No Thailand journey is full with out visiting Phuket and Krabi! If you wish to learn how to discover each then this weblog is for you!
Positioned within the south of Thailand, within the beautiful Andaman Sea, Phuket is the nation’s largest, most various and hottest island with lovely seashores, buzzing night time markets, breath taking pure surroundings and world-class resorts.
However being such an enormous and vibrant island, which seashores, sights and different islands do you have to go to and the way do you match all of the highlights into one epic Thailand journey!? Effectively, this put up accommodates all you want to know…
I’m an expat who has been residing in Phuket for over 3 years and has explored the island from prime to backside. So I’ve created what I believe is the very best Phuket itinerary with my insider suggestions.
This fun-filled 7 day itinerary for Phuket, Thailand contains the must-see’s, hidden gems, and island hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi whereas skipping the over-rated locations to benefit from your time right here.
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My 7 Day Phuket Itinerary – The right way to Spend 7 Days in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.
The primary a part of planning your Phuket itinerary is setting your dates and reserving in your flights and lodging – then you can begin deciding all of the enjoyable stuff you’re going to do!
Phuket’s worldwide airport makes attending to the island straightforward. One of the best time to go to Phuket weatherwise is between December and March. That is additionally the height season so e book your flights, lodging and actions like island hopping journeys upfront.
I’ll embrace lots extra Phuket journey suggestions on the finish of this text.
The place To Keep in Phuket, Thailand
As Thailand’s largest island, there’s an enormous vary of various areas and locations to remain in Phuket to go well with all budgets and sorts of traveller.
From luxurious accommodations and household pleasant resorts, to price range accommodations and backpacker hostels, there’s no scarcity of alternative so the very best place for you’ll actually depend upon what you might be searching for.
Every place has a really totally different vibe so you will discover out extra about Phuket’s finest accommodations, resorts, and areas in my complete information on the place to remain in Phuket.
One of the best seashores in Phuket are situated on the West Coast. Vigorous Patong Seashore is finest for nightlife and price range vacationers, whereas Kata seashore, Karon seashore and Kamala seashore are widespread with households and {couples} as they provide a extra balanced expertise.
Additional north, Bang Tao seashore and Mai Khao seashore provide unspoiled seashores, luxurious resorts and a peaceable environment. Previous Phuket City is the historic and cultural coronary heart of the island and provides cafes, markets and vibrant, heritage and boutique accommodations.
To observe this itinerary I’d advocate staying close to Nai Harn and Rawai within the south as these are essentially the most gorgeous and stylish areas to remain proper now.
Listed here are my prime lodging picks for Nai Harn and Rawai that present a handy base for this Phuket itinerary:
- Greatest Luxurious Resort: The Nai Harn – Perched on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seashore this gorgeous 5 star resort provides a beach-club model pool and bar space and a tremendous breakfast buffet!
- Greatest Mid-Vary Resort: Selina – Fashionable “all-in-one resort” with a beachfront restaurant and pool, wellness deck, and co-working area good for digital nomads.
- Greatest Finances Hotel: Roost Glamping – Distinctive and glamourous tenting expertise with a pool and correct beds in trendy bells tents surrounded by nature.
Remember that it’s a 1-hour (or extra) drive from Phuket Worldwide Airport which is situated within the north of the island to Rawai within the South.
Staying at Kata Seashore can be a superb possibility as there’s a bit extra alternative and it’s extra centrally situated however the seashores are busier right here.
How Lengthy To Spend In Phuket
There’s so many lovely locations to go to and issues to do in Phuket {that a} weekend or 3 days in Phuket shouldn’t be sufficient time to see all of it.
Together with exploring totally different seashores and sights on Phuket island itself, you’ll additionally wish to go to a couple of close by islands. And perhaps you wish to see the close by provinces of Phang Nga or Krabi, too?
If that’s the case, I extremely advocate staying at the least 7 days in Phuket (or extra). Seven days is simply sufficient time to get pleasure from all the highest choices of Phuket, plus take a look at the well-known Phi Phi islands and a few elements of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi too.
Whereas the next itinerary can simply match into seven days, you probably have extra time and wish to take it slower I like to recommend staying in Phuket for 10 days or 2 weeks. You can prolong your keep in Krabi, add a pair extra island day journeys or keep a couple of nights on Phuket’s different lovely islands like Koh Yao Yai.
