Planning a family vacation to Phuket and Krabi? These two stunning destinations in Thailand offer breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches, and unique experiences. However, there are a few practical considerations that can make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
Here are some essential family travel tips for Phuket and Krabi.
Transportation Costs: Budget Wisely
When it comes to getting around Phuket, the cost of transport is very expensive compared to the rest of Thailand. While taxis and Grab rides are easily accessible, they are pricey!
For example, Grab fare from our hotel (Homa Phuket Town) to Chillva Market less than 1km away is 200 Baht! To Wat Chalong Pagoda 20 minutes away if 382 Baht! If you’re planning a day of sightseeing, a fixed-priced day driver will be a better option. Rates for a day with a driver are typically for 6-7 hours and can cover agreed upon areas. But keep in mind that venturing to the northern areas of Phuket, such as Samet Nangshe or some resort areas will cost more.
On the other hand, Krabi’s transport rates are far more reasonable. To get from Ao Nang beach area to Krabi market for example (about 30 minutes away) is just 244 Baht. In Ao Nang itself a Tuk Tuk ride for a 3km journey to the Landmark Market costs around 200 Baht.
Traffic: Time Your Travels
Surprisingly traffic in Phuket can be a challenge, especially during peak hours. Like Bangkok, the roads can get congested, making travel times much longer than Google maps will anticipate. In contrast, Krabi generally has much less traffic, so getting around is usually smoother and more relaxed.
Book Tickets Directly or Through Trusted Platforms
When buying tickets for attractions or tours, it’s often best to go contact the operator directly via WhatsApp or tour operator’s official website. This ensures you get the best price and avoid third party markups. You can also check out trusted platforms like Klook for deals, as they sometimes offer discounted rates for family friendly activities.
Not so Scenic Views: the Islands Are the Real Showstoppers
While both Phuket and Krabi offer some nice viewpoints, the real beauty of these destinations lies in their islands. Instead of spending too much time driving around town to see sights, consider spending more of holiday budget on a private boat tour.
Long Tail Boats vs. Speed Boats: Which Is Better?
If you’re planning to explore the islands, you’ll come across two main types of boats: traditional long tail boats and speed boats. Long Tail boats are cheaper, but they tend to be bumpier and not always water tight. Speed boats, on the other hand, are faster, more stable, and more in line with Western standards. They are more expensive but can help you get to your island destination quickly and in more comfort. If you’re traveling with kids, the added stability of a speed boat might be worth the extra cost.
Pro tip: When transferring between islands, catching a public ferry from either Phuket or Krabi is the best way to do it. Don’t do what we did! We tried to save time by hiring a private long tail boat (non water tight) on a particularly not so ideal day to do so. Let’s just say we’re glad that we made it alive!
Choose early morning or private tours to avoid crowds
If you’re trying to save money, you could also opt for larger boats that take bigger group of passengers to the islands. While these are more affordable, they tend to be crowded and usually depart at peak times.
Book multiple boat days or stay at Phi Phi Island
As detailed in our Phuket & Krabi things to do blog post, we would group the islands as follows:
- Day1: Phang Nga Bay: Koh Panyee village & James Bond island
- Day 2: Hong Island, Kao Lading, Koh Pakbia & Railay Beach
- Day 3: Maya Bay & Phi Phi island
- If you have an extra day – stay overnight at Koh Yao Noi
Instead of cramming too many beaches in one day consider focusing on 4-5 famous spots only.
Cannabis Culture: Legal in Thailand
It’s important to note that cannabis is now legal in Thailand, and dispensaries are becoming increasingly common in places like Phuket and Krabi. As you walk around some areas may smell a bit like Amsterdam’s coffee shops. This could be noticeable in certain parts of both destinations, especially around busy tourist areas.
Shopping? Bangkok Is Your Best Bet
While Phuket and Krabi do have plenty of souvenir shops, they aren’t the best places to do your shopping. If you’re looking for better shopping options, try to buy most of your items in Bangkok. From unique local crafts to designer brands, Bangkok offers a much wider variety and generally better prices.
Eating in Phuket & Krabi
The food in Phuket and Krabi is undoubtedly tasty, but it may not live up to the culinary excellence found in other parts of Thailand. Due to the heavy influence of tourists, many restaurants cater to Western tastes, which may dull the flavours of traditional Thai dishes.
In general, there is a notable Muslim influence in food of this region, and you’ll find more fried food options, like fried rice and noodles, reminiscent of Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines.
Where to Stay: Consider Krabi or Ao Nang
While Phuket is famous for its resorts and beautiful beaches, the town itself can feel a bit like Bali but without the same charm. Avoid Patong Beach area for family stays. It gets really crowded and is quite seedy.
If you’re looking for a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere, Krabi or Ao Nang might be a better fit. The islands surrounding Krabi are equally stunning but tend to be less crowded than those near Phuket. Ao Nang is a small town but is rapidly getting built up. Choosing an accommodation off the main street will give your family peace and quiet
In Ao Nang, we stayed at Addjit Resort, and it was everything we hoped for! While it’s not the Ritz, the family bungalow was clean, spacious, and perfectly located—peaceful yet just 15 minutes from the beach
The owners, Add and Jit, were incredible hosts from start to finish. Their team kept our rooms spotless, prepared delicious meals, and were always helpful. The resort had a lovely mix of visitors during our stay
Some final quick tips:
- Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season) for pleasant weather and calmer seas.
- Packing Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, light clothing, waterproof bags and mosquito repellent. We use the repellant bands as seen in many of our Thailand photos.
- As mentioned in our Phuket & Krabi things to do blog post we highly recommend visiting an ethical elephant encounters (no riding).
Some general tips when visiting Thailand:
– Cash is king, compare rates and exchange at good currency exchange. ATM fees are expensive.
– Most restaurants can offer non spicy (or less spicy) version of Thai dishes.
– Drinking water from restaurants ice cubes are surprisingly ok, but drinking straight tap water is a no.
– Get your laundry done before flying home! The rates are so reasonable. No washing up after your holidays!
