When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Old Phuket Town?

Old Phuket Town is a small but beautiful town located in Phuket and is a must visit destination for many people. It can be a bit expensive to visit sometimes which might be a problem especially if you’re on a budget. If visiting Old Phuket Town is on your bucket list, but you’re on a budget, you may be wondering when is the cheapest time to visit. Choosing the best time to visit can make a big impact on your trip including how much it’ll cost. Don’t worry, this article will tell you when the cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town is and much more.

The cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town is during the low season, which runs from May to October. This is the rainy season in Phuket, which means fewer tourists and lower prices for flights, hotels, and activities. The average hotel price in Old Phuket Town in May is $25 per night, while in December (the peak season) it is $40 per night. Moreover, you can find discounts and deals on various attractions and tours in Old Phuket Town during the low season, such as the Phuket Heritage Trail, the Phuket Trickeye Museum, and the Phuket Thaihua Museum. Therefore, if you want to save money and avoid crowds, the low season is the best time to visit Old Phuket Town.

You might be wondering if visiting Old Phuket Town during the low season is worth it, considering the weather and the availability of activities. The answer is yes, it is definitely worth it. In fact, there are many advantages and benefits of traveling to Old Phuket Town during the rainy season. In the next section, I tell you more about when the cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town is and how to save more money.

The Cheapest Time to Visit Old Phuket Town: Low Season vs High Season

If you are looking for the cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town, you need to consider the trade-off between the weather and the prices. Phuket has three main seasons: the rainy season, the winter season, and the summer season. Each season has its pros and cons for travelers who want to explore Old Phuket Town and its surroundings.

The rainy season runs from May to October, and it is caused by the southwest monsoon that brings humid and wet air from the Indian Ocean. This is the low season for tourism in Phuket, which means that you can find lower prices for flights, hotels, and activities in Old Phuket Town.  Moreover, you can find discounts and deals on various attractions and tours in Old Phuket Town during the low season, such as the Phuket Heritage Trail, the Phuket Trickeye Museum, and the Phuket Thaihua Museum.

However, the rainy season also has some drawbacks. The weather can be unpredictable and sometimes stormy, with heavy rainfalls and strong winds. The average rainfall in Phuket during this season is about 2,200 millimeters (87 inches), with two peaks in May and September-October. The rain can affect your plans and limit your outdoor activities. Some beaches may be closed or unsafe for swimming due to high waves and rip currents. The sea can also be cloudy and choppy, which can reduce the visibility for snorkeling and diving. The humidity can be uncomfortable and make you sweat more. The rain can also increase the risk of mosquitoes and other insects.

The winter season runs from mid-October to mid-February, and it is caused by the northeast monsoon that brings cool and dry air from Siberia¹. This is the high season for tourism in Phuket, which means that you can enjoy the best weather conditions for visiting Old Phuket Town. The temperature is mild and pleasant, with average highs of 31-32 °C (88-90 °F) and average lows of 22-24 °C (72-75 °F). The humidity is lower and the air is fresher. The rainfall is minimal, with an average of 35 millimeters (1.4 inches) in January. The sun shines brightly and the sky is clear. The sea is calm and blue, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.

However, the winter season also has some disadvantages. The demand for travel to Phuket is high during this season, which means that you have to deal with higher prices, more crowds, and less availability. You may have to book your flights, hotels, and activities well in advance to secure your spot and get a good deal. You may also have to pay more for transportation, food, and entrance fees. You may encounter traffic jams and long queues at popular attractions. You may also have less privacy and tranquility at some beaches.

The summer season runs from mid-February to mid-May, and it is a transitional period between the two monsoons. This is a shoulder season for tourism in Phuket, which means that you can find a balance between the weather and the prices. The temperature is hot but not unbearable, with average highs of 33-34 °C (91-93 °F) and average lows of 24-25 °C (75-77 °F). The rainfall is moderate, with an average of 75 millimeters (3 inches) in March. The sun still shines often but there may be some clouds and showers. The sea is still warm and clear but there may be some waves.

However, the summer season also has some challenges. The weather can be unpredictable and sometimes change quickly. There may be some heat waves or thunderstorms that can affect your plans. The humidity can be high and make you feel sticky. You may need to drink more water and wear sunscreen to avoid dehydration and sunburn. You may also need to check the weather forecast regularly and be flexible with your itinerary.

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to when is the cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town. It depends on your preferences, budget, and expectations. If you don’t mind the rain and want to save money on your trip, you may choose the low season from May to October. If you want to enjoy the best weather and don’t mind the crowds and the prices, you may choose the high season from mid-October to mid-February. If you want to find a compromise between the two, you may choose the shoulder season from mid-February to mid-May. Whatever you decide, you will surely have a memorable experience in Old Phuket Town.

How to Save Money on Flights, Hotels and Activities in Old Phuket Town

One of the main advantages of visiting Old Phuket Town during the low season is that you can save a lot of money on your travel expenses. Flights, hotels, and activities are usually cheaper and more available during this period, which means you can enjoy more for less. Here are some tips and tricks on how to save money on flights, hotels, and activities in Old Phuket Town during the low season.

• Flights: The best way to find cheap flights to Phuket is to compare prices from different airlines and travel agents using online tools such as Skyscanner or Kayak. You can also set up price alerts to get notified when the prices drop or when there are special deals. Another tip is to be flexible with your dates and departure airports, as you may find cheaper options if you fly on weekdays or from alternative airports. For example, according to Skyscanner, the average flight price from San Jose to Phuket in May is $1,021, compared to $1,386 in December, which is the peak season.
• Hotels: The best way to find cheap hotels in Old Phuket Town is to book in advance and use online platforms such as Booking.com or Hotels.com to compare prices and reviews. You can also look for discounts and deals on various websites and apps such as Expedia or Agoda. Another tip is to look for alternative accommodation options such as hostels, guesthouses, or homestays, which may offer lower rates and more authentic experiences. For example, according to Booking.com, the average hotel price in Old Phuket Town in May is $25 per night, while in December it is $40 per night.
• Activities: The best way to save money on activities in Old Phuket Town is to look for free or cheap things to do and see. There are many attractions and landmarks that you can visit without paying any entrance fees, such as the Big Buddha Phuket, the Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong), the Old Phuket Town Historical Centre, the Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai)⁵, and the Monkey Hill. You can also find discounts and deals on various attractions and tours in Old Phuket Town during the low season, such as the Phuket Heritage Trail, the Phuket Trickeye Museum, and the Phuket Thaihua Museum. Another tip is to join group activities or classes that are cheaper than private ones, such as a group Muay Thai class or a group cooking class.

The Best Free or Cheap Things to do in Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town is a treasure trove of attractions and activities that you can enjoy without spending a fortune. Whether you are interested in history, culture, art, or food, you will find something to suit your taste in this charming town. Here are some of the best free or cheap things to do and see in Old Phuket Town.

• Walk along the streets and see the street art. One of the most fun and easy ways to explore Old Phuket Town is to walk along its colorful streets and admire the street art that adorns the walls. You will find many murals and graffiti that depict the life and culture of Phuket, as well as some whimsical and humorous scenes. Some of the best places to see street art are Thalang Road, Phang Nga Road, Krabi Road, Dibuk Road, and Soi Romanee. You can also use the Phuket Street Art Map to guide you to the most interesting spots.
• Learn about the history and culture of Phuket Old Town by visiting the museums. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Phuket Old Town, you can visit some of its museums that showcase its rich heritage. Some of the most popular museums are the Phuket Thaihua Museum, which is housed in a former Chinese school and displays exhibits on the history of Chinese immigrants in Phuket; the Phuket Baba Museum, which is located in a beautiful Sino-Portuguese mansion and showcases the lifestyle and traditions of the Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya community; and the Chinpracha House, which is another stunning Sino-Portuguese mansion that preserves its original furniture and architecture. The entrance fees for these museums range from ฿50 to ฿200 (S$2 to S$8).
• Explore Thai food and shopping. One of the best ways to experience Thai culture is to taste its food and shop for its products. Old Phuket Town offers a variety of options for foodies and shoppers who want to sample local delicacies and buy souvenirs. You can visit the Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai), which is held every Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thalang Road, and enjoy street food, live music, handicrafts, and more. You can also check out the [Phuket Indy Market], which is open every Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm on Dibuk Road, and browse through stalls selling clothes, accessories, art, and snacks. If you want to try some authentic Thai dishes, you can head to [Raya Restaurant], which is famous for its crab curry, fish cakes, and fried pork; or [One Chun Cafe & Restaurant], which serves delicious southern Thai cuisine such as yellow curry with crab meat, stir-fried morning glory, and deep-fried sea bass with tamarind sauce.
• Try a Thai massage to experience Thai culture. Another way to immerse yourself in Thai culture is to try a Thai massage, which is a traditional healing technique that involves stretching, pressing, and kneading the body. A Thai massage can help you relax, relieve stress, improve blood circulation, and balance your energy. There are many massage parlors in Old Phuket Town where you can get a Thai massage for a reasonable price. Some of the recommended ones are [Kim’s Massage & Spa], which offers a range of services such as foot massage, oil massage, herbal compress, and aromatherapy; [Suai Thai Massage School], which is a reputable institution that trains professional masseurs and also provides massages for customers; and [Let’s Relax Spa], which is a chain of spas that offers high-quality massages and treatments in a comfortable setting.
• Go to the markets to meet the locals. One of the best ways to meet the locals and get a glimpse of their daily life is to go to the markets in Old Phuket Town. There are several markets that sell fresh produce, seafood, meat, flowers, spices, snacks, and more. You can mingle with the vendors and customers, practice your bargaining skills, try some exotic fruits and vegetables, and observe the local culture. Some of the most popular markets are [Downtown Market (Talad Kaset)], which is open daily from 5 am to 9 pm on Ranong Road; [Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market)], which is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm on Chao Fa West Road; and Phuket Walking Street (Lard Yai), which is open on Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thalang Road.

