Phuket Vs Krabi Which Is Right For You?Find out which Thailand beach retreat is the best choice for you.
When do you want to go?
2024
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Best Beach Tours in Thailand
The most important factor when planning a beach holiday is, well… the beaches! Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Phuket and Krabi are home to many of them.
Both Phuket and Krabi offer many perfect beaches, but which is right for you? We’ve compared both Phuket and Krabi in categories like beaches, sightseeing, food and more so you can decide which location is the perfect place for your next group tour!
Beaches
When in Phuket, make sure to visit some of the amazing beaches in the surrounding area. Go surfing on Kata beach, swimming at Nai Harn beach, and take advantage of the variety of water sports available on Karon beach. All of these beaches offer incredible views which make them the perfect place to relax in the warm Thai sun. Phuket’s beaches are generally busier than Krabi’s but are more accessible and closer to facilities – a better destination for families perhaps.
Krabi is similarly famous for its beaches, meaning that it is the perfect location for any beach holiday. If you want to stay on the mainland, you can visit Railay and Phra Nang Cave beaches, which offer stunning views, water sports, cave exploration, and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for a beach holiday! If you are looking for more of an adventure, you can go to one of the hundreds of surrounding islands to spend time on their perfect white sand beaches. Travel to the islands of Ko Phi Phi Lee and Bamboo, which boast some of the most idyllic beaches in Thailand. Relax under the bamboo trees and go swimming in the pristine blue waters that surround these exquisite islands.
We Recommend: Both are great options but if we HAD to choose one we’d pick Krabi.
Sightseeing
In both Phuket and Krabi you will find no shortage of things to do to make the trip unforgettable for everyone, no matter what they are looking for. Both regions of Thailand offer a great number of things to do and see for all who visit.
In Phuket, those who are interested in learning more about the culture of this beautiful island can visit the temple of Wat Chalong. This 19th century Buddhist temple complex can only be described as a masterpiece of engineering. And then there is the famous 45-metre-tall Big Buddha marble statue which towers over southern Phuket. If you want to get more in touch with wildlife, then the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park for rescued elephants is a must visit. This ethical elephant experience keeps rescued and rehabilitated elephants in a near-natural environment. And it allows visitors to feed and wash these gentle giants. Elephant riding is not permitted at the facility.
Krabi also has many sights for tourists to see. If you want a cultural experience, then you must visit the Tiger Cave Temple. Situated at the top of a cliff, you climb over 1,200 steps to reach the top, but the panoramic views make the walk more than worth it. In addition to exploring and learning more about this temple you can wander through the caves that surround the area and see all the unique statues that have been placed there throughout history by many different faiths. One of the highlights of Krabi is the archipelago situated just off its shores. Visit the beautiful islands of Ko Phi Phi Lee, Poda, and Bamboo to stroll along the stunning sand beaches and marvel at the lush forests that cover the islands.
We Recommend: It’s a tie!
Cost
Phuket, Krabi and most Thai destinations are considerably cheaper than the majority of Western countries. But if you’re a budget-conscious traveller trying to choose between Phuket and Krabi for your beach break, then there is a favourite when comparing the cost of exploring these two places. Phuket is more expensive than Krabi. These higher prices are seen in everything from food and accommodation to a refreshing drink. So, if you’re looking for a getaway in Thailand but don’t want to break the bank, Krabi is the destination we recommend for you.
We Recommend: Krabi
Food
Thai cuisine is known for combining sweet, spicy, and sour flavours, which makes the food feel both exciting and cosy. Dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry, which many people recognize, along with Som Tum (papaya salad) and Tom Yum Goong soup, (which smells amazing) are all must-try dishes for visitors to the region. Thai food uses lots of fresh plants, spices, and tropical ingredients. This gives it a big burst of sensations and flavour that showcase Thailand’s nature and traditions. You can enjoy it at food stalls, local eateries, or fancier restaurants.
Even though both Phuket and Krabi offer similarly amazing food experiences, we would say that Phuket is the better choice for food due to the much wider range of Thai and international options. Phuket is also well renowned for its nightlife, with a much wider selection of bars, restaurants, resorts and clubs than Krabi. So if you’re in a party mood then it may be the destination for you!
We Recommend: Phuket
Getting there and local transport
Getting to and around Phuket and Krabi is relatively straightforward, but there are some differences to consider.
Phuket, being a popular international tourist destination, has its own international airport (Phuket International Airport). This means that travellers from around the world can often find direct flights to Phuket. This makes it a convenient and easily accessible beach destination. Phuket also boasts a well-developed transportation network with roads, taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses that make navigating the island easy. The rental services, such as scooters and cars, provide additional flexibility.
Krabi also has an international airport (Krabi International Airport), though this airport is smaller and caters to slightly fewer direct international flights than Phuket. However, both Phuket and Krabi are well-connected to major airports within Thailand, making it relatively easy to fly domestically to either destination from Bangkok or elsewhere in the country. In terms of getting around Krabi itself the region embraces a simpler approach than Phuket. Its local transportation includes tuk-tuks, buses, and taxis, creating a more relaxed vibe. What sets Krabi apart is its access to captivating islands and beaches reachable by boat, like Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands.
In terms of getting to the regions Phuket has a slight edge due to its well-established reputation as a global tourist hub and its larger airport with more international connections. In terms of getting around the regions themselves, Krabi offers a laid-back experience and the enchantment of island-hopping adventures via boat giving it a slight edge over Phuket.
We recommend: Phuket to get to and Krabi to get around.
Conclusion
Phuket and Krabi are both fantastic destinations for travellers looking for both cultural and beach holidays. In terms of which is ‘better’ it depends on what you’re looking for. Phuket is a more metropolitan city with a more diverse range of attractions in terms of food and activities. However, Krabi is cheaper, more relaxed, and a more tranquil location for a trip. Phuket is visited on several of our Thailand tours. And we offer optional beach break add-ons in both Krabi and Phuket too! We wouldn’t want you to miss out on two of Thailand’s most beautiful destinations. Whether you are searching for a relaxed beach holiday or to learn more about the history and culture of these regions, Phuket and Krabi feature numerous opportunities to make your time here as memorable as possible.
Highlights of Thailand
From the ancient temples of Ayutthaya and the Grand Palace in Bangkok to the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, the serene beaches of Phuket in southern Thailand, and the historic ruins of Sukhothai, Thailand is a dream destination for lovers of history. Chiang Mai is the place to go for traditional Thai architecture. Bangkok was the birthplace of pad Thai. The Phi Phi Islands are, well, the Phi Phi Islands. Away from the mainland, Koh Samui, Phangan, and Phi Phi Islands are tropical paradises, while Khao Yai National Park is one of Thailand's most diverse ecosystems! On the east coast, Krabi is a great destination for travelers on their second or third visit to Thailand. These are the unmissable highlights to visit on your Thailand package.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, hidden in the beautiful greenery of northern Thailand, is a cultural treasure known for its ancient temples, bustling markets, and tranquil environment. The city's rich history is palpable as you tour its exquisitely decorated temples, like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which sits atop a mountain overlooking the city.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai, located in northern Thailand, is historically significant as the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. Sukhothai is revered as the cradle of Thai culture, with an assortment of perfectly preserved temples, Buddha statues, and architectural marvels that depict the kingdom's golden age.
Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai
Kanchanaburi, located in western Thailand, is a fascinating location known for its historical significance and breathtaking natural beauty. At the heart of this province is the renowned River Kwai, which has been immortalized in literature and film for its role in WWII.
Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai, home to the famed White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), an architectural marvel with elaborate carvings and dazzling accents, provides insight into the region's spiritual past. Beyond its well-known temple, the city has busy marketplaces brimming with local handicrafts, tasty street food booths, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to travelers.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park consists of rugged islands jutting out from the perfect turquoise water, each one containing a plethora of flora and fauna just waiting to be discovered. There are dozens of ways to explore the park, from canoeing and rafting to simply following the snaking paths on foot. Along the way, you are likely to see the notorious Rafflesia flower, the largest flower in the world. In terms of wildlife, tigers, leopards, bears, gibbons, elephants, deer and cobras can all be found lurking within the leafy enclaves of the park.
