Among the many in Thailand, Krabi and Phuket are two gems in the Asian wonderland. Separated by Phang Nga Bay, these neighbors have kept the travelers on their toes forever. Krabi or Phuket is like having to choose between skydiving and cliff jumping. The identical geographical features, a bounty of adventures to enthrall and splendid serenity – it gets extremely difficult to choose between the two islands. So to the question Phuket or Krabi which is better?, we might just have the answer below to help you save a lot of time and internet scrounging with this Krabi vs Phuket infographic.
Krabi is only an hour and half drive from Phuket. So, you can have best of both worlds instead of choosing one. But in case you have limited time and have to pick one, this Krabi vs Phuket infographic is to the rescue.
Overview – Phuket Vs Krabi
Geography: Both these islands are located in southern Thailand. While Phuket island is spread over 543 sq KM with 30 small islands, Krabi covers a whopping 4708 sq KM divided among 80 pet islands.
Terrain: Phuket is all about mountains and beaches whereas Krabi has got mangrove forests added to its kitty. Limestone cliffs are added attractions in Krabi.
Climate: Both the places have a tropical monsoon climate, Krabi gets more rainfall than Phuket.
Best time to visit: Wondering what is the best time to visit Krabi and Phuket? Phuket is good to go from December to March whereas Krabi welcomes more of its tourists between October to April.
Annual Travellers: Phuket was expecting 7.4 million tourists by the end of 2015 while Krabi hopes for 3 million. Large area and fewer visitors!
How to reach: Take a connecting flight to either Krabi or Phuket from Bangkok. Phuket has its Phuket International Airport while Krabi has got its domestic Krabi Airport. Approximate time to reach both the destinations is 1.5 hours.
Average stay: Phuket is relatively expensive as an average hotel stay for 2 people in a 3 or 4-star hotel costs around 10000 THB. Krabi, for the same costs around 5000 THB.
Places to stay: If you want a more sophisticated option to stay, then obviously Phuket is better. You will find high-end 3 to 5 star luxury resorts in Phuket. Krabi is more appropriate as a honeymoon destination since it is less popular. So, you will have some extent of privacy and isolation amidst nature. There is not much difference in terms of cost of living.
Tourist attractions: Well, there is no doubt that both these places have a myriad of attractions to visit. When we are comparing Krabi vs Phuket, both have unique propositions. While Phuket is popular for historical and religious sites, Krabi offers natural attractions like the iconic Emerald Pool, national parks in Krabi, and pristine coastlines. If you are after cultural experience, Phuket is the place to be.
Must Read: 45 Breathtaking Places To Visit In Krabi For A Relaxing Thai Vacation
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Attractions: Krabi Vs Phuket
When it comes to a diverse number of things to do in Thailand, Phuket sweeps it away in any Krabi or Phuket comparison sheet. Again it all comes down to the kind of experiences you are looking forward to from your holiday. While Phuket is more happening, Krabi is a paradise for nature and isolation lovers.
Phuket
In a Phuket and Krabi comparison, Phuket scores better with its helicopter rides provided by Skydance Aero and other adventure activities in Phuket over the beaches of Andaman Sea. Here is the list of the best places to visit in Phuket. Take a look!
- Helicopter Ride – One of the most famous places to visit in Phuket is the site where you can hop on a helicopter and enjoy the picturesque view of the whole city from high above.
- Phuket Aquarium – One of the other major attractions in Phuket is its underwater aquarium. Recently renovated, this aquarium hosts thousands of colourful, tropical and exotic marine creatures. This aquarium is a hot cake among the travelers who have not seen the marine life so up close.
- Ban Teelanka – Visit the Upside Down House at Ban Teelanka and get ready to have a blast on your vacation. You can play games here in the escape game room and solve the garden maze as well.
Suggested Read: 25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That You Must Not Miss On Your Vacation
Krabi
The nature safaris in the forests of Krabi are the most chosen options. The hot springs at Klong Thom, Thung Teao Forest National Park, Susan Hoi (shell cemetery) and the street markets are the other major attractions in Krabi. So, if you are comparing Krabi vs Phuket in terms of nature and wildlife experiences, Krabi wins hands-down. Check out the list of best places to visit in Krabi!
Khao Lak – Located in the Takua Pa district, Khao Lak is the best spot for those who are crazy about nature safari. Khao Lak is known for its gorgeous beaches, an eminent museum, and its mesmerizing surroundings.
Klong Thom Hot Spring – Get ready to relax your body and soul at the Klong Thom Hot Spring as it is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Krabi. You can take a dip in the hot spring waters and spend some time with nature.
Thung Teao Forest National Park – Another famous tourist attraction in Krabi, Thung Teao Forest National Park is perfect for all wildlife lovers. You can visit the Emerald pool in this national park or just walk around and have a look at the colorful flowers and stunning bird species.
Food Options In Krabi And Phuket
Any Phuket or Krabi match would be incomplete without a listing of mouth watering delicacies that both the islands have to offer. Is Phuket better or Krabi in terms of food experience? Well, here is your answer.
Phuket: Sophisticated Dining Experience
Phuket takes a lead when it comes to fine-dining establishments. The restaurants in Phuket have classier and more sophisticated atmosphere. It is a food lover’s paradise where international cuisines are served. Variants of cold coffee on the street side stalls are worth trying! There are many Indian restaurants in Phuket to satiate your desi taste buds.
