- Phuket vs Krabi: Summary
- Phuket vs Krabi: Beach Choices
- Phuket vs Krabi: Water Sports & Activities
- Phuket vs Krabi: Accommodation
- Phuket vs Krabi: Ease of Getting There
- Phuket vs Krabi: Nightlife
- Phuket vs Krabi: Food
- Phuket vs Krabi: Shopping
- Phuket vs Krabi: Scenery
- Phuket vs Krabi: Cultural Experiences
- Phuket vs Krabi: Best Times
- Phuket vs Krabi: People and Lifestyle
- Phuket vs Krabi: Travel Costs
Phuket or Krabi, which is better to visit?... Phuket and Krabi are two of Thailand's most popular islands. Separated by the Phang Nga Bay, these two islands share a lot of similarities in terms of natural beauty and fabulous tropical climate, but which one is the better destination for you?
Take a few minutes to read through our comparison guide and you will quickly learn which out of Phuket and Krabi is more to your personal preference.
Phuket vs Krabi: Summary
Phuket is best for beach/sea activities, nightlife, and for families with children. It's more expensive, but there's more to see and do.
Krabi is best for a quieter and more relaxing holiday. It suits couples and backpackers who want picture-perfect beaches that are not over-crowded.
Phuket | Krabi | |
---|---|---|
Features | Thailand's largest island Buzzing atmosphere More well-known |
Less crowded Pristine coastlines More remote |
Ideal (shortest) stay | 3–4 days | 3 days |
Best months | December–March | December–April |
Top beaches | Patong, Karon, Kata | Ao Nang, Railay |
Top activities | Snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, ziplining, beach parties | Rock climbing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hot springs |
Top Attractions | Phuket Town, Big Buddha, Chalong Temple, Ao Phang-Nga | Krabi Town, Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, Shell Cemetery |
Nearby islands | Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands | Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta |
Shopping centers | Jungceylon, Central Festival | Outlet Village, Vogue Shopping Mall |
Travel cost | From luxury to economy | More affordable options |
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My husband and I are planning a 3 week…
Alisa was a great listener to all the things we wanted to incorporate into our trip. We discussed everything throughly, and when I had questions, she had answers the next day. I really appreciate her responsiveness and detail with me. I feel like we are in the best hands with Alisa and Asia Highlights. More
, Mar 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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We Recommend That These Travelers Choose Phuket:
- Families: Thanks to a large selection of activities and a better transport infrastructure, Phuket is ideal for parents and children.
- Activity-lovers: If you like enjoying various water sports or experiential activities, with so many beach outfits, you can expect plenty of water sports action in Phuket. Ziplining, cooking classes, and island hopping are just some of the other things to do.
- Partiers: Those wanting a boys' or girls' holiday will enjoy the great nightlife with lots of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Phuket is an excellent destination for (young) people looking for a party atmosphere.
- Culture-lovers: Those who like historical and religious sites will enjoy taking a trip through Old Phuket Town and visiting the many museums or visit temples such as the Wat Chalong.
- First-time travelers: Phuket is one of Thailand's premier tourist destinations, and, as such, is ideal for first-time visitors to the country. Perhaps on your second trip, you can venture out to more remote and lesser-known areas.
Check the sample itineraries for Thailand tours: 10 days, 12 days, 14 days and 21 days >>>
We Recommend These Travelers Choose Krabi:
- Serenity-seekers: If you want a quiet holiday for relaxation, it's good that Krabi is not as well-known as Phuket and therefore attracts fewer tourists. This is starting to change however, so now is the time to visit if you do not like crowded beaches.
- Climbers and outdoor-lovers: Rock climbing is just one of the activities that can be enjoyed in Krabi. Diving, snorkeling, ziplining, caving, and mountain biking are some of the others.
- Honeymooning couples: Offering a quiet and serene environment, Krabi is the perfect destination for young lovers.
- Experienced backpackers: Krabi is not as easy to get around in comparison to Phuket, but it is cheaper. There are some great hotels and hostels, which are very affordably priced.
1. Phuket vs Krabi: Beach Choices
Phuket: More Beach Options
There are more than 30 beaches in Phuket from the most well-known Patong Beach to secluded Khao Lak Beach.
Whether you are travelling with kids, or looking for a honeymoon destination, you will find a suitable one somewhere in Phuket.
Krabi: Fewer but More Pristine Beaches
Though Krabi cannot compete with the number of beaches on Phuket, it certainly can in terms of their natural beauty. Furthermore, with fewer tourists, the beaches of Krabi are not as crowded. >>>How to Choose from Thailand's Islands (Your Island Hopping Guide)
2. Phuket vs Krabi: Water Sports and Activities
Phuket certainly offers more in terms of activities and entertainment, while Krabi is better for a relaxing and quiet vacation.
Phuket: Rich in Entertainments
Phuket is the ultimate activity vacation destination. You can enjoy and learn how to surf, snorkel, jet ski, and shoot. You can also enjoy ziplining, beach parties, night markets, and some of the best nightlife in Thailand.
Krabi: More Adventurous
Krabi's activities are more focused on its natural surroundings. Rock climbing is the highlight of Krabi. Other activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and cave exploring are for the more adventurous.
