If you are planning to travel to Thailand and you are looking for a beach destination, you will most likely be confused and not sure which destination to include. Two of the most beautiful and popular beach destinations located in the southern part of Thailand are Phuket and Krabi.
These destinations receive thousands of tourists every year, and each one of them has its own unique vibes, the best things to do, and beautiful places to stay.
In this article, we will be highlighting the unique things about each of these two destinations to help you choose the best one based on your interests and preferences.
Phuket
How to reach Phuket
Phuket is the most visited island in Thailand and the most popular destination among the 3 destinations mentioned above. That’s due to many reasons.
First of all, Phuket has its own active international airport receiving thousands of tourists every day. There are many international flights arriving daily at this airport which facilitates traveling to the island directly from overseas without the need for a stopover in Bangkok.
Activities that you can do in Phuket
Phuket has a wide variety of activities and things that can be done during your stay on the island. There are many boat trips operating from Phuket to many nearby islands including Phi Phi islands, James Bond island, Surin, Similan, Racha, Coral island, and many more. You can join one of these trips and spend a full day outside of Phuket to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear waters.
Other than the boat trips that operate daily from Phuket to the nearby islands, you can also enjoy many other activities in Phuket itself. For example, you can spend a full day in one of the elephant camps and spend time with the elephants. You can also explore the island through a city tour and see the old Phuket town, Wat Chalong temple, and the Big Buddha statue.
Another popular thing that you can do from Phuket is the white water rafting day tour during which you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind rafting adventure in the running rivers combined with ATV experiences and more.
Source: travelandleisure.com
Phuket Beaches
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, therefore, it has many beaches all around. The most famous beach in Phuket is Patong beach, that’s where you can find most of the restaurants, shopping outlets, bars, and nightclubs.
If you are looking to stay next to the city center and where all the events are happening, then Patong beach will be a suitable place for you.
There are many other beaches in Phuket that are suitable for quiet and relaxing beach holidays away from the crowds. If you are looking for such a place, then you should consider staying in the Cape Panwa area in the southern part of the island, Bangtao beach (especially the laguna area), and Mai Khao Beach, which is located next to Phuket international airport the northern part of the island.
Accommodation Options in Phuket
With all of these beaches, you will find a lot of accommodation options available and you will definitely find one meeting your preferences and style. The prices of accommodation in Phuket are generally less than the ones in Krabi and Koh Samui. You will be able to find good hotel prices during the low and high seasons.
There are many private pool villa options available in Phuket within different categories and different price ranges. Many honeymooners prefer to split their stay between 2 hotels to be able to stay for at least a couple of nights in a private pool villa. The prices of private pool villas are very convenient in Phuket, you can find villa prices starting from around 120 US dollars during the high season.
Krabi
How to reach Krabi
Krabi is located not far away from Phuket. It’s only around 2 a half hour’s drive from the island. Krabi also has its own international airport receiving domestic and international flights on a daily basis, however, the number of flights arriving at Krabi is very limited when compared to the number of flights arriving at Phuket international airport. Therefore, if you are planning to arrive in Krabi from overseas without a stopover in Bangkok, you will need to land in Phuket, and then drive from Phuket to Krabi to reach your hotel.
Another way to reach Krabi is also to arrive at Phuket International Airport, then take a drive to one of the Piers on the eastern side of Phuket island to take a ferry boat to Krabi (This way is harder, most probably will cost you more, and will take you more time to reach Krabi).
Activities that you can do in Krabi
There are many activities that can be done when staying in Krabi. Royal Vacation, a leading destination management company and tour operator in Thailand, recommends specific tours and activities to try out when staying in Krabi.
First of all, you need to take a boat trip to one of the nearby islands in Krabi. These islands are Phi Phi island, Hong island, and Talay weak. Tours are operated daily by several types of boats (speed boats, longtail boats…). You can also enjoy an adventurous kayaking experience in Ao Thalane in the heart of a mangrove forest, where you can see some of the wild animals in their natural habitat.
Another popular thing that can be done from Krabi as well is going to an elephant camp to join the activities, play with the elephants, feed them, and bathe them. ATV experiences are also popular in Krabi, you can enjoy riding an ATV while surrounded by amazing sceneries and views.
Source: hotels.com
Beaches in Krabi
Krabi has several beaches, the most popular ones are Railay beach and Aonang beach. Aonang beach is the place where most of the restaurants are open as well as the bars and nightclubs. You will also find a lot of accommodation options within different categories in this area.
In summary, the best destination to choose will be depending on your preferences and style. However, if you are a nature lover or adventurer, and looking for a unique place to stay, then Krabi will definitely be the best option for you.
