Songkran. This is when the Thais go on holiday or return to their home villages and flights are fully booked and all prices spike. Among the better discount websites are www.latestays.com, www.agoda.com and www.bookings.com. However, check how much is added to the advertised price by way of taxes and booking fees, especially in the case of Agoda. You will probably be able to get cheaper prices if you book closer to your date of travel. Often hotels will start dropping their prices as the high season starts to ebb. You can get good rates in Patong Beach this season at a number of new hotels that have been built on the southern end of this popular resort. There is still construction work going on in this development, but you can find really nice three-star standard hotel rooms for around 1200-1500 baht (R300-R450) a night. These hotels are within walking distance to the beach and have rooftop swimming pools. Some of the hotels you can try are Arita Hotel, Platinum Hotel, Issara Resort and Patong Princess Hotel you can find the websites using a google search). I think you will be better off if you leave the booking of tours and tickets to attractions until you are in Phuket. Every attempt will be made to get you to book before you have settled down in your hotel (even in the taxi from the airport), but resist. Other guests will happily tell you which attractions are worthwhile and where to buy the cheapest packages. The prices can vary wildly for the same attraction or tour, so don't be shy to shop around. (23/1/11)