Conclusion: How to Plan Your Budget Friendly Trip to Old Phuket Town

You have learned that the cheapest time to visit Old Phuket Town is during the low season from May to October, when you can find lower prices for flights, hotels, and activities. You have also learned some tips and tricks on how to save money on your travel expenses and enjoy the best of Old Phuket Town without spending a fortune. Now, you are ready to plan your budget-friendly trip to Old Phuket Town and have a memorable experience.

Here are some steps to help you plan your trip:

• Step 1: Decide when you want to go. Check the weather forecast and the calendar of events in Old Phuket Town to choose the best time for your trip. You may want to avoid some dates that may be crowded or expensive, such as public holidays, festivals, or special occasions.
• Step 2: Book your flight. Use online tools such as [Skyscanner] or [Kayak] to compare prices from different airlines and travel agents. Set up price alerts and be flexible with your dates and departure airports to find the best deal. Book your flight as early as possible to secure your spot and get a good price.
• Step 3: Book your hotel. Use online platforms such as [Booking.com] or [Hotels.com] to compare prices and reviews of hotels in Old Phuket Town. Look for discounts and deals on various websites and apps such as [Expedia] or [Agoda]. Choose an alternative accommodation option such as a hostel, guesthouse, or homestay if you want to save money and have a more authentic experience. Book your hotel in advance and confirm your reservation before you arrive.
• Step 4: Plan your activities. Research the attractions and activities that interest you in Old Phuket Town and make a list of the ones you want to visit. Look for free or cheap things to do and see, such as street art, museums, markets, food, massage, etc. Look for discounts and deals on various attractions and tours in Old Phuket Town during the low season, such as the [Phuket Heritage Trail], the [Phuket Trickeye Museum], and the [Phuket Thaihua Museum]. Join group activities or classes that are cheaper than private ones, such as a group Muay Thai class or a group cooking class. Book your activities online or through your hotel if possible to get a better price and avoid scams.
• Step 5: Pack your bags. Check the weather forecast again and pack accordingly. Bring clothes that are comfortable, breathable, and suitable for the climate. Bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and bugs. Bring a camera, phone, charger, adapter, and power bank to capture your memories and stay connected. Bring some cash in Thai baht (฿) for small purchases and tips. Bring your passport, visa (if required), flight tickets, hotel confirmation, travel insurance, and any other documents you may need.
• Step 6: Enjoy your trip. Arrive at the airport early and check in for your flight. Fly to Phuket International Airport (HKT) and take a taxi, bus, or shuttle to Old Phuket Town. Check in at your hotel and relax. Explore Old Phuket Town at your own pace and enjoy its attractions, activities, food, culture, and people. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions. Be safe and cautious of your surroundings. Have fun and make memories.

I hope this blog post has helped you plan your budget-friendly trip to Old Phuket Town. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you.