If you are planning a Phuket and Krabi itinerary and are not sure how to spend your days, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve done exactly what you are planning to do, so I can share some insight and experience on organizing a Phuket and Krabi trip.
As you might already know, Phuket and Krabi are two of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand, and there is no doubt that there are plenty of things to do.
That is why I’ve created this 7-day Phuket and Krabi itinerary that explores the best highlights of these two places, so you can make the most out of your vacation.
Let’s get to it!
How Many Days In Phuket And Krabi Is Enough?
Before we jump into our 7-day Krabi and Phuket itinerary, let’s find out how many days you should spend in those two places.
I recommend spending no less than 7 days in Phuket and Krabi because there are simply so many things to explore. With 7 days, you’ll just have enough time to explore iconic places like Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and Patong Beach.
However, if you have the time, I would recommend you to spend 10 days in Phuket and Krabi. This will give you plenty of time for sightseeing and just relaxing on the beach, which you don’t really do that much of with 7 days!
Things To Do On Our 7-Day Phuket And Krabi Itinerary
Below we’ll give a day-by-day breakdown of things to do in Phuket and Krabi on each day. We’ve started our itinerary in Phuket instead of Krabi, but it can be done vice versa as well.
Day 1: Arrival Day At Phuket And Relaxing On The Beach
On your first day, you will most likely arrive in Phuket by plane. After getting from Phuket Airport to your accommodation, it is time to relax on one of the many stunning beaches.
Pro Tip: Organize a transfer shuttle from Phuket Airport to your accommodation to save time and money!
If you are looking for a lively atmosphere for your beach day, head to Phuket’s most famous beach – Patong Beach.
Patong Beach is a busy beach with tons of activities, such as parasailing, jet skiing and more. But don’t mistake it for being dirty or overly crowded, as you can still find some quieter areas on the beach.
For a more relaxing vibe, head to Kata or Karon Beach, where you can also find plenty of restaurants and bars. Karon is my favorite beach in Phuket thanks to its white sand and crystal clear water. It is busy but not too busy, and the view from there is just gorgeous!
Day 2: Big Budhha, Phuket Town, And Partying At Patong Beach
On the second day, we recommend renting a motorbike or hiring a private driver to explore more of Phuket’s inland areas.
First, head to the Big Buddha, one of the most famous landmarks on the island. This gigantic white marble statue is 45 meters tall and sits on top of Nakkerd Hill with breathtaking views over Phuket.
Next, make your way to Phuket Town, where you can explore the old town with its unique Sino-Portuguese architecture and colorful buildings. If you are visiting on Sunday, then make sure to visit the famous Sunday Walking Street Market for some amazing street food and souvenirs.
In the evening, head back to Patong Beach for a night out. Grab some street food at one of the night markets, then hit up the Bangla Road for some lively bars and clubs. It’s a definite must-do experience in Phuket!
Day 3: Koh Panyee And Bond Island Tour
On the third day, take a day tour to explore some of the islands and beaches near Phuket. A popular island hopping tour from Phuket is the Koh Panyee Tour with Bond Island.
Koh Panyee is an iconic floating village built entirely on stilts over the water by Indonesian fishermen. The community is predominantly Thai Muslim and has approximately 1,600 people from 360 families.
This remarkable village floats in the middle of Phang Nga Bay and is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.
James Bond Island, known locally as Khao Phing Kan, is one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand. It earned its name from the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” which was filmed there in 1974.
At James Bond Island, visitors can admire the peculiar shape and the striking rocky pinnacle that juts out of the water.
Both islands are situated in Phang Nga Bay and are part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park!
📚 Read More: When Is The Worst Time To Visit Phuket?
Day 4: Go From Phuket To Krabi And Relax On The Beach
On day four, it’s time to head from Phuket to Krabi. For everyone traveling between Phuket and Krabi, even budget travelers, I recommend organizing a shuttle transfer. That is because public transportation takes a lot longer and drops you off either in Krabi Town or the outskirts of Krabi.
The shuttle from Phuket to Ao Nang takes around 3 to 4 hours, and once you check into your accommodation in Krabi, it is time to relax on one of the beaches!
There is really one beach in Krabi that is easy to get to and nice to relax on: Ao Nang Beach. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi with stunning limestone cliffs and clear blue water.
Spend the rest of your day in Ao Nang, and make sure you check out Ao Nang Landmark Night Market in the evening for some delicious street food.
📚 Read More: Phuket or Krabi: Which Should You Pick?
Day 5: Tiger Cave Temple And Emerald Pool
On the fifth day, we recommend exploring some of Krabi’s top attractions. Start your day early by heading to Wat Tham Sua or Tiger Cave Temple, located about 15 kilometers outside of Krabi Town.
