Krabi vs. Phuket: Which Thai destination is perfect for you?

Phuket and Krabi are among the most visited destinations in Thailand. Although they’re located only about two and a half hours’ drive apart, and both offer excellent beaches, offshore islands and plenty of activities, Thailand’s two top beach destinations differ in ambience and in the type of travellers they attract. We asked some of our Thailand experts to share their insights to help you decide which destination best matches your holiday style.

Big Buddha, Phuket

Krabi vs Phuket: At A Glance

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of its most established tourist destinations. As such it has well-developed transport links (including an international airport), plenty of hotels and resorts, and a huge variety of things to do. While you can certainly find remote pockets of tranquillity in Phuket, the overall vibe is busy and cosmopolitan. You’ll find big shopping malls, water parks and legendary nightlife, alongside fascinating architecture, a rich culture and the famed Big Buddha.

As Sian Hart, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni at John Lewis Cardiff, says, "Phuket is like getting the best of Thailand all on one island. You can explore soulful temples and buzzing markets, and then decide between whisper-quiet beaches or lively, vibrant ones. Plus, you have a string of world-famous islands right on your doorstep."

Krabi is a vast province that encompasses a large swath of mainland but is also the gateway to well over 100 islands in the Andaman Sea. Perhaps best known for the iconic limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea, it is arguably the more scenic of the two and its attractions are largely its natural assets – pristine islands, gin-clear seas, rainforests and lagoons - which inevitably draw active, adventurous travellers more interested in exploring its outdoor riches than dancing ’til dawn.

"Krabi's charm is all about its stunning, postcard-perfect scenery," says Alison Todd, Team Leader, Expert Hub. "Sure, you'll find some lively spots in Ao Nang and Krabi Town, but for the most part, it's all about rugged, serene landscapes and a laid-back vibe. If you’re up for an adventure, you can go rock climbing on Railay Beach, kayaking through mangroves or hiking to hidden waterfalls."

Phra Nang cave at sunset in Railay, Krabi

Krabi Highlights

Natural Beauty

Krabi has excellent beaches on the mainland, chief of which is the gorgeous Railay Bay. Bookended by towering limestone cliffs and only accessible by boat, it is as tranquil as it is beautiful. But it’s the pristine islands offshore, with almost luminous white sand and clear turquoise water that are the region’s trump card. No visit to Krabi would be complete without visiting the twin islands of Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay (the setting for the movie The Beach) or the Koh Hong archipelago, where the scenery is other-worldly.

Expert tip: "Make the trip even more special by exploring on a private longtail boat. Spend the day marvelling at impressive limestone formations and snorkelling in the crystal-clear lagoons of tiny, unspoiled islets." - Monique Williams, Senior Product Executive.

Stay: Situated on the tip of the Phranang Peninsula, nestled between limestone cliffs and emerald waters, Rayavadee is the perfect spot to be fully immersed in Krabi’s natural splendour.

Coral reefs, Thailand

Krabi Activities & Adventures

Krabi’s spectacular limestone formations draw rock climbers from around the world, but if you’re not a climber, there’s plenty more to do. The exceptionally clear blue seas offshore make for phenomenal diving and snorkelling, and there are a dozen or more dive shops in Ao Nang that will take you out for aquatic adventures.

Inland, you’ll find national parks with huge tracts of steamy rainforest. Explore the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park where you can swim in the crystal-clear Emerald Pool as well as soak in hot springs, or go off the beaten track and explore the trails, waterfalls and caves of Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. If you’re feeling energetic, it’s well worth climbing the 1,237 steps to the top of Dragon Crest Mountain for the stunning wraparound views of mountains, islands and deep blue sea.

For those who prefer more sedate activities, a stay in Krabi is a great opportunity to take a cooking class, indulge in a stress-busting spa treatment, or simply lounge in a hammock at the water’s edge.

Krabi night market

Krabi After Dark

Where Phuket’s nightlife is wild, Krabi’s is mild. Wander along Ao Nang beach in the evening and you’ll find dozens of restaurants with tables set up on the sand. If you’re looking for something livelier, head to Centre Point, where there are cabaret shows, live music venues and nightclubs. In Krabi town, you can sample local cuisine at unbeatable prices at the night market, and then head to Walking Street for cocktails, clubs and late-night fun.

Paresa Phuket

Phuket Highlights

Natural Beauty

Phuket’s sandy beaches and azure seas are without doubt its key natural attraction and each cove and sweep of sand has something different to offer. Patong, Karon and Kata beaches in the south are some of the busiest and offer every service and activity you could want, but for a quieter, more secluded experience, set your sights further up the west coast where the beaches are serenity-defined, with just a handful of hotels sharing wide, calm bays.

Expert tip: "For mesmerising views, Paresa Phuket, an all-villa hideaway perched on a cliff overlooking Kamala Beach, is hard to beat. Nicknamed the 'heaven of heavens,' it’s easy to see why. Relaxing in your private pool, watching the sun dip below the waves, feels like you've discovered Thailand's best-kept secret." Matt Loft, Trading Executive.

Elephant Care Experience, Phuket

Phuket Activities & Adventures

With everything from banana boats and jet skis to diving and paragliding on offer at the southern beaches, you could practice water sports from sunrise to sunset. But that would mean you would miss out on some of the other key activities in Phuket, away from the beach: dining at excellent restaurants, visiting the historic shophouses and admiring the street art in Phuket’s old town, seeing the 45-metre tall Big Buddha, and meeting rescued elephants at Elephant Care Experience.

Phuket is also within easy reach of some of Thailand’s most photographed smaller islands, including the heavenly Similan Islands, dramatic James Bond Island, and the curious limestone pillars and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay, so spending a day (or three) island hopping by longtail boat is bound to be a highlight.

Stay: With so much to do in Phuket, Amari Phuket is an ideal base for those who want to be close to the action, but not in the thick of it. Perched on a hillside close to Patong beach, it’s removed from the hubbub and offers sweeping ocean views and stylish modern Thai decor.

Night scene in Thailand

Phuket After Dark

Those wanting to party the night away in Phuket certainly can. And those wanting to simply sip frothy cocktails and quietly watch the sun go down can do that too. The apres-beach scene in Phuket is nothing if not varied. Bangla Road is the epicentre of the nightlife, where you’ll find music, dancing, beer bars and a whole lot more. It’s definitely an experience – but not suitable for those travelling with young children.

For something different, why not watch a Muay Thai match, or unwind from a day of water sports with a Thai massage?

Stay: For easy access to a tamer version of Phuket nightlife, stay at Marina Phuket Resort. From there you can reach Kata’s Walking Street Night Market with its cheap, tasty street food in one direction, and in the other, you’ll find the beach clubs and cocktail bars of Karon.

Ko Lao Lading, Krabi Province

Summary

Krabi and Phuket are two of Thailand’s favourite beach destinations and each has its own particular character. If eco-tourism adventures, natural beauty and a slow-paced exploration of gorgeous islands is your idea of holiday bliss, Krabi will be heaven for you. But if you need some buzz mixed in with your beach days and boat trips, then Phuket has enough variety to let you find just the right level to suit you. And if both options appeal, then a multi-centre holiday may be just the ticket.

This feature was created on 11th September 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge.