Your stay — Rico's Bungalows
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The Property — Rico's Bungalows
Rico's Bungalows exudes a laid-back, tropical charm, with its 20 bungalows set amidst a lush, verdant garden. The property's design blends traditional Thai architecture with modern comforts, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed, authentic island experience. The USP lies in its prime location near Patong Beach, allowing guests to easily access the island's main attractions. The lobby's open-plan design and tropical decor create a sense of calm, inviting you to unwind and soak up the island's tranquility. Guests seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Patong will feel right at home here.
Chronicles of Phuket
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, was founded by the 19th-century tin mining industry, drawing Chinese, Malay, and Thai settlers. The island's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its Sino-Portuguese architecture, a blend of European and Chinese influences. Phuket Old Town, a UNESCO-listed area, showcases the island's architectural evolution, with its beautifully restored shophouses and colonial-era buildings. The island's contemporary identity is shaped by its thriving tourism industry, with Patong Beach being its crown jewel. Phuket's vibrant night markets, like the famous Patong Night Market, offer a glimpse into the island's cultural diversity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Phuket guide →Best months
The best months to visit Phuket are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F), and the crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak season. June and July offer a shoulder season with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the island's hidden gems.
Peak / festival surge
June is the peak month in Phuket, driven by the Songkran Water Festival (Thai New Year), which attracts large crowds and drives up hotel prices. Expect increased prices and larger crowds from mid-May to mid-July, coinciding with the European summer holiday season.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder months of September and October offer the best value for money, with discounts on accommodations and fewer tourists. These months also experience milder weather, with average highs of 30°C (86°F), making it an excellent time to explore the island's beaches and attractions.
Weather & packing
Phuket's climate is hot and humid year-round, with occasional short rain showers. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and don't forget to bring sunscreen with a high SPF, as the sun's rays can be strong, especially during the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Phuket
- The Phuket International Airport has expanded its flight routes, making it easier to reach the island from major Asian cities. The Patong Beach Road has been renovated, offering improved pedestrian walkways and parking facilities. The Phuket Old Town has been designated a UNESCO Creative City, recognizing its cultural and artistic significance.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Rico's Bungalows, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
For a more peaceful stay, request a room on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) at Rico's Bungalows. The hotel's location in Phuket means street noise can be an issue, but being higher up reduces the likelihood of it disturbing your sleep. Additionally, the rooms on the higher floors tend to have better ventilation, which can help mitigate any musty smells that may be present in the lower floors.
Rooms to avoid
If you're a light sleeper, it's best to avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they're more prone to noise from the street and service entrance. The hotel's lift is also located on the ground floor, which may cause some disturbance.
Best views
Given the hotel's address in Phuket, the best views are likely from rooms on the higher floors, which may offer partial sea views or views of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise can be a concern at Rico's Bungalows, especially on the ground floor. The hotel's location near the street means that noise from bars, restaurants, and traffic can carry into the rooms.
Insider tips
Rico's Bungalows has a small parking lot, but it can fill up quickly. If you plan to arrive by car, consider arriving early to secure a spot. The hotel's check-in process is relatively straightforward, but it's worth noting that the front desk is only staffed during certain hours. If you plan to arrive outside of these hours, be sure to make arrangements in advance.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Rico's Bungalows
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints, available in all public areas and rooms
serves all floors, but some rooms have stairs-only access for historical preservation
complimentary PressReader access, physical newspapers available in lobby
14:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 (subject to availability, 200 THB fee)
available at the front desk, 20 THB per piece, per day
step-free access to main lobby and rooms, wheelchair ramps, but some areas may be narrow or have uneven floors
on-site parking available, 50 THB per night, nearest public car park 500 meters away, 30 THB per hour; EV charging available, 100 THB per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 500 THB per person (refundable) + 1,000 THB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Po Seng Ti Te Kata Phuket (54 m · ~1 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Wat Kitti Sangkharam (875 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
กะตะ ไนท์พลาซ่า — 509 m · ~6 min walk
Kata Beach Community Park — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 75 m · ~1 min walk
Patak Pharmacy — 299 m · ~4 min walk
7-Eleven — 68 m · ~1 min walk
Kata beach — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht (THB)
Currency exchange at Phuket International Airport typically offers poor rates; consider using ATMs at banks or currency exchange booths on Thalang Road for better rates. Be aware of commission fees.
