Carli
Carli
Trying to decide how to choose between Phuket vs Krabi Thailand? Let me break down the differences between these two very different Thai provinces.
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Phuket vs Krabi: Which is easier to get to?
Even though Phuket is the smaller of the two provinces, Phuket gets 2-3 times more tourists than Krabi. This means Phuket also has a lot more flight options than Krabi. This is especially true when it comes to international flights.
Getting to Krabi
Krabi has domestic flights to/from Bangkok, Chaing Mai and Koh Samoi. The international flights are limited to Singapore and Dubai.
The other option is to drive from Phuket to Krabi. From the Phuket airport, the drive is 2.5 – 3 hours to Ao Nang, Krabi. Whether renting a car, or taking a shuttle or taxi, it can be advantageous to go from Krabi to Phuket since there are more flight options available.
Getting to Phuket
There are many non-stop domestic flights options to Phuket. But the major difference in traveling to Phuket vs. Krabi is the number of options for international flight. You’ll find direct flights to all the nearby Southeast Asian countries, and large Asian countries like China and India. Beyond those, you can find direct flights as far south as Australia, and as far north as Finland.
The amount of flights to Phuket makes this airport desirable even if Phuket is not your final destination. Besides nearby Krabi, you can also get to neighboring Phang Nga since the Phuket airport is just south of the Phang Nga border.
From here you can easily get to Phang Nga Bay or Krabi by rental car, taxi or shuttle bus.
Renting a Car in Phuket: Everything You Need to Know
Phuket or Krabi: Which has access to islands?
There are hundreds of islands in the Andaman Sea surrounding Phuket and Krabi, but the largest, and most famous islands are part of Phang Nga Bay or Krabi provinces.
In Phuket, you’ll find smaller islands off of the south and eastern coast of Phuket. To the east of Phuket are Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi, which can be accessed by boat from the northeastern side of Phuket.
The world famous Phi Phi islands, with Maya Bay are a part of Krabi province. They are accessible from southern Phuket, but are closer by boat to Ao Nang and Koh Lanta.
If you’re looking for island hopping day trips, between Krabi or Phuket, Krabi is the better choice. From Ao Nang you can find trips to the Phi Phi islands, the Hong Islands, and there are other smaller island tours available. These tours are either not available, or harder to do from Phuket as the majority of hotels and resorts are on the west and south part of the island. You’ll then need to travel over to the east side of the island to hop on a boat.
Krabi vs Phuket nightlife
Nightlife in Krabi is pretty quiet outside of Krabi Town. The popular tourist towns such as Ao Nang have bars and some smaller clubs for dancing, but overall you’ll find the vibe to be pretty chill. Phuket on the other hand has more towns to choose from, and in a smaller area.
For more active nightlife Patong is going to be the city. There are different areas with bars throughout Patong. There is an area with about a dozen small open air bars near the Baumanburi Hotel. You’ll also find a row of bars along the southern access to Patong Beach, ending with Dolphin Bar. The most intense nightlife is along the walking street. This is where you’ll find loud clubs, but also more unsavory nightlife.
I do not recommend going to the walking street in Patong. While on the walking street, I was physically assaulted by what I can only assume was a sex worker, while I was taking pictures of the entry sign. I was already not vibing with Patong, so after this I was quite ready to move on to Krabi.
Krabi vs Phuket, which is best for families?
Between Phuket and Krabi, Phuket is much more developed, with more hotels and resorts to choose from across different towns on the island. There are many 4 and 5 star resorts that cater to family travel in Phuket. You can certainly find that in Krabi as well, but there are more options in Phuket. Many of these resorts have multiple pools, kids clubs, and other kid friendly activities. There is also quite a bit more public beach access throughout the island than in Krabi, as there are fewer public beaches available outside the main tourist towns.
Phuket also has a number of elephant sanctuaries. This is a unique activity, but I do not recommend it for young children as the tour may be too long, and too hot for kids to enjoy.
The Best Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket for Ethical Tourism
Krabi or Phuket for couples
As stated above Phuket has a seemingly unlimited supply of hotels throughout the province, and you can find some incredible luxury hotels at very low rates compared to the US or Caribbean. The hotels along the southern portion of the island are in a much quieter location than around Patong or Kamala Beach.
Ao Nang and Railay offer a quieter experience than the busy areas of Phuket, while still providing enough shops, restaurants and tours for those that still want to have options in walking distance.
Railay can only be accessed by boat, but once you land, you’ll find bars, restaurants and shops right by the boat access. The public longtail boats go from Ao Nang to Railay until around 6 (later in the busiest season) but typically not late at night. This means only the travelers staying here, or those living in Railay are here at night, which makes it a much more local scene.
However for more secluded couples trips, try staying on one of the islands in Phang Nga Bay. Phi Phi has water that almost glows green. There is a very different feeling staying on the island rather than taking a day tour.
Koh Lanta has miles of white sandy beaches, and since the islands are further from the mainland and airport, the travelers that visit Koh Lanta are going for relaxation. These islands are known for their crystal clear water with fantastic dive sites and snorkeling, for the more adventurous couple.
Phuket vs Krabi conclusion
If you don’t have time to visit both regions, you’ll have to decide what your end goal is for your trip. If you want to have more restaurants, shops and bars available with easier access to and from the airport, Phuket is your best bet.
However, if you’re willing to spend a little more time traveling to your final destination in search of fewer people and world class beaches, Krabi may be the location for you.
Phuket vs Krabi FAQs
Phuket or Krabi which is better?
This depends entirely on what you want out of your vacation. Phuket is easier to get to, with more hotel options, however Krabi has fewer tourists and a more low key vibe.
is it better to go to Phi Phi from Krabi or phuket?
It is easier to get to Phi Phi from Krabi than from Phuket. The Phi Phi islands are part of Krabi and closer to Ao Nang by boat. From Phuket, you will need to travel to the southeast side of the island, then catch a boat to Phi Phi.
Is 2 days enough in Krabi?
No, I would recommend at least 4 days in one location. Longer if you intend to just relax and spend time at the beach, or visit different towns and/or islands in the area.
When should I go to Krabi and Phuket?
The best time to visit Krabi and Phuket is from November to February. This is generally when the weather is drier and cooler, making it an ideal time to visit Thailand.
What is the best island between Krabi and Phuket?
The Phi Phi islands are most famous islands between Krabi and Phuket due to the bright green water and pristine beaches. However, as a result the small islands get quite busy. For a day trip from Krabi I recommend the Hong Islands as you will have fewer people with access to nearly empty beaches. If you are planning an overnight stay, Koh Yao is a cheaper and less busy alternative to Koh Phi Phi.
Is it worth going to Krabi from Phuket?
If you have time to spend extra days in Krabi, then I absolutely recommend going from Phuket to Krabi. These provinces will have very different vibes and experiences. Krabi is best for island hopping (either day trips, or overnights) whereas Phuket has more activity inland.
Is Krabi cheaper than Phuket?
As far as food and drinks, the cost will be about the same for Phuket vs Krabi. Hotel pricing won’t be much cheaper in Krabi compared to Phuket. You can find hotels and hostels in all budget ranges throughout the two provinces.
Is Phuket or Krabi better for families?
Phuket is somewhat better for families, mostly because of the abundance of family friendly resorts and the ease of access to get to the island. There are more flight options to Phuket than Krabi. Also, Krabi has many islands which take longer to get to, especially when traveling with children.
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