For extra inspiration take a look at my Phuket Island Hopping And Day Journeys information – I assure you gained’t get bored!
However how are you going to match all of it into seven days? The next 7 days in Phuket itinerary will present you the way!
The Final 7 Day Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive, Settle In and Chill out
Ease into your 7 day Phuket itinerary by spending the primary day settling into your resort and having fun with the seashores and native sights. Make your arrival easy and stress free by prebooking an airport switch to keep away from getting ripped off by taxis.
When you’ve checked into your lodging and unpacked, head to the attractive Nai Harn seashore to refresh within the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and take in the solar.
Simply earlier than sundown, drive or hike up the hill to The Windmill for an epic sundown. Alternatively, head to the close by Yanui seashore for a sundown kayaking session!
Go for dinner at one of many unbelievable seafood eating places alongside Rawai Seashore. I like to recommend Nikita’s (e book forward to get a waterside desk!). After dinner, head throughout the street to Freedom Bar or Rawai Reggae Bar for reside music and drinks.
Or, if you’re feeling jet lagged and wish to get an early night time for an enormous day of seashore hopping tomorrow, deal with your self to one of many spa remedies at your resort.
Day 2 – Discover Phuket’s Well-known West Coast Seashores
Phuket is residence to among the finest seashores in Thailand, so it solely is sensible to start your Phuket itinerary with a seashore day!
Morning
Begin the day by climbing as much as Promthep Cape in Rawai – essentially the most southern level in Phuket. This gorgeous peninsula will get crowded each night for sundown, however within the morning, it’s peaceable and exquisite. You possibly can benefit from the view from the highest or hike right down to the tip of the cape.
From right here, head to Kata Seashore for a morning surf session however be sure to cease on the viewpoint the place you will get a shocking view of three seashores.
If you like to sunbathe, take a look at Kata’s smaller sister – Kata Noi Seashore. This tiny cove is residence to quite a few luxurious resorts, giving it an virtually personal seashore vibe.
Afternoon
Take pleasure in lunch in Kata city earlier than taking a brief drive to Karon Seashore, one of many longest and most gorgeous white sand seashores in Phuket.
Alongside the best way, cease on the fashionable ‘A Blanket & A Pillow Cafe‘ for an iced espresso with an epic view overlooking the south of Karon seashore.
Conclude your afternoon with an extended stroll or enjoyable seashore therapeutic massage on Karon Seashore earlier than heading to Patong for the night.
Night
Hail one of many many tuk tuks for a enjoyable journey to the well-known Bangla Street at Patong seashore, a bustling strip of bars and nightclubs.
Tuck into some scrumptious and reasonably priced Thai delicacies at Patong Evening Market. Right here, you will get among the most cost-effective and tastiest Pad Thai, scrumptious recent fruit, and Thai desserts.
Patong is undoubtedly the hub of Phuket nightlife, however Bangla Street could be fairly noisy and seedy so isn’t everybody’s cup of tea however it’s price checking it out at the least as soon as.
For those who favor a extra chilled and chic night, head to one of many rooftop bars for spectacular sundown views or again to Karon Seashore for cocktails and hearth reveals at Tann Terrace.
Day 3 – Take pleasure in Unspoilt Seashores and Elephant Sanctuaries
For day 3 in Phuket, discover the island’s north, the place you can find many extra gorgeous seashores and fabulous sights.
Morning
Bang Tao Seashore is 6 km of white sand with crystal clear waters ideally suited for swimming. The close by Surin Seashore is way smaller however has a wild, untouched vibe. Elements of it are additionally shaded by palm bushes, serving to you escape the warmth!
Afternoon
I like to recommend having fun with a leisurely lunch full with an ice-cold beer at one of many seashore golf equipment, similar to Hugo Hug, Carpe Diem, or Catch.
After lunch, if you need extra seashore time, head to Banana Seashore or Mai Khao Seashore, two peaceable and exquisite seashores within the far north of the island.
For those who’re all beached out, head to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang. In contrast to a lot of Phuket’s ‘elephant camps, ‘ this moral elephant sanctuary doesn’t hurt elephants by providing rides or bathing classes. As a substitute, you possibly can admire the attractive mammals from above on a 1.5-hour cover walkway tour.
Night
In search of an epic eating expertise? Then, on the best way again to your resort, cease at Three Monkeys, one in all Phuket’s most well-known eating places. Three Monkeys boasts a breath taking hilltop location constructed amidst a lush rainforest. The foods and drinks are a bit dearer than different locations, however it’s price it as a result of the views and expertise are priceless!
Day 4 – Uncover Temples, Thai Tradition and Phuket Previous City
Now you’ve seen a few of Phuket’s seashores it’s time for some Thai tradition! On day 4, go to Phuket city to see Phuket’s cultural hub and discover some close by temples.
Morning
Begin the day with a Thai cooking class the place you go to an area market to purchase the elements earlier than making some well-known Thai meals similar to pad thai, vegetable spring rolls and inexperienced curry. On the finish of the cooking class, you possibly can style your creations, filling your stomach for a day of sightseeing.
Afternoon
Proceed your cultural exploration with a go to to Wat Chalong, one in all Phuket’s most important historic landmarks. This temple is simply as widespread with locals as it’s with vacationers. So you possibly can be taught first hand in regards to the Thai tradition of merit-making, a Buddhist observe for clearing unhealthy karma and bringing good luck.
For sundown head as much as the well-known Massive Buddha close by. This isn’t your commonplace temple; it’s a 45-meter (148 ft) tall and 25.45-meter (83.5 ft) large white Buddha statue sitting atop one of many highest mountains on Phuket island.
The concrete statue is roofed with Burmese white marble, and you’ll spot it from varied factors on the island. Nonetheless, it’s nicely price seeing it up shut, the place additionally, you will get an unbelievable view over the south of the island. It’s a well-liked sundown spot.
Night
Within the night, head to Phuket Previous City to take a look at the colorful historic shophouses, boutiques and cafes. For dinner attempt some top-quality Thai meals or worldwide delicacies.
One of the best and best option to see all of those cultural sights is with a tour like this half day Phuket Metropolis Tour which takes you to the Massive Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket City and a tremendous viewpoint.
For those who’re visiting Phuket Previous City on the weekend, take a look at the night time markets for affordable however scrumptious avenue meals. Attempt to go to on a Sunday to expertise the Phuket Sunday Strolling Road Market, when the streets actually come to life and an important place to select up some cool and distinctive souvenirs and presents!
For those who’re there on a weekday, don’t fear, as there are many unbelievable eating places in Phuket City. Go Benz is extraordinarily widespread amongst locals, with lengthy queues main down the road each night time.
Then, for dessert, seize some French toast from Phuketique earlier than having fun with a cocktail or two at one in all Phuket City’s MANY cute bars.
Day 5 – Go to Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
For day 5, it’s time to get out of Phuket and discover the gorgeous Phang Nga Bay, situated within the subsequent province north of Phuket.
Morning & Afternoon
One of the crucial widespread methods to discover Phang Nga Bay is with a boat journey to James Bond Island. This island turned well-known after getting used as a filming location for the 1974 James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
There are various several types of boat journeys out there to James Bond Island, together with through velocity boat, luxurious yacht, and conventional long-tail boat.
I like to recommend selecting a day journey that features kayaking, similar to this James Bond Island Day Journey With Lunch. This journey contains kayaking via the caves of Panak Island and sea canoeing round Koh Hong Island’s emerald lagoons – the highlights of the Phang Nga Bay.
Night
As most James Bond Island hopping journeys final 8 to 9 hours, anticipate to return to your resort round 6 p.m.
As tomorrow entails one other huge day journey, I like to recommend a quiet dinner close to your resort earlier than an early night time. If you need one thing distinctive, take a look at Rock Salt at The Nai Harn or Rustic And Blue overlooking Rawai Seashore.
Day 6 – Go to The Phi Phi Islands And Maya Bay
No itinerary for Phuket is full with out a day journey to Phi Phi islands and the well-known Maya Bay. So set an early alarm to benefit from this unbelievable a part of Phuket and Krabi!
Morning & Afternoon
The easiest way to get to Phi Phi islands from Phuket is through speedboat. There are MANY excursions out there, which you’ll e book on-line or in individual, or you possibly can take the public ferry instantly from Rassada Pier in Phuket City.
Most excursions will choose you up out of your resort and embrace a number of stops within the Phi Phi islands. For instance, this prime rated Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Journey contains three snorkeling stops, together with sightseeing stops in Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Seashore (the place you possibly can see wild monkeys) and lunch.
