Are you considering going on a family adventure in Phuket or Krabi? These two stunning Thailand destinations are brimming with activities that are perfect for families of all ages. Whether you’re exploring local markets, hopping between islands, or diving into Thai culture, you’ll find something special to make your trip truly memorable.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Phuket, Krabi, and some exciting activities that work for both!
THE main thing to do in both Phuket and Krabi: Island Hopping!
Whether you’re in Phuket or Krabi, don’t get too stuck in Phuket and Krabi itself, spend more time exploring the islands. From relaxing on white sand beaches to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, island hopping in Thailand is unrivalled! We would break down the days as follows:
Boat Trip 1: Koh Panyee, Phang Nga bay mangroves, James Bond Island & Kayak Cove
Set sail on a day trip to Koh Panyee, a floating Muslim village built on stilts, followed by a kayak adventure through the mangroves of Phang Nga Bay. Then, head to James Bond Island, made famous by the movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
For us, the experience was unforgettable. We stayed overnight at Koh Panyee to truly immerse ourselves in the local culture, even getting the chance to kick a ball around on their iconic floating soccer field. At the time of our visit, the only accommodation option was the James Bond Bungalow. With rooms that fit only three guests, we had to book two rooms. The setup is simple (think shower over the toilet, no hot water), but spacious and comfy enough, with a strong AC to cool off. And while we weren’t expecting luxury, the view was beyond stunning—perfect for both sunset and sunrise.
The hotel’s boat picked us up at Tha Dan pier in Phang Nga Bay, and we splurged a little extra to ride through the mangroves and caves on our way to Koh Panyee. On the island, no restaurant is open after 4pm, so the hotel will arrange take away dinner options—either fried rice or fried noodles.
Boat Trip 2: Hong Island, Kao Lading, Koh Pakbia & Railay Beach
Another group of islands we visited on another day are Hong Island, Kao Lading, Koh Pakbia and Railay Beach. This boat trip will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches and secluded spots in the Andaman Sea. Definitely pack you bathers and sunscreen for this day. You can spend the day swimming, sunbathing or just chilling. Keep an eye out for colourful fishes swimming right under you!
Going up Hong Island viewpoint is not very hard and you will be rewarded with the most incredible views!
We hired a long tail boat from Krabi to explore these islands. Pro tip: instead of cramming too many beaches in one day consider focusing on 4-5 famous spots only. By the way “Koh” means island in Thai.
Boat Trip 3: Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
No trip to Phuket or Krabi is truly complete without a visit to the iconic Phi Phi Islands. Known for its jaw-dropping beauty, Phi Phi can sometimes feel like a victim of its own fame—it can often be a case of “Instagram vs. reality.” The crowds are real, but the scenery is even more spectacular. Year round, this paradise attracts travellers from all over the globe.
At Maya Bay, swimming is off limits to protect marine life, so you can only go in knee deep. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other stunning beaches on the main island where you can dive in and cool off.
If you want to avoid the crowds, aim to get there early by chartering a private speedboat or better yet, stay overnight on Phi Phi Island for a quieter experience. Trust us, it’s worth it!
Spend a Day in Koh Yao Noi
So if you want a laid back Thailand island with quiet pristine beaches – Koh Yao Noi is the place!
This island is sandwiched between Phuket and Krabi. It offers a more laid-back feel of Thailand maybe over 50 years ago. Having the whole beach to ourselves, watching the boys play soccer far into the sand at the morning low tide is such an amazing experience.
We stayed here for one night here, at Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow. The accommodation is made up of self-contained bungalows with central restaurant area where you can also organise your tours and boat tickets. Few of the units have direct sea views There are not too many cars on the island, so we rented a self-drive tuk tuk to roam around the island. The route around the island is quite simple so you won’t get lost.
Pro tip: The best way to get to Koh Yao Noi is to catch a public ferry from either Phuket or Krabi. Don’t do what we did! We tried to save time by hiring a private long tail boat (non water tight) to cross direct from Koh Panyee (during a particularly not so ideal day to do so). Let’s just say we’re glad that we made it alive!
Visit a Charity
True compassion extends beyond the walls of places of worship—it’s about experiencing and learning through your own eyes. By helping those in need, we can uplift the less fortunate and create a world guided by kindness and generosity
Both Phuket and Krabi offer opportunities for families to give back and get involved in local charities. Whether it’s helping out at an animal shelter or supporting local initiatives, it’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about the importance of kindness and community.
In 2004, Phuket was hit by a devastating tsunami. Since then the island has flourished again, but not everyone is benefitting from the growth. SOS Children’s Village Phuket was established in 2007. SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families – advocating for their rights in Phuket.
