Phuket vs Krabi: Which Is Better to Go? (A Helpful Comparison for You)

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.

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Great Experience WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More Stephen Hollis, Aug 2023

Alisa has has been great to work with Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More Ana Rausch, Aug 2023

Using Sharon right now to book our… Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More Tracy, Aug 2023

Thailand, Singapore, Bali In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More Cassi Thunker, Jul 2023

Very supportive Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c, Jul 2023

My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More Richard, Jul 2023

A pleasure to plan with Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More Chris Williams, Jul 2023

Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More CL, Jul 2023

I never used a travel agent in my life I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More Antione Barry, Jul 2023

Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia! Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More Debi Hinerfeld, Jul 2023

We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand … It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More SIMO el ghobar, Jun 2023

Wonderful Guides and Experience Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More Jessica Bennett, Jun 2023

Guide - Chai We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More Customer, Jun 2023

Our guide Tanni was kind Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More Marissa Manson, Jun 2023

We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip… Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More Diane Creitz, Jun 2023

Tanni for the win! 14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More Megan McGlynn, Jun 2023

This isn't my first trip with Asia… This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More Katie Potesta, Jun 2023

Amazing service Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More Alex, May 2023

I have never hear of this company… I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More orge alvarez, May 2023

Coco Yang worked tirelessly to… From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More Debbie Woods, May 2023

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.

14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour Specially Designed for the First Asia Trip for 2 Weeks

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.

21-Day China, Laos, and Thailand Discovery From Beijing to Luang Prabang and Bangkok: An Epic Journey across Asia

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.

Karon Beach, 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)

10-Day Best of Thailand at Yi Peng Festival Mini-Group Tour 2023 (US$2179)Date:Nov.24 – Dec.3, 2023

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.

11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour From the Ruins of Angkor to the Beauties of Chiang Mai and Phuket Island

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. >>>How to Choose a Hotel in Krabi

12-Day Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour Spellbinding Historic Sites, Natural Beauty & Welcoming People

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

Patong, Phuket

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.

12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour Bangkok - Khao Yai National Park - Chiang Mai - Krabi

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

Krabi

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.

9-Day Thailand Family Tour with Elephant Encounter & Island Escape

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?

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

• 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
• 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday