Comparison · Koh Phangan vs Krabi · Thailand
Koh Phangan vs Krabi
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Choose Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party and Haad Rin; choose Krabi for Railay Beach and Limestone karsts. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 220 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 220 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Koh Phangan
- February–April and July–August
- Best time for Krabi
- December–March
Side by side
| Koh Phangan | Krabi | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Known for | Full Moon Party, Haad Rin and Yoga retreats | Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and Island-hopping |
| Best time to visit | February–April and July–August | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $70–$150 | $70–$150 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Affordable |
| Warmest month | April, 33°C (91°F) | March, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | December, 28°C (82°F) | September, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Beaches | Thong Nai Pan Noi | Railay West |
| Airports | USM, URT | KBV, HKT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Koh Phangan for…
Full Moon Party and Haad Rin. Koh Phangan is a hilly, jungle-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 15 km north of Koh Samui. It is famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin's Sunrise Beach, but most of the island is far quieter: the west coast around Srithanu is a hub for yoga…
Choose Krabi for…
Railay Beach and Limestone karsts. Krabi province on Thailand's Andaman coast is a landscape of sheer limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, mangroves and more than 100 islands. Most visitors base themselves at Ao Nang, the main beach resort, or on the car-free Railay peninsula…
Top sights compared
| # | Koh Phangan | Krabi |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Moon Party at Haad Rin | Railay Beach |
| 2 | Bottle Beach | Phra Nang Cave Beach |
| 3 | Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai | Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh |
| 4 | Than Sadet waterfall and beach | Four Islands tour |
| 5 | Phaeng Waterfall and Domsila viewpoint | Hong Islands |
Food compared
| Koh Phangan | Krabi |
|---|---|
| Massaman curry | Gaeng som |
| Southern sour curry | Gaeng tai pla |
| Pad thai | Khua kling |
| Som tam | Khao mok gai |
Which is cheaper?
Koh Phangan and Krabi cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $70–$150 in Koh Phangan and $70–$150 in Krabi (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Koh Phangan on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Koh Phangan and Krabi are about 220 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Koh Phangan and 5 in Krabi.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Koh Phangan or Krabi cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 in Koh Phangan and $70–$150 in Krabi (estimates).
+Is Koh Phangan or Krabi better for a first trip?
Pick Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party and Haad Rin, or Krabi for Railay Beach and Limestone karsts.
+How far is Koh Phangan from Krabi?
About 220 km in a straight line.