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) are widely accepted in major tourist areas and hotels, but contactless payments are not as common. Mobile payments like QR code payments are becoming more popular in local markets.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service; 20-50 THB for taxi drivers, 50-100 THB for hotel staff, 10-20 THB for restaurant service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Street vendors and small cafes offer coffee for around 30-50 THB per cup.
Street food stalls and markets offer meals for around 100-150 THB per dish.
Local restaurants serve meals for around 200-300 THB per main course.
Street food areas can be found in Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.
Big C and Tesco Lotus are common supermarket chains in the area.
Local markets like Old Phuket Town and Patong Night Market offer affordable shopping options.
The cheapest way to get around is by songthaews (red trucks) for 30-40 THB per ride; a day pass for 100 THB is also available. From the airport, take a taxi for around 500 THB or a bus for 100 THB.
Avoid exchanging money at tourist areas, as rates are often poor.Use local transport, like songthaews, instead of taxis.Eat at street food stalls or local markets for affordable and delicious meals.
Good to know — Phuket
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.34 · THB
Emergency Contacts
PhuketWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Phuket, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Rico's Bungalows
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 75 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Patak Pharmacy — 299 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Phuket International Airport (HKT) → Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
💡 Download Grab app; fixed pricing upfront. Safer and more transparent than street taxis. Pool option available for savings.
Central Phuket Town → Merlin Beach/Kamala area
💡 Red songthaews are local shared taxis; negotiate fare beforehand. Best for day trips; avoid late night travel.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) → Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
💡 Use official airport taxi counter; avoid unmarked taxis. Negotiate fixed rate before departure or ensure meter is running.
Phuket International Airport (HKT) → Central Phuket/Patong Beach area
💡 Most economical option; requires additional local transport to hotel. Buy tickets at ground floor departure hall.
About Phuket
Wikipedia ↗
Phuket ( poo-KET; Thai: ภูเก็ต, [pʰūː.kèt] , Malay: Bukit or Tongkah) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. Phuket lies off the west coast of mainland Thailand in the A...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Rico's Bungalows?
For a more peaceful stay, request a room on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) at Rico's Bungalows. The hotel's location in Phuket means street noise can be an issue, but being higher up reduces the likelihood of it disturbing your sleep. Additionally, the rooms on the higher floors tend to have better ventilation, which can help mitigate any musty smells that may be present in the lower floors.
Which rooms should I avoid at Rico's Bungalows?
If you're a light sleeper, it's best to avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they're more prone to noise from the street and service entrance. The hotel's lift is also located on the ground floor, which may cause some disturbance.
Is Rico's Bungalows noisy?
Street noise can be a concern at Rico's Bungalows, especially on the ground floor. The hotel's location near the street means that noise from bars, restaurants, and traffic can carry into the rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Rico's Bungalows?
Given the hotel's address in Phuket, the best views are likely from rooms on the higher floors, which may offer partial sea views or views of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Rico's Bungalows?
Rico's Bungalows has a small parking lot, but it can fill up quickly. If you plan to arrive by car, consider arriving early to secure a spot. The hotel's check-in process is relatively straightforward, but it's worth noting that the front desk is only staffed during certain hours. If you plan to arrive outside of these hours, be sure to make arrangements in advance.
What time is check-in at Rico's Bungalows?
Check-in at Rico's Bungalows is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Rico's Bungalows have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints, available in all public areas and rooms
Is there a city or tourist tax at Rico's Bungalows?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Rico's Bungalows?
Street food stalls and markets offer meals for around 100-150 THB per dish.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Rico's Bungalows?
The cheapest way to get around is by songthaews (red trucks) for 30-40 THB per ride; a day pass for 100 THB is also available. From the airport, take a taxi for around 500 THB or a bus for 100 THB.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
The best months to visit Phuket are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 32°C (90°F), and the crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak season. June and July offer a shoulder season with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the island's hidden gems.
Top Attractions in Phuket
💡 Bring small bills; the grilled pork skewers and mango sticky rice are worth queueing for.
💡 Dress modestly (free sarongs available); go early morning for the best light and fewest visitors — midday crowds and heat are both intense
💡 Go early morning (before 9am) to avoid heat and crowds; the walk up is steep if you skip the taxi.
💡 Dress modestly (cover knees and shoulders); climb the pagoda for good views of the grounds.
💡 Rent a deckchair for 100 baht from the southern end; there's free public parking near the temple.
💡 Entry is 200 baht (about £4), but it’s worth it for the air-con and the quiet courtyard garden; free guided tours in English at 10am.