Meet the Elephants, Don’t Ride Them
Ethical tourism is a big deal in Thailand, and if you’re in Phuket or Krabi, there are amazing opportunities to connect with elephants in a way that’s kind and responsible. At reputable elephant sanctuaries, you’ll get the chance to make food, walk alongside these gentle giants, feed them, and even bathe them—without riding them. It’s a heartwarming and educational experience that the whole family will remember for years to come.
Just be sure to do your research before booking—make sure the sanctuary you choose prioritises the welfare of the elephants, and you’ll have an experience that’s both meaningful and ethical.
Try Muay Thai
For something a little more active, try a Muay Thai class as a family! This traditional Thai martial art is not only a great workout, but it’s also an awesome way to dive into local culture. Whether you’re in Phuket or Krabi, you’ll find plenty of places offering beginner classes in a fun, family friendly environment.
We weren’t looking for just any tourist hotel Muay Thai class—we wanted the real deal! So, we booked a private family lesson with Phuket King. Coach “Kru” Chi was incredible, guiding us through the moves while making sure our boys had a blast. It was a high-energy, adrenaline-packed experience that we’ll all remember!
Take a Cooking Class
Many families visiting Thailand love trying their hand at cooking classes.
But cooking is so not us —we’re all about enjoying food at restaurants!
Things to Do when staying in Phuket
- Browse Phuket Town
Start your Phuket adventure with a stroll through Phuket Town, where you’ll find charming buildings and vibrant street art. Phuket Old Town’s architecture is a mix of Chinese, European, and other influences, creating a Sino-Colonial style. The Old Town is a perfect spot to explore on foot with the family, and you can stop at a local restaurant to try Peranakan style cuisines.
- Chillva Night Market
If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly evening out, head to the Chillva Night Market in Phuket. This trendy market is filled with quirky stalls selling everything from new & second hand clothes and souvenirs to delicious street food. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite while soaking in the local vibe. There’s often live music, and the kids will love the fish spas and trying unique treats like Thai pancakes and ice cream rolls!
We enjoyed dining above street level to take in the market view and people watch.
- Escape the crowded Patong and go UP the hill
For a more serene experience, head up the hill towards Paradise beach to one of the sea side restaurants. We dined at Espera which has a great ambience with perfect panoramic view!
- Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
For a breathtaking family outing, don’t miss the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, 1.5 hours drive from Phuket. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the island, offering panoramic views of lush greenery and the famous limestone karsts jutting out of Phang Nga Bay.
The best view can be seen from the Bay View café, part of the Sametnangshe Boutique Hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel carpark, you pay 50 baht entry fee per person (redeemable on food & drinks at the café), and the hotel’s pick up truck will take you up the hill to the café.
While in Phuket we stayed at Homa Phuket Town. Families will love the rooftop swimming pool and organised movie nights. We stayed at a 2 bedroom apartment which was modern and comfortable. Location is quite central, just a 10 a minute walk to Chillva market.
Things to Do when staying in Krabi
Try to find accommodation close to Ao Nang as this is where you will go to launch yourself when venturing out to the islands. Krabi town itself is about 20 minutes away.
- Ao Nang Beach Shops
Take a leisurely stroll along the beach in Ao Nang and explore the local shops selling everything from beachwear to handmade souvenirs. There are lots of cafes where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning beach views.
Buying souvenirs? Bargain hard! Although prices here are cheaper than in Phuket, it is more expensive than Bangkok.
- Fire Show at Reeve Beach Club
For an exciting night out, head to the Reeve Beach Club in Ao Nang for an unforgettable fire show. The talented performers create an incredible display of flames and acrobatics, making for an adrenaline-pumping experience for both kids and adults. Shows are at 7.30pm and 9.30pm daily.
- Ao Nang Landmark Market
Here, you’ll find fresh local produce, souvenirs, and traditional Thai clothing. The market is a fun and family-friendly experience, where you can try fresh fruit, grab a bite from food stalls, or simply enjoy the lively live music. Plus, they have free muay thai exhibition for tourists.
For the second half of our Thailand trip, we chose mainly locally owned accommodations to give our boys a more authentic taste of Thai culture
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
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re island-hopping, exploring local markets, or diving into Thai culture, Phuket and Krabi are incredible destinations for families looking for adventure, relaxation, and a little bit of everything in between. These two places offer the perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and activities that will keep both kids and parents entertained. Pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for a trip that will be talked about for years to come!
Happy travels, and don’t forget to share your family adventures with us!