3. Phuket vs Krabi: Accommodation
Phuket: More Choice
Phuket has more accommodation choices, while on average, they are of a higher standard. You will find many high-end hotels and resorts, with most of them just a short distance away from the beaches. >>>Where to Stay in Phuket
Krabi: More Remote
There are fewer hotels in Krabi, but many are of the same standard as Phuket's, if not quite as well equipped/infrastructured. Many hotels, resorts, or villas in Krabi are located in more remote areas, which is great if you are looking for a peaceful and secluded vibe.
4. Phuket vs Krabi: Ease of Getting There
Phuket is easier to get to for inbound travelers because of the number of flights that go there. Other than that, they are both very similar.
Phuket: Easy to Get To
International and domestic flights to Phuket Airport are not an issue.
Phuket is one of the best choices for entering Thailand. The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, and many other countries have flights to Phuket.
Major domestic cities have flights to Phuket every day, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. >>>How to Get in and around Phuket
Krabi: Rare International Flights
There are very few international flights to Krabi — only Singapore currently. But for domestic travel, it is easy to get to Krabi. Like Phuket, domestic flights are available from the major cities. >>>How to Get in and around Krabi
5. Phuket vs Krabi: Nightlife
Phuket: Colorful
If you are looking for a Thailand vacation that includes some lively nightlife, you are not going to find anywhere that comes close to the liveliness that Phuket provides. The Patong area, in particular, plays host to numerous bars and nightclubs, parties, night shows, and night markets.
Krabi: Limited
You will find a few bars with live music in Ao Nang and Krabi Town, but that is about it. There are some parties on the beach on occasions too.
6. Phuket vs Krabi: Food
As for food, Phuket is not very different from Krabi. Seafood is the staple food. Thai dishes and snacks can be found on both islands as well as Western, Indian, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. You will also find many beachfront or rooftop restaurants with beautiful sea views.
7. Phuket vs Krabi: Shopping
Phuket: Big Shopping Malls
Big shopping malls in Phuket are found close to Patong Beach with convenient locations. Two high-end shopping malls — Central Patong and Jungceylon — offer various world class brands. There are two big promotions every year (June to July and mid-December to January).
Krabi: Markets and Handcrafts
Unlike Phuket, Krabi's big markets and stores are mainly located in Krabi Town, about half an hour's drive from the beach areas. There you can find many commodity outlets and some supermarkets. But what's even better is that you can find something special and individual at the markets.
8. Phuket vs Krabi: Scenery
Phuket: Coastal Panoramas
Phuket possesses a standard beauty. It is graceful with the white beaches, crystal water, coconuts, and extended coastlines. There are many viewpoints offering a fantastic sweeping view along the coast.
Krabi: Limestone Landscapes
Krabi has its specialty scenery that appears wilder. Limestone hills are Krabi's highlight. Its karst landscape consists of mountains rising out of the water to form islands of various shapes. Compared with Phuket, Krabi is more suitable for exploring using various outdoorsy means, like kayaking.
9. Phuket vs Krabi: Cultural Experiences
Phuket: Temples, Shrines, and Old Town
Five hundred years ago Phuket was home to tin mining, which led to the initial prosperity of Phuket Old Town. Now the old Chinese-Portuguese architecture, temples and shrines there are the best places to explore its historical side.
Krabi: Few Temples
Most of the attractions in Krabi are natural-scenery-orientated, such as national parks, pools, and beaches. But there is still a Buddhist temple to explore — Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua). Legend has it that there was once a monk who practiced in a cave and a tiger outside guarded him and never left.
10. Phuket vs Krabi: Best Times
Phuket: December and March
Peak season in Phuket is between December and March as this is the driest part of the year with the best sunshine. Of course, you will pay more for flights and accommodation during this season. >>>Best Times to Visit Phuket
Krabi: December to April
In Krabi, the peak season is slightly different with most people visiting between December and April each year. >>>Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Krabi
11. Phuket vs Krabi: People and Lifestyle
Phuket: Bustling
Phuket was a booming town due to its rich tin mines, and now it is prosperous because of tourism. High-end resorts, fine restaurants, large shopping malls, plenty of bars and clubs, and sound facilities make Phuket a more cosmopolitan destination.
Krabi: Quiet
Compared with Phuket, Krabi retains a quiet, rural, and natural feel. Less crowding and development allows Krabi to keep its relatively unspoiled scenery and laid-back vibe.
12. Phuket vs Krabi: Travel Cost
Phuket: From Luxury to Economy
As one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, it should not come as a surprise that it is also one of the most expensive. You will still be able to find accommodation, food, and an itinerary that suits just about any budget, though.
Krabi: More Affordable Choices
You will have more choices at the lower end of the price scale for hotels. However, Krabi is quickly growing in popularity and catching Phuket up in many aspects, like food, drinks, lodging, and transportation — they cost about the same.
Still Hard to Decide?
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Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.
moreOur guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!
moreOur China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.
moreShe was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,
moreOur tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.
moreHe picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreTom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.
moreOur day trip to Hangzhou was phenomenal. Derek, our guide, was impeccable. By far the best guide we have had so far. He is extremely knowledgeable about the country’s history and geography and was always excited to share his insights.
moreXian es encantadora, el hotel Eastern house boutique muy buena elección por parte de la agencia, los desayunos muy completos para complacer todo tipo de gusto, lo recomiendo 100%, el itinerario fue muy acertado fueron 2 días en la ciudad xian, compartimos con la guía Susana, la atención, la amabilidad y sobre todo su profesionalismo fue lo que marcó la diferencia, sus detalles, estaba siempre en el lugar y momento correcto para hacer de xian un lugar inolvidable.
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