Are you planning a trip to the beaches of Thailand for the first time?
One of the most common things newbie travellers ask us before booking their Thailand trip is, “Phuket or Krabi?” Both destinations come with famously beautiful landscapes, long strips of sandy beaches, and an exciting mix of things to do, making the decision a tough one.
As residents of Krabi, we’ve got to admit our partiality; after all, we made Krabi our home for a reason! However, today we’re going to provide a balanced comparison to help you decide which destination might be best for your travel experience.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Phuket and Krabi, explore how many days are ideal for each, and highlight why we think Krabi pips Phuket to the post. We’ll also cover the nightlife and natural attractions of both areas to give you a comprehensive view.
If you’re planning to visit both locations, we recommend using our blog: How to get from Krabi to Phi Phi
- The pros and cons of Phuket vs. Krabi
- How many days are ideal for Phuket and Krabi?
- Why is Krabi better than Phuket?
The pros and cons of Phuket vs. Krabi
Phuket Pros:
Vibrant Nightlife: Phuket is celebrated for its bustling nightlife, particularly in Patong Beach. There are absolutely tons of clubs, bars, and beach parties to choose from, so you could take advantage of a completely different scene each night.
Luxury Resorts: There is an abundance of high-end resorts and luxury accommodations; we particularly like accommodations around the areas of Surin Beach, Bang Tao Beach, and Nai Harn.
Variety of Activities: In the last 10 years or so, Phuket has started to strongly compete with the likes of Kuala Lumper for activities that have a more ‘western’ nod to them. From busy shopping malls to entertainment shows like the Phuket FantaSea, there’s no end to the things to see and do. This is a particularly important pro for those who are worried they might feel a little out of their comfort zone without some home-like familiarities.
Read our Phuket travel Guide
Phuket Cons:
Crowded Beaches: Phuket’s popularity means that its beaches can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.
Higher Costs: The luxury and popularity come at a price; Phuket is generally more expensive than Krabi.
Commercialisation: This is one of our key Phuket cons. We hear many travellers note that Phuket is overly commercialised and has lost some of its authentic Thai charm. If you’re looking for something that feels more ‘off-the-beaten path’, this is more difficult to find in Phuket (though not impossible).
Krabi Pros:
Famous Natural Scenery: Krabi is famous for its iconic limestone cliffs, gravity-defying sea stacks, and surrounding islands. Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Railay are main departure points to some of the most famous islands in Thailand, from trips to Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai stay overs, to smaller day-trip locations like Hong Island and Krabi’s 4 island sunset tours.
Laid-Back Atmosphere: Krabi offers a more relaxed vibe, ideal for those looking to enjoy a quieter trip or spend time in nature without the large crowds. The main towns all sport an abundance of hippy-vibe reggae bars that encourage a slower lifestyle.
Affordability: Krabi is generally more budget-friendly than Phuket, with a range of accommodation and dining options to suit all pockets. We’ve created a handy foodie guide for breakfast and brunch lovers, full of colourful photos and local recommendations.
Krabi Cons:
Limited Nightlife: While there are a significant number of bars and restaurants, Krabi’s nightlife is more subdued compared to Phuket’s. If you’re looking for large parties, Krabi and Ao Nang are not the place. There are no dedicated nightclubs as such, however, Ao Nang’s beach front has two main late-night spots: Ao Nang Center Point – a nightlife centre with three floors of different entertainment and Tribe Bar (our favourite cocktail happy hour with underground house and trance music.)
Accessibility: Phuket has an international airport, making it easier to reach directly. Krabi’s airport has recently upgraded and is now taking international flights, but at a much lighter scale. As a result, a lot of travellers still require a connection through Bangkok.
How many days are ideal for Phuket and Krabi?
Phuket: There’s a lot of ground to cover across Phuket, and (given the variety of activities) a stay of 5 to 7 days in Phuket is ideal for general explorers. A couple of weeks for a family/couple visit would allow additional time to visit the lesser-explored beaches, enjoy water sports, visit cultural sites like the Big Buddha, and the abundance of nightlife and foodie spots on offer.
Krabi: While Krabi is a province, we find that most travellers simply want to visit Krabi Town, Ao Nang and a couple of its famous islands. For fast-paced backpackers, a 4 to 6-day stay in Krabi is perfect to soak in the area’s more authentic atmosphere, take a boat tour, and see the main sights.
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you might want to add a couple of extra days for activities like rock climbing in Railay, exploring the caves and hot springs, and hikes like the Dragon Crest Trail.
Read our blog: The best things to do in Krabi
Why is Krabi better than Phuket?
Admittedly, we have a biased preference towards Krabi, and here’s why. For us, the area’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The limestone cliffs here are the ones you see advertised in holiday brochures and websites across the world, and coastal drives will bring you out at quite beaches that provide a more tranquil and picturesque setting.
One of the main draws for people is Krabi’s affordability, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious stay without breaking the bank.
Additionally, Krabi’s laid-back vibe offers a genuine Thai experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the more commercialised Phuket. Multiple travel bloggers and reviewers often highlight this as one of Krabi’s main charms.
Still undecided? Our articles might help make your decision easier:
