Phuket & Krabi Itinerary: 6-Day Two-Province Adventure
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Phuket & Krabi Itinerary: 6-Day Two-Province Adventure

Phuket and Krabi sit on the same Andaman coastline but offer dramatically different experiences — and combining them into a single trip gives you the best of both worlds. Phuket delivers world-class beaches, cultural depth, and buzzing nightlife; Krabi counters with jaw-dropping karst scenery, rock climbing on vertical limestone walls, and a more laid-back, backpacker-friendly energy. Together, they form one of Southeast Asia's most satisfying travel combinations. This 6-day itinerary spends three days on Phuket covering the island's greatest hits — Patong Beach, the Phi Phi Islands, Big Buddha, and Old Town — then ferries you across to Krabi for three days of Railay Beach's limestone cathedral, the Four Islands boat trip, and the lung-busting climb up Tiger Cave Temple. The journey between the two provinces takes just 2-3 hours by ferry or minivan, making the logistics easy. You'll swim in turquoise lagoons, kayak through mangrove forests, watch sunsets from two different coastlines, and eat enough southern Thai seafood to last a lifetime.

Budget: $40-60/dayMid-range: $80-150/dayLuxury: $250+/day

Quick Summary

Highlights

  • Swim at Patong Beach and explore Old Town Phuket
  • Full-day Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour with Maya Bay
  • Big Buddha panoramic views and Wat Chalong temple
  • Ferry crossing from Phuket to Krabi
  • Railay Beach — world-class rock climbing and stunning limestone cliffs
  • Four Islands boat trip with snorkeling and Phra Nang Cave Beach
  • Climb 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple summit
  • Ao Nang beach town nightlife and seafood
Best Time

November to April

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Budget
Budget
$40-60/day
Mid-range
$80-150/day
Luxury
$250+/day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town
    Day 1

    Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town

    Theme: Beach, Culture & Nightlife

    Morning

    9:00 AM1.5 hrs800-1,000 THB (~$23-28) for transfer

    Arrive at Phuket Airport & Transfer

    Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT), grab a SIM card (299 THB for 15 GB) from the arrivals hall, and take a pre-booked transfer or Grab to your hotel in Patong (50-60 minutes). Check in, drop bags, and change into beach clothes.

    11:00 AM2 hrs200 THB (~$5.70) for lounger

    Patong Beach

    Patong Beach is Phuket's most famous stretch of sand — 3.5 kilometres of golden beach along the central Andaman coast. Rent a lounger (200 THB), swim in the warm, calm water, and ease into island mode. The southern end near the Amari resort is less crowded and has better sand. Beach vendors sell fresh coconuts, grilled corn, and mango sticky rice.

    Afternoon

    1:00 PM1 hr80-200 THB (~$2.30-5.70)

    Lunch at Jungceylon

    Walk to Jungceylon mall for an air-conditioned lunch at the basement food court. Pad thai, green curry, and som tum run 60-90 THB per dish — excellent quality at local prices. Stock up on sunscreen and supplies at the Boots pharmacy or Tops supermarket.

    3:00 PM2 hrs300-400 THB (~$8.50-11) for Grab + free walking

    Old Town Phuket Heritage Walk

    Grab a taxi to Old Town (30-40 minutes) for a walk through the Sino-Portuguese heritage quarter. Stroll along Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road, photographing the colourful 19th-century shophouses, Chinese shrines, and street art murals. Visit the Thai Hua Museum (200 THB) for context on the island's immigrant history.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1.5 hrs300-500 THB (~$8.50-14) per person

    Dinner at Raya Restaurant

    Dine at Raya Restaurant, an Old Town institution in a century-old mansion serving bold southern Thai cuisine. The crab curry with betel leaves is legendary. Pair it with stir-fried sataw beans and a cold Singha beer. Arrive before 6:30 PM to avoid the queue.

    Night

    8:00 PM2 hrs300-1,000 THB (~$8.50-28) for drinks

    Bangla Road Nightlife

    Head back to Patong for a walk down Bangla Road, the neon-lit 400-metre nightlife strip. Bars, clubs, street performers, and music fill the air. Grab a rooftop cocktail at KEE Sky Lounge or simply walk the length of the street for the full sensory experience.

  2. Day 2Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
    Day 2

    Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

    Theme: Island Hopping & Snorkeling

    Morning

    7:00 AM1 hr (including transfer to pier)1,500-2,500 THB (~$43-71) for full-day tour

    Hotel Pickup & Speedboat Departure

    Your tour operator picks you up at 7:00 AM. Board a speedboat at Rassada Pier for the 45-minute crossing to Phi Phi. A good tour visits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and includes snorkeling stops and lunch on Phi Phi Don.

    Tips

    • Bring 400 THB cash for the national park fee.
    • Take motion sickness tablets before boarding.
    8:30 AM1.5 hrsIncluded in tour + 400 THB park fee

    Maya Bay & Pileh Lagoon

    Walk the sand at Maya Bay, the stunning cove from "The Beach," then swim in the impossibly clear emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon — a sheltered paradise enclosed by towering limestone walls. These back-to-back stops are the emotional peak of any Phi Phi visit.

    Afternoon

    10:30 AM1 hrIncluded in tour

    Snorkeling at Bamboo Island

    Snorkel in clear, shallow water around Bamboo Island's healthy coral reef. Expect to see parrotfish, clownfish, sea urchins, and colourful reef fish. The white-sand beach is pristine and the water visibility is excellent.

    12:00 PM4 hrs (including lunch, final stops, and return)Included in tour

    Lunch on Phi Phi Don & Return

    Buffet lunch at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don, followed by a visit to Monkey Beach and a final snorkeling stop. The boat returns to Phuket around 3:30-4:00 PM. Head back to the hotel to rest — you've earned it.

    Evening

    5:00 PM2 hrs100-200 THB for a drink

    Rest & Sunset at Patong

    Shower off the salt and sand, apply aloe vera to any sunburn, and watch the sunset from Patong Beach with a cold drink in hand. The west-facing beach delivers spectacular colours as the sun drops into the Andaman Sea.

    7:30 PM1.5 hrs200-500 THB (~$5.70-14) per person

    Casual Dinner in Patong

    For a relaxed dinner after the day trip, try No. 6 Restaurant on Bangla Road for excellent, affordable Thai food — their pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup are consistently good. Or head to Baan Rim Pa for upscale Thai dining on the cliffs above Patong Beach.

    Night

    9:30 PM30 minFree

    Early Night

    Rest up — tomorrow includes Big Buddha, temples, and an afternoon transfer to Krabi.

  3. Day 3Big Buddha, Wat Chalong & Transfer to Krabi
    Day 3

    Big Buddha, Wat Chalong & Transfer to Krabi

    Theme: Temples & Travel Day

    Morning

    8:00 AM2 hrsFree (donations welcome)

    Big Buddha & Wat Chalong

    Start with a morning visit to the 45-metre Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill for panoramic island views, then drive 10 minutes downhill to Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple. Climb the grand chedi for murals and 360-degree views. Both sites are free and can be covered in about 2 hours.

    Tips

    • Cover shoulders and knees for temple visits.
    10:30 AM1.5 hrs150-250 THB (~$4.30-7) for lunch

    Karon Viewpoint & Kata Beach

    Stop at Karon Viewpoint for the famous three-beach panorama, then head to Kata Beach for a final Phuket swim and an early lunch. Kata is quieter and more scenic than Patong, with gorgeous clear water and the small island of Koh Pu visible offshore.

    Afternoon

    12:30 PM2.5-3 hrs350-900 THB (~$10-26) depending on transport

    Transfer to Krabi

    Take a minivan transfer or ferry from Phuket to Krabi. Minivans depart from Phuket Town and take about 3 hours via the Sarasin Bridge (350-500 THB). Alternatively, ferries operate during high season from Rassada Pier to Ao Nang/Railay in about 2-2.5 hours (600-900 THB). Both options include hotel pickup from the Phuket side.

    Tips

    • Book your transfer the day before through your hotel or 12Go.asia.
    • The ferry is more scenic but only runs in high season (Nov-Apr).
    • Minivans run year-round and are more flexible on timing.
    3:30 PM1 hrHotel dependent

    Arrive in Ao Nang & Check-in

    Arrive in Ao Nang, Krabi's main tourist hub, and check into your hotel. Ao Nang is a compact beach town with a long strip of restaurants, bars, tour agencies, and shops. The beach itself faces a dramatic backdrop of limestone karst formations — your first taste of Krabi's jaw-dropping scenery. The atmosphere is noticeably more relaxed and less developed than Patong.

