Comparison · Krabi vs Phuket · Thailand
Krabi vs Phuket
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au
Quick answer
Choose Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and a short break; choose Phuket for Beaches and Phang Nga Bay. Krabi is generally less expensive, and the two are about 61 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 61 km
- Less expensive
- Krabi
- Best time for Krabi
- December–March
- Best time for Phuket
- December–March
Side by side
| Krabi | Phuket | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Known for | Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and Island-hopping | Beaches, Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Islands day trips |
| Best time to visit | December–March | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $70–$150 | $90–$200 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | March, 34°C (93°F) | March, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | September, 31°C (88°F) | September, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | Railay West | Kata Beach |
| Airports | KBV, HKT | HKT |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Krabi for…
Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and a short break. 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…
Choose Phuket for…
Beaches and Phang Nga Bay. Thailand's largest island, about 50 km long, lines its west coast with sandy bays from lively Patong to calmer Kata, Kamala and Nai Harn, all facing the Andaman Sea. Inland, rubber plantations and forested hills hide the Big Buddha and waterfalls, while…
Top sights compared
| # | Krabi | Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Railay Beach | Big Buddha |
| 2 | Phra Nang Cave Beach | Old Phuket Town |
| 3 | Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh | Wat Chalong |
| 4 | Four Islands tour | Promthep Cape |
| 5 | Hong Islands | Karon Viewpoint |
Food compared
| Krabi | Phuket |
|---|---|
| Gaeng som | Phuket Hokkien noodles |
| Gaeng tai pla | Moo hong |
| Khua kling | Khanom jeen |
| Khao mok gai | Phuket dim sum |
Which is cheaper?
Krabi is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 per person there, against $90–$200 in Phuket (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Krabi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Krabi and Phuket are about 61 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Krabi and 7 in Phuket.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Krabi or Phuket cheaper?
Krabi is usually less expensive: about $70–$150 a day mid-range against $90–$200 (estimates).
+Is Krabi or Phuket better for a first trip?
Pick Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and a short break, or Phuket for Beaches and Phang Nga Bay.
+How far is Krabi from Phuket?
About 61 km in a straight line.