If you're a budget traveler, you might be looking for a sandbox hotel in Phuket that still offers a touch of luxury, and by splash we mean a pool of course! Being able to cool off in the Thai heat is definitely a bonus. That's why we've compiled this list of the cheapest SHA Plus hotels in Phuket, and they all have their own pools!
Those wishing to escape to Thailand without quarantine have the option of traveling to the country via the Phuket Sandbox. According to the scheme, tourists must spend seven nights in a SHA+ hotel on the island of Phuket before being able to move around the rest of Thailand.
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- Phuket sandbox
- Thailand travel restrictions
- Test and go, Thailand
10 Cheap Phuket Sandbox Hotels (SHA Plus) – with a pool!
At the time of writing, the following hotels are offering packages estimated at less than THB 1,000 per night. For more information about the different areas of Phuket, see ourPhuket Travel Guide.
What does SHA Plus (SHA+) mean?
SHA+ is the name of several hotels in Phuket that have been approved by the Thai Health and Safety Authority. Once approved, they will be able to receive visitors through the Phuket Sandbox. You cannot book a hotel or stay on Airbnb (or someone's home) if you are not SHA+ certified. If you book through Booking.com or Agoda, look out for the pink below on the hotel page.
1. Book Bed Poshtel (Phuket Town) – 842 THB
The only one named "hostel" on this list is the flashpacker hostel, Poshtel, in Phuket Town (which is our favorite place on Phuket!). With a gorgeous swimming pool, luxurious private rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a slide (yes, a slide) connecting the first floor to the ground floor, this is no ordinary backpacker's hostel! One of the rooms even has a bathroom on the balcony! (And you thought backpackers never had a bathroom...) Private room prices start at 840 THB per night for a double room with a private bathroom. A decent free breakfast is included.
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2.Ratana Hotel Rassada (Phuket Town) – 855 THB per night
Ratana Hotel Rassada offers 7 days package (superior double room with 1 double bed or 2 single beds) for only 4,900 THB. Rooms are clean, tasteful, with good WIFI and small balconies. If you're staying here, you'll definitely want to hire a motorbike to explore the island's coastline, but this is easily arranged by the helpful people at reception. There is also the added bonus of a swimming pool for those lazy days!
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3. Coconut Village Resort (Patong) – 888 THB por noite
This hotel was recommended by members of our community who told us it was good value for money. (Price above is for a standard double room with breakfast.) The hotel is located on Patong Beach, just five minutes from the beach and the famous Bangla Road with its many restaurants and shops. As with most places in Thailand, there is a 7-11 just a few minutes' walk away. In addition to the excellent location, the staff is very helpful and ready to help you with anything you may need regarding your Phuket Sandbox experience. The pool area, surrounded by coconut trees and red umbrellas and sunbeds, is particularly beautiful.
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4. Sira Grande Hotel and Spa (Patong) – 900 THB per night
Sira Grande, located in Patong, is a nice choice for your Phuket Sandbox stay, although it might be a little too close to Bangla Road for some! For those looking to stay in shape while travelling, there is a well-equipped gym with a decent-sized pool for daily dips. The rooms are modern, spacious and very clean, with air conditioning, a flat screen TV, complimentary bathrobes and fresh swan towels (always a nice touch). You can snuggle with your peers in big purple love pods by the pool, after you're PCR negative of course!
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5. The Palms Residence (Phuket Town) – 935 THB per nat
Palms Residence is a budget hotel in Phuket Town with a gorgeous rooftop pool and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Decor is clean and modern, and each room has an artistic feel. Shops, restaurants and bars are all nearby, although you may want to rent a bike to explore the nearby beaches (Rawai and Patong), which are around 20 minutes away. The hotel staff are very friendly (shout out to the manager, M) who is very helpful. All in all, a great place to spend seven days in Phuket!
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6. The Blue Hotel (Chalong) – 887 THB por noite
Located in Chalong, on the southern tip of Phuket, the Blue Hotel is a great choice for anyone wanting to practice Muay Thai or join a fitness program while in Phuket. Tiger Muay Thai, MMA Training School and several other gyms are just a few hundred meters away. And when you're done running/walking/exploring, you can relax by the hotel's beautiful swimming pool, which offers fantastic views in all directions. The bedrooms are top notch with large, comfortable beds and lots of space. Some of the rooms even have bathrooms on the balcony (this seems to be a growing trend in Phuket!). Definitely one of our top picks!
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7. Flora Ville (Chalong) – 900 THB for nat
Another hotel located in Chalong, Flora Ville is a more traditional Thai-style hotel with a lovely pool and lush gardens. Again, the hotel is very close to several Muay Thai schools and many restaurants and bars (but be sure to try the food at the hotel's restaurant, it's delicious!). The Thai staff are very friendly and the rooms are cleaned daily with fresh towels. They will also take care of your smelly clothes for a small fee.
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8. The Rubber Hotel (Thalang) – 965 THB por noite
This oddly named hotel is located in an area of Phuket known as Thalang, in the center of the island and close to Phuket International Airport. This hotel has two beautiful swimming pools (indoor and outdoor) and a well-equipped gym for those who want to stay in shape while on vacation. The lounge and bedrooms are very modern, spacious and well designed with high quality amenities including power showers and flat screen TVs. From top to bottom the hotel is impeccable. Some of the larger rooms have a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Also, there is a secret side door from the hotel to the Tesco Lotus Thalang where you can buy snacks! What more could you ask for?
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9. Passion Nest (Phuket Town) – 690 THB
Also located in Phuket Town (a misnomer after pandemic times!), this hotel is one of the cheapest on this list. Ninho da Paixão has a quiet location with a beautiful large swimming pool, perfect for those who like to take a morning swim! The rooms are spacious with large comfortable beds and are kept spotlessly clean by the lovely staff. The owner and staff are extremely knowledgeable about the island and travel restrictions across Thailand so they can give you lots of advice for your next trips. WIFI is also very fast for those who need to work remotely while here.
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10. Sixteenth Naiyang Beach Hotel - 970 THB
This hotel is a hidden gem located near Nai Yang Beach, one of Phuket's lesser-known beaches on the northwest side of the island. There is a free shuttle service to and from the airport which is very convenient and definitely helps with your budget as taxis in Phuket can really add up! The rooms are large, well decorated and very comfortable, with work desks and tea and coffee making facilities. Oh, and did we mention the gorgeous rooftop terrace with amazing views? Ideal for plane spotters as the airport is only 1 km away!