    Evening

    5:00 PM1 hrFree

    Ao Nang Beach Sunset

    Walk along Ao Nang Beach as the sun sets behind the offshore islands. The silhouettes of the karst towers against the orange sky create an otherworldly backdrop. The beach promenade comes alive in the evening with food vendors, tailors, and massage parlours.

    6:30 PM1.5 hrs150-400 THB (~$4.30-11) per person

    Dinner at Ao Nang

    Ao Nang's main strip has dozens of excellent restaurants. Carnivore Steak & Grill serves good Western food if you're craving a break from Thai cuisine, while Ao Nang Cuisine offers excellent southern Thai dishes at reasonable prices. For budget travellers, the night market stalls near the mosque serve amazing roti and Thai curries for 50-80 THB.

    Night

    8:30 PM1.5 hrs100-300 THB (~$2.85-8.50) for drinks

    Ao Nang Evening Stroll

    Walk the main strip, browse the shops, and grab a cocktail at one of the beachfront bars. Ao Nang has a mellow nightlife scene — live music, pool tables, and cheap drinks in open-air bars. The Center Point bar and The Last Fisherman are popular spots.

  4. Day 4Railay Beach: Limestone Paradise
    Day 4

    Railay Beach: Limestone Paradise

    Theme: Beach & Rock Climbing

    Morning

    8:00 AM20 min100 THB (~$2.85) one way

    Longtail Boat to Railay Beach

    Catch a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach (15 minutes, 100 THB one way). Railay is only accessible by boat because massive limestone cliffs cut it off from the mainland — which is exactly what gives it its magical, secluded character. The boat drops you at Railay West, a stunning beach flanked by towering karst walls and backed by tropical jungle.

    Tips

    • Boats leave when full (8-10 people). During quiet periods you can charter one for 200-300 THB.
    • You'll get your feet wet boarding and disembarking — wear waterproof sandals.
    8:30 AM2 hrs100-200 THB (~$2.85-5.70) for lounger

    Railay West Beach

    Railay West is the main beach — a gorgeous sweep of white sand with warm, swimmable water framed by limestone towers that rise vertically from the jungle. Rent a lounger (100-200 THB) and swim in the clear Andaman water. The dramatic cliff backdrop makes this one of the most beautiful beach settings in all of Thailand. The atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried — a world away from Patong's buzz.

    10:30 AM1.5 hrsFree

    Phra Nang Cave Beach

    Walk 15 minutes along the coastal path from Railay East to Phra Nang Cave Beach, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A pristine crescent of powder-white sand meets impossibly turquoise water, with a limestone cave shrine at one end decorated with carved wooden phalluses — offerings to the "Princess of the Sea" spirit. Longtail boats bob offshore against a backdrop of soaring cliffs. Swim, snorkel, and absorb the surreal beauty.

    Tips

    • Arrive before 11 AM to beat the Four Islands tour crowds who arrive midday.
    • The snorkeling directly off the beach is decent, with small reef fish visible around the rocks.

    Afternoon

    12:00 PM1 hr100-350 THB (~$2.85-10) per person

    Lunch at Railay

    Railay has several restaurants ranging from basic Thai food shacks to the upscale Grotto restaurant at Rayavadee resort, carved into a limestone cave. For a mid-range option, Flame Tree Restaurant serves excellent Thai dishes with views of the cliffs. Budget travellers can find pad thai and fried rice for 80-120 THB at the small restaurants along the walking path between Railay East and West.

    1:30 PM3 hrs1,000-1,500 THB (~$28-43) for half-day climbing course

    Rock Climbing at Railay

    Railay is one of the world's premier rock climbing destinations, with hundreds of bolted routes on the limestone cliffs ranging from beginner to expert. Several operators on the beach offer half-day introductory courses (1,000-1,500 THB) that include instruction, equipment, and guided climbing on beginner-friendly routes. No experience is needed — the instructors are excellent and the views from even 10 metres up the cliff face are breathtaking. If climbing isn't your thing, the Railay Viewpoint hike offers a challenging 30-minute jungle scramble to a panoramic lookout.

    Tips

    • Wear long, flexible trousers and closed-toe shoes (or rent climbing shoes from the operator).
    • Book your climbing session the day before at one of the operators on Railay East.
    • The Railay Viewpoint hike is steep and muddy — wear good shoes and bring water.

