Phuket and Krabi are two favourite locations for travellers in this incredible country. Our Thailand tours offer the opportunity to visit both of these picturesque locations. From the bustling streets of Phuket to the tranquil beaches of Krabi, these neighbouring gems offer travellers a contrasting blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant nightlife, stunning landscapes, or cultural immersion, these two coastal havens have something extraordinary in store for every type of traveller. In this travel guide, we compare the two, so you can start planning your perfect Thailand tour or beach break!
1. Location and Key Attractions of Phuket vs Krabi
Phuket
How to get there:
Phuket is known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea and is located in the South of Thailand.
Phuket is well connected to Thailand and other destinations via Phuket International Airport.
Key Attractions in Phuket:
- Patong Beach – Famous for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beach.
- Big Buddha – A massive and iconic Buddha statue that offers panoramic views.
- Wat Chalong – The largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket.
- Phuket Tiger Kingdom – Provides a unique opportunity to get up close with tigers.
- Baan Teelanka or the Upside Down House – A quirky and fun architectural marvel ideal to visit with friends and family.
Krabi
Krabi is located in the south western coast of Southern Thailand. And just like Phuket is linked with domestic and international destinations via Krabi international airport.
Key Attractions in Krabi
- Khlong Thom Hot Springs – A must visit place in Krabi. These Natural thermal springs are perched in a lush forest.
- Khao Lak Nature Safari – This safari gives you a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.
- Thung Teao Forest National Park – This park is known for its crystal-clear lagoon and rich flora and fauna.
- Railay Beach – Accessible only by boat, this beach offers stunning limestone cliffs and pristine waters.
- Phang Nga Cave – Explore the mystical caves and beautiful landscapes.
2. Phuket vs Krabi Accommodation
Both Krabi and Phuket have various accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget. Depending on the purpose of your visit and the budget you have, you should select accommodations. For example, families with kids or a honeymoon couple are more likely to select accommodations such as a comfortable resort or 4 star hotel. Whereas tourists on a budget or backpackers can choose to stay in hotels or budget hotels.
The average cost of staying in different accommodations at both places has been mentioned below:
| Type of Accomodation | Phuket | Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Resort (per night) | 7000 – 8000 THB (approx) | 12000 – 13000 THB (approx) |
| 3 Star Hotel (mid range stay) | 700 – 800 THB (approx) | 560 – 650 THB (approx) |
| Hostel (budget stay) | 500 – 700 THB (approx) | 600 – 800 THB (approx) |
3. Phuket vs Krabi for Family
Phuket is a slightly better destination than Krabi for families with kids. It has an extensive range of kid-friendly attractions and family-friendly activities. There are many things to do in Phuket, such as visiting amusement parks, elephant sanctuaries, trickeye museum, Hanuman World, and more!
| S. No | Phuket | Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phuket Aquaria | Day tour to Phi Phi islands |
| 2 | Phuket TrickEye Museum | Rock Climbing in Railay |
| 3 | Visit Big Buddha | Spend a day at Treetop Adventure Park |
| 4 | Andamanda Water Park | Visit Krabi Elephant Sanctuary |
| 5 | Surf House Phuket | Beach Hopping |
4. Phuket vs Krabi for Honeymoon
Both Phuket and Krabi are ideal destinations for romantic escapades. However, as a couple, one should know what kind of experience one is looking for. For example, if you wish to explore the charms of beaches and the sea, along with buzzing nightlife, shopping centres, and temples, Phuket would be a perfect place.
Whereas, if you’re looking to spend time doing activities like island hopping, rock climbing, snorkelling, etc. and want to spend time in a much more laid-back destination, Krabi would be a perfect fit for your honeymoon destination. It also gives you opportunities to engage in romantic beachfront dinners and more intimate experiences.
5. Phuket vs Krabi – Beaches
Phuket and Krabi both have their fair share of fun, exciting, and laid-back beaches. Let’s take a look at them.
Phuket
- Patong Beach – It is the most famous and visited beach in Phuket. This 3-kilometre stretch of sand is lined with palm and coconut trees, along with sun decks. And the beach shacks, restaurants, and bars around Patong Beach serve delightful, amazing foods and drinks. You can also engage in watersports activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides.
- Nai Harn Beach – Nai Harn Beach is a laid-back beach with a powdery, soft stretch of sand. It is perched between the small hills and islands of Phuket. The bay of this beach anchors sailing boats and luxury yachts, which are quite popular amongst tourists. You can see restaurants scattered throughout the beach serving lip-smacking Thai seafood. The cerulean waters around this beach are crystal clear, and the beach is super clean, giving visitors a very pleasant experience.
- Kata Beach – Kata Beach is lined with many resorts and hotels. It is also great for surfers who come to this beach for consistent waves. The spectacular beach of Kata Beach has made it the main surfing spot in Phuket. Kata Beach also hosts the annual surfing competitions every year. Others who want to steer clear of water sports can laze on the sun loungers or try delicious foods from the nearby restaurant.
- Freedom Beach – Freedom Beach is a 300-metre patch of white sand beach in Phuket that is just minutes from Patong. The beach is situated in a stunning bay with granite boulders scattered around and hills covered in dense forest on all sides. Its difficulty in accessing it contributes to its exclusivity, yet the effort is well worth it.
Krabi
- Ao Nang Beach – Ao Nang Beach is a small beach bustling with tourists. It offers Instagram-worthy views and is lined up with hotels, restaurants, cafes, and small retail outlets selling knick-knacks and beach wear.
- Railay Beach – Railay Beach is a must-visit destination in Krabi. Located on the Railay peninsula, this beach is primarily famous for its spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations. Due to limestone cliffs, it is also a hotspot for rock climbing. Many tourists flock to this beach to do one of the most popular activities in Railay, i.e., rock climbing in Krabi. The beach is nothing short of beautiful, and it is a perfect, photo-worthy photo.
- Tonsai Beach – Tonsai Beach is a popular destination for backpackers and rock climbers alike, offering affordable lodging options and excellent rock climbing routes. Tonsai Beach is located close to Krabi, Thailand. It’s a bit rougher around the outermost part. The beach grows stony and unsuitable for swimming as the tide flows out.
- Koh Poda Beach – If you are looking for serenity and privacy at a beach, Koh Poda in Krabi is your best shot. Koh Poda Beach is located on the tiny island of the same name. You can take a long walk on its soft and shimmering white sand, admire the crystal-clear aquamarine waters, and enjoy solitaire bliss.
6. Phuket vs Krabi: Nightlife
Phuket – Phuket enjoys a much more vibrant nightlife when compared to Krabi. It has popular nightclubs like Illuzion to lure in peppy crowds of tourists, expats, and locals. In Phuket, one can also enjoy a full moon party at Paradise Beach, and its night markets are also very popular amongst shoppers.
Krabi – Krabi is a much more quaint destination when it comes to nightlife. Barring a few clubs, rooftop bars, and a walking street, Krabi nightlife is laid-back. It is ideal for those who do not like the hustle and bustle of nightlife and want to soak up the experiences at their own pace.
7. Phuket vs Krabi: Adventure Activities
Both Phuket and Krabi are neck-to-neck when it comes to adventure activities. However, there are certain adventure sports that are more conducive to doing in Krabi than in Phuket.
- For example, Krabi has many caves and limestone formations, which make for great rock climbing activities and cave explorations.
- Krni has a lush stretch of jungle and semi-rocky terrain, which gives a thrilling opportunity to be adventurous on an ATV ride.
- Phuket, on the other hand, has many spots ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. Its thriving coral population and diverse marine underwater life attract many water sports enthusiasts to test their nerves.
- Phuket has two amazing zipline parks, Hanuman World and Flying Hanuman, which make ziplining a popular adventure activity in Phuket. Another popular activity in Phuket is in places like Phang Nga Bay and Ao Phang Nga.
8. Phuket vs Krabi: Shopping
Phuket: Phuket provides its visitors with a diverse shopping experience. As per your budget and convenience, you can either shop at night markets, explore the floating markets, or step into massive malls like Phuket Central or Jungceylon Mall. Phuket is a better option for making high-end purchases.
Krabi: Krabi provides demure and mellow shopping experiences, but they have their own charm. Its big hypermarkets and retail outlets are located in Krabi town. This is where all the shopping takes place for most tourists. Otherwise, you can always browse knick-knacks from local souvenir shops.
9. Phuket vs Krabi: Food
Phuket: Phuket offers a wide range of international cuisines and sophisticated dining spots. From fish cakes and stir-fried noodles to packages, pizzas, and roasted meat dishes, The vibes are immaculate for foodies, whether you’re munching off from a street vendor or relishing a gourmet meal from a posh restaurant.
Krabi: When in Krabi, one must try local delicacies and seafood packed with a tsunami of flavours and seasonings. The best place to enjoy seafood in Krabi is to find beachfront eating joints and savour the freshest catch with a scenic view.
10. Phuket vs Krabi: Summary
To draw a final comparison between Thailand’s two glorious destinations, here is a table summarising all the points mentioned above:
| Feature | Phuket | Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Located in the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand | Situated on the west coast of southern Thailand |
| Accessibility | Well-connected with the Phuket International Airport | Accessible via Krabi International Airport, with flights from major cities in Asia. |
| Accommodation | Wide range of accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury resorts. | Offers various accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. |
| Family | Family-friendly attractions like water parks, aquariums, and cultural shows. | Family-oriented activities such as island hopping tours, nature reserves, and beach activities. |
| Honeymoon | Offers romantic settings, luxury resorts, and secluded beaches | Provides intimate experiences with private island tours and romantic beachfront resorts |
| Beaches | Famous for Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach | Renowned for Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach, and Phi Phi Islands |
| Nightlife | Known for vibrant nightlife in Patong, with numerous bars and clubs | Offers a more laid-back nightlife scene compared to Phuket |
| Adventure Activities | Offers activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, & island hopping | Known for rock climbing, kayaking, and exploring caves |
| Shopping | Provides diverse shopping experiences from street markets to upscale malls | Offers shopping opportunities with local markets and souvenir shops |
| Food | Diverse culinary scene with international restaurants and street food markets | Offers fresh seafood, Thai delicacies, and local eateries specialising in southern Thai cuisine |
So there you have it: the comparison table between Phuket and Krabi. Both of these tropical gems of Thailand are special in their own regard; however, your choice in selecting between these two rests on what kind of experiences you are looking for and how much your budget is. For honeymooners, Phuket may be an ideal choice, and for adventure enthusiasts, Krabi surprises with the experiences it gives to the visitors.
Phuket is slightly expensive when it comes to travel and accommodation; it hustles and bustles with people and provides a diverse set of attractions. Krabi, on the other hand, is much more laid-back and less expensive when compared to Phuket. But with careful planning and budgeting, you can pick either and have the ultimate Thai getaway with Thailand tourism.