Maya Bay is the preferred vacationer vacation spot within the Phi Phi islands, famed for being the filming vacation spot for the 2000 movie “The Seashore.” Whilst you can not swim at Maya Bay it’s nonetheless a spectacular sight to witness. Bamboo Island is one other spotlight on Phi Phi island hopping excursions as a result of its serene location for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Night
If you wish to benefit from the island’s occasion vibe spend the night time on Phi Phi Don (the archipelago’s solely inhabited island). Whereas the island is significantly dearer than mainland Phuket or Krabi, there are many price range lodging alongside the posh accommodations.
If you wish to expertise the island’s nightlife keep someplace like Phi Phi Villa Resort. This beachfront resort is shut sufficient to Ton Sai Village to benefit from the events however distant sufficient to get a peaceable nights sleep!
Alternatively, you possibly can take the ferry from Ton Sai pier in Phi Phi Don to Krabi and revel in a night in Krabi City or at Ao Nang night time market earlier than the ultimate day of your Krabi Phuket itinerary.
Probably the most handy place to remain in Krabi is on Ao Nang seashore however my favorite place is the gorgeous Railay Bay Resort on Railay Seashore – only a 10 min boat journey away.
Remember that the final ferry to Krabi is at 5 p.m. and takes 2 hours. You may also get a personal speedboat switch at a time that fits you which ones solely takes 1 hour and features a switch to your resort or the airport.
Krabi is a big province with many seashores and islands to discover, take a look at my weblog on the place to remain in Krabi for an in depth information and my choose of the very best luxurious 5 star resorts in Krabi in case you’re searching for one thing particular.
Day 7 – Discover Krabi And Railay Seashore
On the ultimate day of your Phuket and Krabi itinerary, spend a while exploring the sights, sights, and seashores in Krabi.
Morning
For those who stayed in Krabi final night time, you can begin the ultimate day of your Phuket Krabi Phi Phi itinerary vivid and early and catch an early boat to go island hopping.
You can be a part of a jam-packed 4 Islands Krabi Day Tour, which visits the attractive Phra Nang Cave Seashore at Railay, together with stops at Koh Poda, Hen Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor.
Or, in case you’re searching for one thing extra off the crushed observe, head to the Hong Islands the place you’ll discover a dreamy seashore, hidden lagoon and 360 diploma viewpoint.
Nonetheless, in case you stayed in Phi Phi the night time earlier than, take the primary ferry to Krabi at 9 a.m. or the ten a.m. speedboat, arriving by 11 a.m.
One must-visit in Krabi is Railay Seashore. You possibly can take an extended tail boat right here from Ao Nang to discover the unbelievable limestone cliffs, caves, and lagoons or attempt mountain climbing.
Afternoon
When you’ve labored up an urge for food, eat lunch at one of many eating places alongside Railay strolling avenue or Ao Nang seashore or escape the crowds by driving half-hour north to the peaceable Klong Muang Seashore.
For those who’re up for extra of a jungle journey you could possibly discover the Tiger Cave Temple, and bathe within the sizzling springs and emerald pool. This Krabi Jungle Tour will take you there.
Night
For those who’re leaving Krabi in the present day, head to the airport to catch your flight. To keep away from touring again on your self to Phuket you may wish to take into account flying out from Krabi airport. In any other case, get pleasure from a remaining night time in Krabi City earlier than your onward journey tomorrow!
Extra Suggestions For Planning Your Itinerary For Phuket and Krabi
Earlier than you e book in your Phuket itinerary, right here’s a couple of necessary suggestions that will help you plan your journey to Phuket.
Greatest Time to Go to Phuket and Krabi
As a tropical island, Phuket and Krabi are heat all 12 months spherical, however have totally different seasons that you have to be conscious of.
One of the best time to go to Phuket and Krabi is between December to March when you possibly can anticipate persistently good climate – blue skies and loads of sunshine however it’s not too sizzling and humid.
That is additionally the peak vacationer season and the busiest, and costliest, time to go to Thailand, so it is best to resolve in your itinerary upfront and e book in your lodging, actions and day journeys earlier than arriving to keep away from disappointment. I take advantage of Reserving.com and Agoda to e book accommodations as they’ve the most important choice at the very best costs.