    Evening

    5:00 PM1 hr150-250 THB (~$4.30-7) for a drink

    Sunset at Railay West

    Return to Railay West beach for one of the most dramatic sunsets you'll ever witness. The sun drops behind the karst islands offshore, painting the limestone walls in shades of gold and amber. Grab a cocktail from one of the beach bars (try the Railay Beach Club) and sit on the sand as the colours intensify. The silhouettes of climbers high on the cliff faces add to the otherworldly atmosphere.

    6:30 PM2 hrs100 THB boat + 250-500 THB dinner

    Return to Ao Nang & Dinner

    Take the last longtail back to Ao Nang (boats run until about 7:30 PM depending on demand) and head to dinner. Krua Thara is an excellent seafood restaurant right on the Ao Nang beachfront, serving fresh catches of the day at reasonable prices. Their steamed fish with lime and garlic and stir-fried crab with yellow curry are outstanding.

    Night

    9:00 PM1-2 hrs100-300 THB for drinks

    Ao Nang Night Scene

    Enjoy Ao Nang's relaxed evening atmosphere — grab a drink at one of the main-strip bars, browse the night shops, or simply rest after an active day. Ao Nang has a quieter, friendlier nightlife than Patong.

  5. Day 5Four Islands Boat Trip
    Day 5

    Four Islands Boat Trip

    Theme: Island Hopping & Snorkeling

    Morning

    8:30 AM30 min to first stop800-1,500 THB (~$23-43) for full-day tour

    Four Islands Tour Departure

    Board a longtail boat from Ao Nang pier for the Four Islands tour — Krabi's most popular day trip. The four stops are Koh Tub (Tup Island), Koh Mor (Chicken Island, named for a rock formation shaped like a chicken's head), Koh Poda, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. Most tours include snorkeling equipment and a beach picnic lunch.

    Tips

    • Longtail boat tours are cheaper (800 THB) than speedboat options (1,500 THB) but slower.
    • Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag.
    9:00 AM1 hrIncluded in tour

    Koh Tub & Chicken Island Sandbar

    The first stop is one of Krabi's most remarkable natural phenomena — a sandbar that emerges at low tide connecting Koh Tub and Koh Mor (Chicken Island), allowing you to walk between islands on a ribbon of white sand with turquoise water on both sides. The timing depends on the tides, but when it's exposed, it's one of the most photogenic spots in Thailand. Chicken Island gets its name from the distinctive rock formation at one end that resembles a chicken's head and neck.

    Tips

    • Check the tide schedule with your tour operator — the sandbar is best at low tide.
    10:30 AM1.5 hrsIncluded in tour

    Koh Poda Snorkeling & Beach

    Koh Poda is a small, uninhabited island with a long white-sand beach and excellent snorkeling on the coral reef close to shore. The water is crystal-clear with good visibility, and you'll see colourful reef fish, sea urchins, and sometimes small reef sharks. The beach itself is gorgeous — powdery sand with minimal development and a relaxed atmosphere.

    Afternoon

    12:00 PM45 minIncluded in tour

    Beach Picnic Lunch

    Most tours provide a Thai lunch on one of the islands — typically fried rice, grilled chicken, fresh fruit, and water. The setting — eating on a deserted beach surrounded by turquoise water and limestone formations — elevates even a simple meal into something memorable. Some premium tours include BBQ seafood on the beach.

    1:00 PM1 hrIncluded in tour

    Phra Nang Cave Beach (From the Water)

    The tour stops at Phra Nang Cave Beach for swimming and snorkeling. If you visited yesterday from the land side, seeing it from the water gives a completely different perspective — the sheer scale of the limestone cliffs and the vibrant colours of the water are even more impressive from a boat. Swim, snorkel, and soak in the beauty before the boat heads back to Ao Nang.

    2:30 PM2 hrs300-500 THB for massage (optional)

    Return to Ao Nang & Free Time

    The boat returns to Ao Nang by mid-afternoon. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel pool, getting a Thai massage (300-500 THB for one hour), or browsing the shops along the main strip. The famous Ao Nang Night Market starts setting up around 5 PM on weekends.

    Evening

    5:30 PM2.5 hrs400-800 THB (~$11-23) per person

    Ao Nang Sunset & Dinner

    Watch the sunset from the Ao Nang beachfront, then head to Lae Lay Grill for a special dinner — this open-air restaurant is perched on a cliff above Ao Nang with stunning views of the karst-studded coastline. The seafood is excellent and the panoramic setting makes it the most romantic dinner spot in the area. Book ahead for a sunset table.

    Tips

    • Lae Lay Grill is on the hill at the eastern end of Ao Nang beach — follow the signs.
    • Reservations recommended during peak season.

    Night

    8:30 PM1 hr100-200 THB for drinks

    Relaxed Evening

    Enjoy your last evening in Krabi with a drink at one of the beachfront bars or a walk along the main strip. Tomorrow is an early start for Tiger Cave Temple.

  6. Day 6Tiger Cave Temple & Departure
    Day 6

    Tiger Cave Temple & Departure

    Theme: Temple, Culture & Departure

    Morning

    7:00 AM20 min transfer150-200 THB (~$4.30-5.70) by Grab

    Early Start for Tiger Cave Temple

    Leave Ao Nang early for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), about 20 minutes by Grab (150-200 THB). The temple is one of southern Thailand's most important Buddhist sites and an extraordinary physical challenge — a staircase of 1,260 steps climbs 300 metres to a golden Buddha statue and stupa at the summit, with panoramic views of the Krabi river valley, karst formations, and the Andaman Sea. Go early to beat the heat.

    Tips

    • Start climbing by 7:30 AM at the latest — the heat and humidity build rapidly after 9 AM.
    • Bring at least 1 litre of water per person.
    • Wear proper shoes (not flip-flops) — the steps are steep and uneven in places.
    7:30 AM2 hrs (up and down)Free

    Climb Tiger Cave Temple

    The 1,260-step climb to the summit takes 30-60 minutes depending on your fitness level. The concrete staircase is steep in places and there are no handrails on some sections. Monkeys inhabit the lower sections — keep bags closed and food hidden. The payoff at the top is extraordinary: a massive golden Buddha footprint, a stupa, and a 360-degree panorama of Krabi province that stretches from the limestone karsts to the shimmering Andaman Sea. On a clear day, you can see the islands offshore. The sense of achievement combined with the views makes this one of Krabi's most rewarding experiences.

    Tips

    • The temple at the base is also worth exploring — there's a cave with a Buddha shrine and ancient tiger paw marks that gave the temple its name.
    • Take breaks on the numbered platforms — there are rest areas every 100 steps or so.
    10:00 AM30 min20-50 THB for cold drinks

    Temple Complex & Cool Down

    After descending, explore the temple complex at the base. The cave shrine with its ancient stalactites and tiger claw marks is atmospheric, and the temple grounds are home to resident monks and numerous macaques. There are drink vendors selling cold water and coconut juice at the entrance — you'll want them. Take a rest in the shade before heading out.

    Afternoon

    11:00 AM1.5 hrs100-200 THB (~$2.85-5.70) for lunch

    Krabi Town Exploration

    Head to Krabi Town (15 minutes from Tiger Cave Temple) for a quick exploration of this authentic Thai river town. Walk along the riverfront promenade past the giant crab sculptures, visit the small but charming Krabi Town walking street if it's operating, and grab a delicious local lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. Krabi Town feels like "real Thailand" — less touristy than Ao Nang with genuine local character.

    1:00 PM30 min to Krabi airport; 3 hrs to Phuket airport200-500 THB (~$5.70-14) for transfer

    Departure from Krabi

    Depending on your departure plans: Krabi International Airport (KBV) is 25 minutes from Krabi Town with direct flights to Bangkok (1 hr 15 min, from 1,000 THB). Alternatively, take a minivan back to Phuket Airport (3 hrs, 350-500 THB) if your return flight departs from HKT. Some travellers continue south to Koh Lanta or north to Khao Sok National Park from here.

    Tips

    • Krabi Airport is small and efficient — arrive 1.5 hours before domestic flights.
    • If returning to Phuket, book your minivan through 12Go.asia for the best prices.

    Evening

    3:00 PM1-3 hrs depending on routeFlight dependent

    Flight or Onward Journey

    Board your flight from Krabi Airport to Bangkok or your next destination, or settle into the minivan for the scenic drive back across the Sarasin Bridge to Phuket. Six days of Andaman coast exploration — from Phuket's cultural richness to Krabi's raw natural beauty — come to a deeply satisfying close.