To reach the summit where the tiger paw prints are, you’ll have to climb a steep stairway with over 1,200 steps! But don’t worry, the climb is worth it once you experience the stunning views from the top.
Next, head to the Emerald Pool, a beautiful natural pool with crystal clear water surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a great place for swimming and cooling off after your trek up to Tiger Cave Temple.
It is possible to do this on your own with a rental scooter or a hired taxi for a day. However, if you want to save some money and don’t want to drive hours on the scooter, we recommend going on a tour.
I drove from Ao Nang to Emerald Pool and it took 2 hours one way on a scooter. It was a painful experience that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemies
Day 6: Phi Phi Island Tour With Maya Bay
If you have come to Phuket and Krabi, then visiting the Phi Phi Islands is a must! Two islands make up the Phi Phi Islands: Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh.
Phi Phi Don is the main island with resorts, restaurants, and bars while Ko Phi Phi Leh is home to the most famous beach in Thailand – Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Maya Bay was closed for many years to allow for the damaged coral and wildlife to recover, but it has recently reopened to tourists! Don’t miss this Thailand bucket list experience!
Because Koh Phi Phi is rather far from Krabi and Phuket, we recommend doing a day tour to explore the islands. Make sure you pick a tour that includes snorkeling and sunbathing as well as Phang Nga Bay is full of gorgeous beaches and underwater wildlife.
Note: If you are considering staying on the Phi Phi Island (which you totally should), then check out our Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi itinerary here!
Day 7: Railay Beach Departure
On your final day, wake up early and head to Railay Beach for some last-minute beach relaxation and exploration. Railay Beach is cut off from the mainland by epic limestone cliffs, so it is only accessible by boat.
Railay Beach and its accompanying town are quite small, so it won’t take that long to see. Walk around the island and explore the different beaches, go rock climbing on the limestone cliffs (or just admire), or simply soak up the sun and enjoy your last day in paradise.
In the afternoon, take a boat back to Ao Nang and catch your shuttle or transportation back to either Phuket or Krabi airport for your departure flight.
Where To Stay In Phuket
The Thai party island of Phuket has tons of areas catering to different budgets and preferences. But because our Phuket and Krabi itinerary are only 7 days long, we’ll need to stay pretty central.
For that, we recommend staying in Patong Beach, the most popular and busiest area of Phuket. Stay close to the beach and nightlife, or find a quieter spot further away from the main strip.
Karon Beach is also a great option, with its long stretch of sand and relaxed vibe. It is located directly south of Patong Beach so you can still easily access the nightlife if you wish.
📚 Read More: Patong Beach or Karon Beach: Where Should You Stay?
Kamala Beach is another option, offering a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for couples or families. It’s just north of Patong Beach and still close enough to the action.
Where To Stay In Krabi
Similar to Phuket, the province of Krabi has many different areas to choose from when it comes to accommodation. However, we recommend staying in either Ao Nang, the main tourist hub of the Krabi province.
You might be tempted to stay on Railay Beach, but keep in mind that the accommodation options are limited and tend to be more expensive. Plus, staying in Ao Nang allows for easier access to other parts of Krabi like Koh Phi Phi or the Tiger Cave Temple.
Krabi Town is not a bad place to stay either, but the disadvantage of staying there is the distance from the beaches. If you don’t mind a 20-30 minute drive to the beach, Krabi Town offers a more local and authentic experience.
📚 Read More: Ao Nang or Railay Beach: Where Should You Stay?
Phuket & Krabi Itinerary FAQs
What is the Best Time to Visit Phuket and Krabi?
The best time to visit Phuket and Krabi is during the dry season from November to February. The weather is pleasant with little rain and comfortable temperatures. March to May can be quite hot, while June to October is the rainy season with potential for heavy downpours and storms.
What Kind of Budget Should I Plan for a 7-day Trip to Phuket and Krabi?
The budget for a 7-day trip to Phuket and Krabi will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. However, on average, we recommend a budget of $50-100 USD per day for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Keep in mind that this may fluctuate based on the season and specific activities you choose to do.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Phuket and Krabi?
The most convenient way to get around Phuket and Krabi is by hiring a private driver or renting a scooter. There are also taxi-hailing service apps like Grab in Phuket and Krabi, but it’ll generally be harder to call one for long-distance journeys.
Final Thoughts: 7 Days In Phuket And Krabi Itinerary
Phuket and Krabi are two popular destinations in Thailand for good reason. With stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and plenty of adventure activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Our 7-day Krabi and Phuket itinerary gives you a taste of the best that these two provinces have to offer, but there is still so much more to explore. We hope this itinerary helps you plan your own unforgettable adventure in Thailand!