What are the best things to do in Krabi?

Krabi boasts of both nature and wildlife. It has fun activities to offer for everybody — may that be families, honeymooners, or solo travellers. Seaside, Andaman Sea's calm waves make it perfect for swimming and fishing, while its shallow coral reefs make it a great spot for snorkelling and diving. Inland, Krabi's lush forests and national forests offer a lot of venues for hiking and trekking. If you're into culture and history, you don't need to go further than Krabi Town. For more information, check out our guide for the 7 Best Things to Do in Krabi .

What are the must-visit sights in Krabi?

Krabi is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches. Leading the list is Railay Beach , which can only be reached by boat via the Andaman Sea. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and crystal-clear blue water, this postcard-perfect tropical paradise is on top of the list of people visiting from all over the world. We also recommend exploring Thung Teao Forest Natural Park with its emerald pool, age-old trees, and a wide variety of birds and other animals. Visit Wat Tham Sua , one of the most interesting temples in southern Thailand. And take a closer look at the Krabi Shell Cemetery , where millions of years old sea relics have piled together to make solid rocks.

When is the best time of the year to visit Krabi?

The best time of year to visit Krabi is from November to April. During these months the weather is dry and sunny, the wind is calm, and temperatures range from 25-35°C — the ideal vacation months for relaxation on Krabi's gorgeous beaches along the Andaman Sea.

How to Get From %title% [2023]

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 170 kilometre distance from Phuket to Krabi. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 5 ways to get from Phuket to Krabi. You can choose between the flight, bus, minivan, ferry, private transport. The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $2. The fastest route is by minivan (2h 15m).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
MinivanFastest	2h 15m	($10)	--
Private Transport	2h 15m	($66)	--
Bus	3h	($7)	--
FlightBudget	5h 30m	($2)	--
Ferry	10h 30m	($11)	--

Route Overview

PhuketKrabi170 km

Via Koh Phi Phi

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Flight

5h 30m - 11hFrom ~$2

While Phuket and Krabi both have their own airports, there are no direct flights from Phuket to Krabi. All flights make a stop in Bangkok, making the journey take much longer compared to the other transport options discussed above. Depending on the layover time in Bangkok, flying from Phuket to Krabi will take at least 5h 30m - 11h.

Ready to book your flight?

From ~$2 · 5h 30m - 11h

Bus

3hFrom ~$7

Looking for a cheaper option? If you travel solo and on a budget, there are public buses and minivans that you can take. This non-stop journey takes around 3h and a bus ticket from Phuket to Krabi costs only $7 per person. You will miss the scenic ferry ride, but it will leave you with some more cash to spare once you arrive in Krabi.

Departure and arrival station

To catch the bus from Phuket to Krabi, you will depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkasattri Road. This terminal is about a 15-minute drive from the centre of Phuket. Buses arrive at the Krabi Terminal, about 6 km outside the city centre. From Krabi Bus Station, you can take a songthaew or taxi to Ao Nang or to Krabi Town. A songthaew costs only around [price 20 THB] if you share the ride. Alternatively, you can arrange a transfer with your hotel before departure. However, this may be more expensive.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$7 · 3h

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Minivan

2h 15m - 6hFrom ~$10

There are minivans that depart from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1, about 5 km away from Terminal 2. Minivans aren’t as spacious as buses, but they offer more trips — almost every hour from 06:40 to 18:00 daily. The four minivan companies operating on this route are 438 Phuket Krabi Transport, Goodluck Lanta, Call Me Taxi Thailand and Van Shuttle. Ticket prices start from $10 per person, and the journey time is about 2h 15m - 6h.

Ready to book your minivan?

From ~$10 · 2h 15m - 6h

Bookaway

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Phuket

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to travel from Phuket to Krabi is by ferry. With a journey time of around 2 hours, ferries are fast, convenient and cost-effective. When you travel by land, you can take a private car or a bus. Travel times are 2.5 hours and 3-4 hours, respectively. There are no direct flights from Phuket to Krabi so we don't recommend taking a flight for this route.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Krabi?