    Night

    6:00 PMVariableVariable

    Arrive at Final Destination

    Whether you're landing in Bangkok, returning to Phuket, or continuing your journey to another Thai destination, you'll carry with you six days of extraordinary Andaman memories — turquoise lagoons, limestone cathedrals, spicy seafood, and the warm hospitality that makes southern Thailand one of the world's most beloved travel regions.

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) and out of Krabi International Airport (KBV) for the most efficient routing — one-way flights to Bangkok from either airport cost 1,000-2,500 THB. Alternatively, fly round-trip into Phuket and take a 3-hour minivan back from Krabi on your last day. The Phuket-to-Krabi transfer is easy: minivans (350-500 THB, 3 hrs) or high-season ferries (600-900 THB, 2-2.5 hrs).

Getting Around

In Phuket, use Grab for all transport (budget 1,500-2,500 THB for 3 days). In Krabi, Grab is available in Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Longtail boats to Railay cost 100 THB each way from Ao Nang. Both the Phi Phi and Four Islands tours include hotel pickup. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run between Ao Nang and Krabi Town for 60 THB.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is the ideal window — dry weather, calm seas, and all boat tours running. Railay and the Four Islands are particularly dependent on good weather. December-January is peak season with highest prices. May-October sees rain, rougher seas, and some boat services may be reduced, but prices drop significantly.

Budget

Budget travellers can do 6 days for 8,400-12,600 THB ($240-360) with guesthouses, street food, and shared tours. Mid-range spending runs 16,800-31,500 THB ($480-900) for 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, premium tours, and comfortable transport. Luxury travellers will spend 52,500+ THB ($1,500+) at resorts like Rayavadee on Railay with private tours.

Safety

Both Phuket and Krabi are very safe. In Krabi, the main risks are the Tiger Cave Temple climb (challenging for those with knee issues or low fitness — there's no shame in skipping the summit), longtail boat transfers to Railay in rough water (rare during high season), and sunburn on island tours. Always wear a life jacket on boats.

Pro Tips

  • Book an open-jaw flight (into Phuket, out of Krabi) to avoid backtracking.
  • The Phuket-Krabi ferry is more scenic than the minivan but only runs November-April.
  • Pack light — you'll be transferring between hotels and boats frequently.
  • Railay has limited ATMs and shops — withdraw cash in Ao Nang before heading over.
  • Tiger Cave Temple is best attempted early morning — by 10 AM the heat makes the climb miserable.
  • Ao Nang has better budget accommodation than Railay (where prices are higher due to boat-only access).

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Phuket offers more developed tourist infrastructure, diverse nightlife, cultural depth (Old Town, temples), and easy access to Phi Phi Islands. Krabi delivers raw natural beauty, world-class rock climbing, the stunning Railay Beach, and a more laid-back, less commercialised atmosphere. Together they give you a complete picture of Thailand's Andaman coast.

The two most common options are minivan (3 hours, 350-500 THB, runs year-round) and ferry (2-2.5 hours, 600-900 THB, high season only Nov-Apr). Both include hotel pickup on the Phuket side. The minivan goes by road over the Sarasin Bridge; the ferry sails along the coast with beautiful views of the karst formations.

Six days is ideal — 3 days in Phuket and 3 in Krabi. This gives you enough time for island day trips, cultural sightseeing, and beach relaxation in both provinces without feeling rushed. Five days is possible but tight; seven or more days allows for extra beach time or side trips to Koh Lanta or the Emerald Pool.

Ao Nang is the better base for most travellers — it has more accommodation options at all price points, restaurants, nightlife, ATMs, and tour agencies. Railay is accessible only by boat (no roads), which makes it more exclusive and romantic but also more expensive and less convenient. You can easily visit Railay as a day trip from Ao Nang (15 minutes by longtail boat).

The 1,260-step climb is genuinely challenging — steep, hot, and humid. It takes 30-60 minutes to reach the top and requires reasonable fitness. People of all ages complete it, but those with knee problems, heart conditions, or low fitness should consider carefully. Start early (before 8 AM) to avoid the worst heat, bring plenty of water, and take breaks as needed. The views from the summit are worth every step.

No — the Four Islands (Koh Tub, Chicken Island, Koh Poda, Phra Nang Beach) are in Krabi province and tours only depart from Ao Nang. They're a completely different experience from the Phi Phi Islands tour that departs from Phuket. Doing both tours on this itinerary gives you two distinct island-hopping experiences.

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