Phuket or Krabi: Which Is The Better Island For Your Next Thailand Trip

The two must-see gems of the Asian wonderland called Thailand is surely Phuket and Krabi. These two islands have for time-memorial kept the tourists wanting more. Separated by Phang Nga Bay, most folks find it difficult to choose between the two. They end up feeling like they have to choose between cliff jumping or sky diving. Splendid tranquillity, a plethora of adventures and similar geographical characteristics, it is indeed very difficult to choose between the two. So, coming back to the question in hand, Phuket or Krabi, Which is better? Read on to understand a bit more about what these islands have to offer and we hope we can help you make an informed decision. P.s – Phuket and Krabi are less than 2 hours drive away, so in case you have the time in hand, why choose between the two? Rather get the best of both worlds! 

Overview of Phuket or Krabi

• Where – South of Thailand | West Coast of Southern Thailand 
• Islands – Group of 33 Smaller islands | Group of 80 smaller islands
• Terrain – Mountainous | Dense Mangrove Forests 
• Best time to visit – December to March | October to April 
• Major Tourists groups – Honeymoon; Family Getaway | Adventure Freaks; Friends and Backpackers 
• Average Spend – Expensive | Economical 
• Climate – Both are tropical islands. Krabi receives more rainfall compared to Phuket 
• Popular Attractions – Religious and Historical sites | Emerald pools, pristine coastlines and natural parks. 

Interesting Things to Do – Phuket vs Krabi

When it comes to diversity in things to do during your Phuket tour package, Phuket wins hands down. Honestly, it does boil down to what you expect out of your vacation. While Krabi is heaven for nature lovers, Phuket is the happening place. 

Phuket

In a Phuket or Krabi comparison, Phuket takes the lead with its adventure activities and helicopter rides. Head over to the beaches of the Andaman Sea for a day filled with adventurous water sports. Here is a list of amazing things to do during your visit to Phuket. 

• Helicopter Ride: Why visit the city sightseeing in a coach, when you can catch a glimpse of the bird’s eye view of the whole city? Hop on to a helicopter and be awed at the striking view of the entire city. 
• Ban Teelanka – Kids and adult alike will love this attraction. You can play escape games and solve puzzles in this Upside Down House. 
• Phuket Aquarium – Host to thousands of exotic, tropical and colourful marine creatures, Phuket Aquarium sees hundreds of visitors on a daily basis, who are fascinated with the sheer amount of marine life they are able to witness up close. 
• Tiger Kingdom: Get close and cuddly with tigers.

Krabi

The forest of Krabi with its nature safaris are very sought after. The Thung Teao Forest National Park,  Susan Hoi (shell cemetery), Night Street markets of Krabi and The hot springs at Klong Thom are some of the main attractions in the island city of Krabi. If you are looking for experiences around wildlife and nature, Krabi is the perfect place for you. Check out the suggestions at Krabi for an unforgettable Krabi tour package. 

• Khao Lak– Known for its beautiful beaches, prestigious museum and breathtaking surroundings, Khao Lak is very popular among visitors who love nature safaris 
• Klong Thom Hot Spring – One of the most peaceful places to visit in all of Krabi, the hot spring is a great place to relax your body, mind and soul. Be prepared to take a dip in the hot spring and be rejuvenated as you spend time with nature. 
• Thung Teao Forest National Park – Heaven for wildlife lovers, you will stand witness to stunning bird species and colourful flora. You can also spend some time at the Emerald pool in this national park. 

Food for Thought- In the Literal Sense – Phuket vs Krabi for the Food adventure

Phuket

Known for some really good sophisticated dining experience, you will find many options to have a fine dining experience with your partner or family. From variants on cold coffee served on the streets to a variety of international cuisines to try from, Phuket is a food lover’s paradise.

Best restaurants in Phuket: La Gritta Italian Restaurant, Black Ginger, Mom Tri’s Kitchen, Dedos Restaurant, Kan Eang@Pier

Krabi

Not so high on the fine dining meter, Krabi makes up for this with its fair share of relaxed and rustic shacks. With its fair share of Indian restaurants to choose from, Krabi is known for its Seafood delicacies and Authentic Thai cuisine which is all yours to savor on your own Krabi trip package from India. 

Best restaurants in Krabi: Jenna’s Bistro & Wine, The Grotto, Gecko Cabane, Krua Thara, Diver’s Inn Steakhouse. 

Things to do in Phuket vs Krabi for the Adrenaline Junkies

Phuket

• Flying Hanuman 
• Elephant Trekking 
• White Water Rafting 
• ATV Rides 
• Canoeing 
• Scuba Diving 
• Speedboat tours and Cruising: Island Hopping experiences and Dolphin Watching tours 

Krabi

• Tree Top Adventures 
• Caving 
• Quad Biking 
• Fishing in the Andaman sea 
• Go Karting 
• Bungee Jumping 
• Krabi Scuba Diving
• Snorkelling at Koh Tub, Koh Poda, Koh Mor, Chicken Island ( Krabi 4 islands )

Nightlife in Phuket vs Krabi: For the Party Animals 

Phuket

Phuket wins over Krabi when it comes to nightlife. With its animated Gay bars in Paradise complex, Go-Go Bars in Patong beach to Ladyboy Cabaret Shows in Phuket Simon Cabaret, this Thai Paradise never sleeps. The beaches in Phuket are live with music and nightclubs. Phuket nightlife is the place where you need to be for a sensational evening to remember. 

Best nightlife spots in Phuket: White Room Nightclub, Siam Niramit Phuket, Soi Bangla road, Phuket FantaSea. 

Krabi

Though not the go-to place for pub-crawling, Krabi is slowly catching up to Phuket’s night scene. While the Phuket or Krabi question arises again, one can still be entertained with some good karaoke bars and night beach parties. 

Best nightlife spots in Krabi: Sunset Bar, Tew Lay Bar, Ao Nang Center Point, FuBar, Boogie Bar. 

The debate of which is better, Phuket or Krabi, will go on for quite some time. Like we have mentioned before, it really depends on what you and your group is expecting out of the experience. Confused on what to choose? Worry not, our folks at Pickyourtrail will craft an amazing itinerary for your next Thailand tours. So, pack your bags and off you go to Thailand, The land of Smiles.