April and Could are a superb time to go to Southern Thailand in case you don’t thoughts the warmth. The islands will not be too crowded by this time, however it may be highly regarded, starting from 27°C to 36°C, which makes sightseeing a little bit uncomfortable.
Additionally take into account November, it may be a beautiful month to go to as Phuket and Krabi are comparatively quiet however the climate can unpredictable because it’s the tip of the wet season.
June to October is the wet season which sees brief however frequent tropical downpours, cloudy and overcast skies. You’ll nonetheless get some sunny, dry days however the climate could be fairly unpredictable and tough seas imply that it’s generally not protected to swim throughout this time.
The right way to Get to Phuket and Get Round
Touring to Phuket is simple because the island is residence to Phuket Worldwide Airport (HKT) It’s Thailand’s second busiest airport and receives many direct flights from all around the world. Krabi additionally has a global airport however it doesn’t obtain as many flights as Phuket does.
I discover the very best connections and most cost-effective flight offers with WayAway and even get cashback.
For this Phuket – Krabi itinerary you could possibly fly into Phuket airport after which fly out from Krabi Airport to keep away from touring again on your self, however it’s typically cheaper to get your worldwide return flight to Phuket after which add an inner Krabi to Phuket flight or take the ferry or buses between Phuket and Krabi – it solely takes about 2.5 – 3 hours and is extra environmentally pleasant.
There are additionally buses and ferries from all around the nation, the very best place to e book buses, trains and even ferries in Thailand is on 12Go Asia. However as Phuket is roughly a 12-hours from Bangkok, flying could be the quickest and best possibility, even in case you’re visiting Phuket as half of a bigger journey round Thailand. (P.S In case your visiting the capital first take a look at my Bangkok itinerary too!
Most nationalities can both get a visa exemption for 30 days, or a visa on arrival, which makes coming into Thailand straightforward and handy. You possibly can prolong this for an additional 30 days by visiting the immigration workplace.
When you arrive there are a number of choices for getting from the airport to your lodging. The simplest means is to e book an airport switch via your Viator, your resort or a good firm. There are additionally taxi and bus providers on provide on the airport however taxis typically overcharge.
Taxis in Phuket could be costly, by Thai requirements, so agree the speed first earlier than hopping in. I like to recommend utilizing on-line apps like Seize or Bolt for a less expensive and extra handy possibility.
One of the best place to e book actions, excursions and day journeys upfront is on Viator or Get Your Information, as a result of there’s a whole lot of alternative and you’ll learn opinions so you understand what to anticipate and may guarantee your journey is a memorable expertise for all the proper causes! For those who’re visiting a number of locations in at some point a tour could be higher worth than taking a number of taxis.
For those who’re on a price range then you possibly can journey round Phuket through the use of the Sensible Bus, which runs between the airport and Rawai stopping in any respect the key seashore cities. A single journey is 100 THB, and you may as well purchase day or multi-day passes.
Using in a tuk-tuk is usually a enjoyable expertise that it is best to undoubtedly attempt at the least as soon as whenever you’re in Thailand, however they’re dearer than taxis and best suited for brief distances.
For essentially the most freedom you possibly can hire a scooter or motorcycle to discover Phuket. Nonetheless, the roads could be busy and windy so I’d solely advocate this if you have already got expertise driving in Thailand or Asia earlier than. Be sure you have a global driving license (the police do verify) and insurance coverage that covers this too.
Prepared To Begin Planning Your Personal Phuket and Krabi itinerary?
I hope this 7-day Phuket itinerary has given you a number of inspiration for what to do in Phuket. Koh Phi Phi and Krabi. This itinerary options all the highest sights of this magnificent Thai island in addition to the encompassing space and, as one of the vital various Phuket itineraries, there’s something for everybody.
Whether or not you discover temples fascinating, search serene snorkeling spots or the proper mango sticky rice, or just wish to chill out on picture-perfect seashores, following this itinerary for Phuket and Krabi will present you among the most gorgeous locations in Thailand and is certain to be a tremendous journey!
I hope this itinerary helps you propose your journey to this wonderful a part of Thailand. For those who’re considering of touring to different elements of the nation take a look at different blogs and guides for extra suggestions. My complete Thailand Journey Information and listing of the very best locations to go to in Thailand will provide you with lots extra inspiration and helpful suggestions.
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