Why stay in Phuket?
Phuket is one of Thailand's islands, and historically is an incredibly popular tourist destination for sun worshippers, divers and snorkelers alike. Phuket's west coast was hit hard in the 2004 tsunami, but it's unlikely you'll notice any damage now.
What Phuket lacks in historic sights, it more than makes up for in its wide expanses of beautiful beaches. People come from all over the world to just relax on Phuket's beaches, enjoying the lazy life for a bit. You can also get into the array of water sports available, too, from jet-skiing and parasailing to yachting and diving. For a break from sun and sand you can visit Wat Chalong, a Buddhist temple toward the south of the island, or go golfing at one of Phuket's many golf courses. You can also get a ride on a domesticated elephant, or visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project to support their efforts.
There are more than enough budget accommodations in Phuket, so you can be a little more picky and find the one that's perfect for your needs. Keep in mind that "hostels" are not just for the young backpacking crowd (even if the property has the word "backpacker" in the name!) - they're ideal for any budget traveler who's interested in meeting other travelers. A few Phuket hostels worth mentioning are highlighted below.
Live and Let Dive Guest House is on Karon Beach, a two minute walk from the beach itself. Squareone is on Patong Beach, two minutes from the center of Patong and five minutes from the beach.
Baan Suay is on Karon Beach and has its own fully stocked bar and restaurant. Phuket Backpacker is in Phuket Town close to the small town's sights as well as the nearby beaches.
If none of these hostels sounds like it's the right one for you, don't worry. There are other Phuket hostels listed here which you can choose from. Just keep browsing the descriptions until you find the one that suits your needs.
Need anything else for your trip? You can look for the best deals on international airfare to Phuket and book your ticket now. You can also learn more about the area in our Phuket Travel Guide.