Krabi is a tropical gem on Thailand’s southwest coast. This bustling region is filled with stunning beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs. But as with most places in Southeast Asia, you’ll have to go to its outskirts to see it at its most beautiful. There are so many things to do in Krabi, making you feel that a few days will not be enough to fit them all into your itinerary. You can go beach-hopping, rock-climbing, and island-hopping. Krabi is also a strategic gateway to the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.

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Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

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Tips and corrections from our community of travelers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Carbon Footprint

This 170 km journey produces approximately 15 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

Your Name

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STAY

Where to Stay in Krabi

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Budget

The Morning Mini House

The Morning Mini House is a great budget option in Ao Nang Beach. It's a 10-minute drive to the beach. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, offering a great night's sleep. Some of them even come with balconies. The owners of the guesthouse are incredibly friendly and helpful, taking your stay in Krabi to another level. You'll instantly feel at home here.

Amazing owner
Large and clean rooms
Great value for money
10-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach

Private rooms start from $20 per night.

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Budget

The Box House

Located centrally in Krabi Town, The Box House puts you within minutes of many sights in the town. The spacious and colourful rooms boast large, comfortable beds that offer you a great night’s sleep. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen tv for your enjoyment. The owners are friendly, welcoming and offer motorbike rentals onsite.

Beautiful gardens
Comfortable and clean rooms
Motorbike rentals available onsite
Friendly staff

Private rooms start at $16 per night.

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Vipa Tropical Resort

Need to escape to nature? Vipa Tropical Resort is the perfect place to do just that. The resort is backed by towering limestone mountains and surrounded by lush greenery. The cottages are cute and cosy, with private balconies where you can relax after a day at the beach. Or chill by the pool and go for a swim. The resort is a 5-minute drive to Ao Nang Beach, which the resort provides a free shuttle for.

Cosy cottages with balconies
Outdoor swimming pool
Surrounded by nature and mountains
Free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach

Cottages start at $48 per night.

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

@Aonang Guesthouse

@Aonang Guesthouse offers both comfortable dorm rooms and modern private rooms. Whatever you choose to stay in, you can enjoy their refreshing and clean swimming pool. Tin is one of the best hosts in Thailand, offering the best recommendations and help when you need it. The guesthouse is located in a more local neighbourhood in Krabi and next to one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. This place has a near-perfect rating and it's easy to see why!

An amazing host
Beautiful swimming pool
Modern and clean rooms
Located in a local neighbourhood

Private rooms start from $48 per night.

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Pinthong Aonang Villa

Pinthong Aonang Villa might be classed as high-end accommodation, but it doesn't have to be expensive if you find some friends! The hotel offers two-bedroom villas for $80 that can fit 4 people. That's $20 a night for a luxury villa. The outdoor swimming pool is beautiful, and every inch of the hotel is spotlessly clean. Located in Ao Nang, they even arrange a free shuttle to the beach. This place is the perfect place to relax and take life slowly.

Great value for money
Beautiful villas
Outdoor swimming pool
Free shuttle to the beach

Two-bedroom villas start from $80 per night.

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Aonang Eco Villa

Aonang Eco Villa is the kind of place you dream of. Beautifully designed and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to lush gardens. Wander through the gardens to the refreshing outdoor swimming pool or the onsite bar. The cocktails and fruit juice are delicious! The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making sure that you can fully relax and enjoy your stay. There are only 10 villas, creating an exclusive and private feel.

Beautiful swimming pool
Bright and spacious villas
Great onsite bar
10 minutes from the town

Villas start from $122 per night.

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Phuket to Krabi

Compare Your Options

Flight

Ready to book your flight?

Bus

Departure and arrival station

Ready to book your bus?

Minivan

Ready to book your minivan?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to travel from Phuket to Krabi?

What are the best things to do in Krabi?

What are the must-visit sights in Krabi?

When is the best time of the year to visit Krabi?

Why Visit Krabi?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Ferry

Departure from Phuket main island

Arrival in Krabi

Ready to book your ferry?

Private Transport

Ready to book your private transport?

Where to Stay in Krabi

The Morning Mini House

The Box House

Vipa Tropical Resort

@Aonang Guesthouse

Pinthong Aonang Villa

Aonang Eco Villa