- Best restaurants in Phuket: Mom Tri’s Kitchen, Black Ginger, La Gritta Italian Restaurant, Dedos Restaurant, Kan Eang@Pier.|
Suggested Read: 5 Best Zoos In Phuket You Must Explore On Your Trip To Thailand
Krabi: Rustic & Relaxed Shacks
Even though Krabi lacks sophistication, it makes up with intimate beach shacks from where you can enjoy pristine views of the ocean along with your food. It serves authentic Thai cuisine and is a seafood lover’s paradise. There is a fair share of Indian restaurants in Krabi as well. Located near one of the best fishing ports in Thailand, Krabi offers exquisite Thai delicacies. Laem Sak seafood, Thara Kitchen and Ban Lay Thai Kitchen are some of the best restaurant options to try.
- Best restaurants in Krabi: Gecko Cabane, Jenna’s Bistro & Wine, Krua Thara, Diver’s Inn Steakhouse, The Grotto
Suggested Read: You Must Try Krabi Snorkeling At Least Once Before You Die
Things To Do: Krabi Vs Phuket
Which is better Phuket or Krabi when it comes to adventure? With less population density and more forest areas, for a nature lover & wilderness enthusiast, the answer to “Phuket or Krabi which is better” would definitely be Krabi. Again, Krabi offers adventurous experiences that involves rendezvous with nature while Phuket has a little bit of all.
Phuket: Ziplining & More
Phuket’s major attraction is the Flying Hanuman at Kathu. A zip line through the forests of Phuket with a blend of multiple adventures, Flying Hanuman costs around 2300 THB to 3500 THB. Elephant trekking, ATV Tours, rafting, Canoeing in Phuket, Scuba and island hopping from Koh Phi Phi to Bond Island are other must-try adventures.
Suggested Read: 20 Romantic Things To Do In Phuket For An Enchanting Beach Vacay With Your Loved One!
Krabi: Tree-top Adventures, Fishing & Quad Biking
When deciding upon Phuket or Krabi for family holiday, adventures play a part too. Krabi scores more than Phuket when it comes to adventuring around. If you do not go for the Tree Top Adventures at Ao Luek, you have not completed the ‘adventures to do in this life’ checklist.
Fishing in the Andaman Sea is also a lifetime experience to have. Besides all of these, Krabi offers quad biking, go-karting, bungee jumping from its limestone cliffs and snorkeling at the 4 islands of Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, Koh Mor. There is fair share of water sports in Krabi as well that you can try during your stay.
Suggested Read: 10 Indian Restaurants In Krabi: Get The Taste Of Desi Zayaka In Thailand In 2021!
Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
Nightlife: Krabi Vs Phuket
Well, comparing Krabi vs Phuket in terms of nightlife, Phuket takes a lead here. Since Krabi has strict enforcement laws on the beaches, the wildlife is not as crazy as you will ex perience in Phuket. You can go full throttle in Phuket and party all night. Krabi makes it up by offering live music sessions and karaoke sessions in the bars by the beaches.
Phuket: Cabaret Shows, Gay Bars & All Night Clubs
If we talk about nightlife in Krabi vs Phuket, Phuket scores above Krabi when it comes to a live wire nightlife. With its animated Gay bars in Paradise Complex, Phuket’s nightlife is sensational. Ladyboy Cabaret Shows at Phuket Simon Cabaret, Go-Go Bars in Patong beach and all nightclubs and discs never allow this Thai paradise to sleep. The beaches in Phuket are quite lively all night!
- Best nightlife spots in Phuket: Soi Bangla road, White Room Nightclub, Phuket FantaSea, Siam Niramit Phuket
Krabi: Karaoke Bars & Beach Parties
So, the question arises, is Krabi better than Phuket? Though this beautiful retreat is not loaded with fun places for the night crawlers yet Krabi’s nightlife has been catching up to that of Phuket’s. It has got some good Karaoke bars on Maharat road. The revelers enjoy all night beach parties.
- Best nightlife spots in Krabi: Boogie Bar, Ao Nang Center Point, Tew Lay Bar, Sunset Bar, Fu Bar
Further Read: 12 Exciting Water Sports In Phuket You Should Not Miss
The debate of Krabi vs Phuket is never-ending. It all comes down to the kind of experience you are after. By now, when we have cleared out a lot for you, plan your ultimate Thai paradise experience according to your choices and let us know which went better. Book your trip to Thailand with TravelTriangle and for a visual understanding, do scroll down for the info-graphic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Krabi Vs Phuket
Are Krabi and Phuket the same?
Krabi and Phuket are two different provinces that are now the most popular places to visit in Thailand.
How far is Krabi from Phuket?
By land, Krabi and Phuket are 180 kilometers apart and by sea, the distance is three times shorter. Moreover, you will find regular buses running in between these places but there is no railway connectivity as Phuket is a separate island.
How long is a boat ride from Phuket to Krabi?
There is only one ferry that offers its services between Phuket and Krabi which is provided by Phi Phi Cruiser. The services are rendered 7 times a week and it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance.
Which is better Phuket or Krabi?
If you are looking for a well-developed place with all the facilities then Phuket is the place to be. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the bucolic nature and laze around in the natural setting then Krabi is the best choice.
Is Krabi worth visiting?
There is no doubt that Krabi is a place worth visiting as it offers a beautiful setting amidst nature where you can treat your eyes with the view of blue waters and tall green trees.
How many days do you need in Krabi?
For Island Hopping in Krabi, two days will be enough whether traveling with friends, family or alone.
Is grab available in Krabi?
You will find no cab services in Krabi so have to get around via buses and motorcycle taxis.
How many days in Phuket is enough?
If you want to have the best look of Phuket then make sure that you spend at least 4 days but if you are on a tight schedule then 2-3 days are enough.
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An avid traveler, photographer, and writer, he can be spotted in a remote Indian destination twice every month. A true believer of “live like there’s no tomorrow”, Pushkar is out to strike all places off his bucket list before others have even made one!
