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Phuket: A Blend of Natural Scenery, Street Foods, and Affordable Stays
Phuket, also known as the “Pearl of the Andaman,” is a charming city located in Thailand that draws in travelers from all around the world with its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unmissable street food. As a National Geographic Journalist, I had the privilege of exploring this city and discovering what makes it such a sought-after destination.
Scenic Beauty of Phuket
Phuket is an absolute feast for the senses with its picturesque scenery, crystal-clear waters, tranquil beaches, rugged cliffs, lush forests, and exotic flora and fauna. The view of the city from Phuket Big Buddha, a majestic statue located on a hilltop, is nothing short of mesmerizing. However, the city is not free from hustle-bustle, especially the nightlife-packed street of Bangla Road.
What I Like and Dislike About Phuket
Phuket is a delightful city, but like any other, it has its highs and lows. What I loved most about the city was the friendly locals who warmly welcomed me, the delectable street food that satisfied my taste buds, and the scenic beauty that left me spellbound. However, I wasn’t too fond of the touts who constantly badgered me to buy something and the heavy traffic that made getting around the city a challenge.
Average Cost of Living in a Day
Phuket is an affordable city where one can enjoy the best of both worlds – natural beauty and street food – without breaking the bank. The average cost of living in Phuket for a day would be around $35-$40, including accommodation, street food, transportation, and other expenses.
Top 20 Points of Interest in Phuket
1. Phuket Big Buddha – Chalong, Mueang Phuket District
2. Monkey Hill – Phuket Town
3. Wat Chalong – Chalong, Mueang Phuket District
4. Bangla Road – Patong Beach
5. Phuket Old Town – Phuket Town
6. Karon View Point – Karon
7. Promthep Cape – Rawai
8. Fantasea Show – Kamala Beach
9. Phi Phi Island – Phi Phi Islands
10. James Bond Island – Phang Nga Bay
11. Elephant Sanctuary – Chalong, Mueang Phuket District
12. Tiger Kingdom – Kathu
13. Soi Dog Foundation – Amphoe Thalang
14. Nai Harn Beach – Nai Harn
15. Big C Supercenter – Kathu
16. The Chillva Sunday Market – Phuket Town
17. Kathu Waterfall – Kathu
18. Phuket Trickeye Museum – Phuket Town
19. Royal Phuket Marina – Ko Kaeo
20. Sapam Shrine – Karon
Top 20 Street Foods and Where to Find Them
1. Pad Thai – Thalang Road
2. Tom Yum Koong – Bangla Road
3. Green Curry – Yaowarat Road
4. Som Tam (Papaya Salad) – Ranong Road
5. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) – Yaowarat Road
6. Kai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – Phuket Thai Hua Museum
7. Roti – Phuket Old Town
8. Banana Pancakes – Bangla Road
9. Khao Pad (Fried Rice) – Bangla Road
10. Pad Krapow Moo (Thai Basil Pork) – Bangla Road
11. Grilled Seafood – Rawai Seafood Market
12. Satay – Yaowarat Road
13. Mango Sticky Rice – Phuket Old Town
14. Stuffed Omelet – Bangla Road
15. Dim Sum – Yaowarat Road
16. Gaeng Som (Sour Curry) – Ranong Road
17. Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice) – Yaowarat Road
18. Wonton Mee – Ranong Road
19. Kanom Jeen (Rice Noodles) – Phuket Old Town
20. Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodles) – Ranong Road
10 Reasonable Hotels
1. Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach- $53/night – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Patong Signature Boutique Hotel – $30/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. Seacono Hotel Phuket- $21/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
4. Amata Resort – $25/night – 3.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. Swissotel Resort Phuket – $59/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
6. Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central- $35/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. The Yama Hotel Phuket – $34/night – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
8. The Crib Patong – $33/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Blu Monkey Bed & Breakfast – $22/night – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Aloha Residence – $28/night – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10 Reasonable Airbnb Listings with Price
1. Peaceful Patong Studio – $28/night – 5/5 stars on Airbnb
2. Cozy apartment Kata beach – $15/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
3. Private Room in Hostel – $11/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
4. Beach Condo at Phuket Patong – $29/night – 5/5 stars on Airbnb
5. Sweet condo Patong beach – $33/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
6. Spacious One Bedroom Condo – $30/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
7. Cozy studio near the beach – $20/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
8. The Sunday Residence – $38/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
9. Private Room for 2-4 Guests – $10/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
10. Cozy Studio Near Central Festival – $25/night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
Rating of Phuket out of Ten Stars
Overall, Phuket is an excellent city that offers a blend of natural beauty, street food, and affordable stays. Although it has its downsides like touts and heavy traffic, the pluses far outweigh the negatives. Therefore, I would give Phuket a rating of 8 out of 10 stars. So, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and set off to discover this enchanting city that never fails to impress its visitors.
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