Home to beautiful beaches, stunning islands and traditional landmarks, Thailand is a bucket list holiday destination for many.
If you’re looking to visit Thailand for a beach holiday, Phuket and Krabi are the best places. However, it can be hard to choose between the two.
This is where we come in! This article will break down the factors that make up each location and help you decide where to go for your beach holiday!
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When is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?
Before deciding to visit Phuket, you need to know the best time to go.
The best time to visit Phuket is between December and March, the dry season with the best sunshine.
However, because it’s peak season, you will pay more for flights and accommodation. But since Thailand is a relatively cheap country, it will still be far more affordable than other places in the world.
When is the Best Time to Visit Krabi?
Krabi’s dry season is a little longer than Phuket’s, so the best time to visit Krabi is between December and April.
During the dry (peak) season, there is plenty of sunshine, the oceans are incredibly blue, and while it may be the busiest time of year, Krabi is still a ‘hidden gem’ destination with fewer tourists than Phuket.
Phuket vs Krabi: Beaches
Although Phuket and Krabi are known for their breathtaking beaches, they are slightly different from each other. So, let’s break down what the beaches are like in each destination.
Phuket
In Phuket, you have 30 beaches to choose from, and most of them boast white sand and clear blue seas where you can spend your days swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Because Phuket is a popular tourist destination, the road network is pretty good, meaning most beaches are easy to get to.
Krabi
If you like natural and more untouched beaches, then Krabi is the place for you.
While many of the beaches in Krabi are hard to get to (needing at least a short boat ride), the benefit of this is that they are secluded hidden gems with fewer people and no surrounding buildings and traffic disrupting your relaxing beach time.
Phuket vs Krabi: Accommodation
Phuket
As mentioned earlier, Phuket is a more developed and popular destination, so there are more accommodation choices than Krabi.
With 3, 4, and 5-star properties lining the beaches and touristy areas, there are plenty of places to stay offering breathtaking views, luxurious rooms, and excellent facilities.
Krabi
Krabi is a great place for a tropical getaway with its many stunning islands.
Home to resorts and hotels far from touristy crowds, there are plenty of places to stay if you want peace and isolation.
Phuket vs Krabi: Cultural Attractions
While most people visit Thailand for its beaches, many also visit because of the stunning cultural attractions.
Phuket
Long before it became a tourist destination, Phuket was a regular Thai city with many cultural places.
While you’re there, you can explore the exquisite temples and shrines and wander through the colourful streets of Phuket Old Town.
Krabi
Unlike Phuket, where many attractions are cultural, Krabi has more natural attractions, such as the Emerald Pool, caves in the national parks, and the pristine coastline.
Phuket vs Krabi: Scenery
Thailand is known for having some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, so it’s no wonder it’s a factor when choosing to stay between Phuket and Krabi.
Phuket
There are plenty of viewpoints along the length of Phuket from which you can take in the stunning views of the island.
In Phuket, you can guarantee you won’t be disappointed by the spectacular scenery.
Krabi
While there are only a few viewpoints in Krabi, the best ones can be found up close at water level.
Whether you’re kayaking down the rivers in the jungle or on a boat island hopping, the scenery is enjoyed up front and will take your breath away.
Phuket vs Krabi: Nightlife
If you’re looking for a beach holiday with a side of partying, you’ll be happy to know that both Phuket and Krabi have fantastic nightlife, albeit different.
Phuket
Since it’s a popular tourist destination, Phuket has a diverse party scene, with different areas hosting different atmospheres.
Party central on the island is Patong. Here you’ll find several nightclubs, beer bars, go-go bars and lounges within a short distance of each other along the 500-metre Bangla Road.
Krabi
On Krabi, the nightlife comes with stunning views. However, unlike Phuket, Krabi’s venues are much more laid back.
With most of the party venues right on the beach, you can enjoy your drinks while watching the waves lap against the shore.
Phuket vs Krabi: Value for Money
Finally, the one comparison you were all waiting for, which destination is better value for money?
Price-wise, Phuket and Krabi are pretty even. However, there are a few differences. For example, Krabi will have more choices at the cheaper end of the scale because it isn’t as touristy and popular as Phuket.
In Phuket, because there is such a diverse range of things to choose from, including 3-star to 5-star hotels, you will definitely be paying more for things at the higher end of the scale.
Phuket vs Krabi: Where Should You Go?
Deciding to visit Phuket or Krabi comes down to the type of traveler you are, and the holiday you want to enjoy.
If you are looking for a destination that has it all, a range of hotels, diverse nightlife, beaches, and islands, then Phuket is for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful, natural setting where you can still enjoy adventurous activities in nature, then Krabi is the better choice.
So, which Thai destination would you head to?
