Krabi: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket

Nestled between the dramatic karst cliffs of southern Thailand, Krabi is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and clear turquoise waters, Krabi is a truly idyllic destination.

From exploring ancient caves to kayaking through mangrove forests, there are endless activities to keep you entertained. Adding a Krabi day trip from Phuket to your itinerary is a must.

You will find below all you need to know about Krabi, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to Krabi from Phuket?

Krabi is a province on the south coast of Thailand that encompasses around 200 islands in the Andaman Sea. It is approximately 160 kilometers from Phuket.

From Phuket to Krabi by car

It takes around 2.5 hours to make the journey to Krabi from Phuket by car. From your location in Phuket, drive to the top of the island and cross the Sarasin Bridge. From there, use route 402, followed by route 4 towards Krabi.

From Phuket to Krabi by public transport

You can also make the jaunt to Krabi by minivan from Phuket Old Bus Station. The bus ticket costs around US$13 and the journey takes approximately three hours. These minivans tend to seat between 12 and 24 guests, and are relatively comfortable.

Guided tour to Krabi from Phuket

Alternatively, you can take a guided excursion to Krabi. You'll be picked up from your hotel in Phuket between 6:30 AM and 7 AM, and your tour will last between seven and nine hours. You can also choose to take a multi-day tour.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Krabi from Phuket?

The itinerary of Krabi day tours varies depending on the locations you visit. Popular destinations include the Hong Islands and the Phi Phi Islands. After a convenient hotel pickup from your accommodation in Phuket, you'll head towards Krabi by boat.

Along the way, you'll sail through Phang Nga Bay and pause for a snorkeling or swimming opportunity. You'll explore several idyllic islands where you'll stop for a feast of mouthwatering Thai food.

Once your body is fuelled with delicious Asian cuisine, you'll continue discovering more of Krabi's islands including the floating village of Panyee. Some excursions also visit famous landmarks on the mainland, including Wat Suwan Kuha cave, where a golden Buddha will greet you with a friendly face.

Another spot that often wows tourists on Krabi day trips is the Namtok Ron hot spring waterfall, which revitalizes all who visit. Once you've discovered a corner of the large region, you'll travel back to Phuket.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Krabi?

There are several Krabi day tours to choose from, based on your interests.

Day trip to Krabi from Phuket

Approximately 200 islands dot the seas around Krabi, and on this tour, you'll explore several of them. You'll travel to Koh Gai, which is famed for its chicken-shaped rock formation.

Once you've captured the unusual sight, you'll move on to Koh Poda's sparkling waters for a swim or snorkel. You'll also step foot on Koh Mor and Koh Tub, and stroll through the walkway connecting the two via a strip of silky sand.

2-Day private tour to Krabi from Phuket

This 2-Day private trip to Krabi revolves around vitality. You'll explore Wat Suwan Kuha cave, which has an unexpected guest inside — a giant golden Buddha. You'll kayak slowly through throngs of dense and vibrant mangroves before unwinding in a natural hot spring.

After a comfortable night's sleep, you'll travel to the glistening emerald pool of Sa Morakot, as well as the rejuvenating hot spring waterfall of Namtok Ron.

Day trip to Krabi plus James Bond Island from Phuket

On this combination tour, you'll speed through the turquoise Andaman Sea to Hong Island, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel among tropical fish in its lagoon.

Continuing on to Khao Phing Kan and Khao Tapu, you'll see the setting of the 1974 James Bond movie "the Man with the Golden Gun" firsthand. As you sail through the ocean, you'll come across the floating village of Panyee, which is supported by stilts and houses over 1,600 people.

How much does a tour to Krabi from Phuket cost?

Krabi day trips cost between US$80 and US$240. Those on the higher end of this range include the national park fee and travel by speedboat.

Day tours that incorporate James Bond Island into the itinerary cost approximately US$110 and include lunch, as well as kayaking equipment.

Alternatively, you can take a two-day tour to Krabi, which costs around US$690 per group of up to eight participants and includes lunch. Broken down, the cost per person is just under US$90 and you can expect to pay an additional expense for your accommodation.

What will you see and do on a Krabi day trip from Phuket?

Wat Suwan Kuha

Wat Suwan Kuha — also known as the Cave Temple — is a Buddhist temple formed of ancient limestone. Wat Suwan Kuha is part of a complex of caves, which feature many religious statues.

While the caves themselves are impressive natural monuments, the reclining golden Buddha in Tam Yai Cave is what makes it a much-loved tourist attraction. Measuring over 15 meters, the Buddha is used in religious ceremonies, as the cave is still used as a place of worship.

Hong Islands

The Hong Islands are a small archipelago in the Than Bok Khorani National Park. The name "Hong" translates from the Thai word for “room,” which references the enclosed lagoon on the largest island in the chain — Koh Hong. This shallow natural pool is filled with colorful fish and warm waters.

The collection of picturesque islands is uninhabited and under the tourist radar, enabling their powdery beaches to remain spectacularly unspoiled. You can explore the limestone formations surrounding the four islands by kayak or boat, as well as snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea.

Namtok Ron

Namtok Ron is a hot spring waterfall located in Khlong Thon in the east of Krabi. Its roaring waters reach thermal temperatures of between 40 and 50 degrees Celsius. It is widely believed that the waterfall has healing properties, and aids the blood circulation of the bather.

There are several natural bathtubs that have been carved out by the rocks, where visitors can sink into the warm water. Set in a magical location in the heart of a deep forest, Namtok Ron is a must-see destination for anyone interested in health and wellness.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

As a tropical destination close to the equator, Krabi experiences a dry and wet season. The dry spell lasts between November and March, and this is the best time to plan a day trip to Krabi because of the lower humidity levels. The seas are also calmer and water visibility is the clearest at this time.

Travel tips

• Depending on where your Krabi day trip travels, you may be required to pay national park entry fees. While some tours cover this, others do not, so check the details of your preferred excursion before booking.
• If you choose to snorkel on your trip, ensure you don't touch or feed the sea life.
• If you visit Wat Suwan Kuha on your Krabi day tour, be respectful and adhere to the rules of the cave, as it is a working Buddhist temple.
• Pack plenty of sunscreen in your case before traveling to Krabi. While it is available to buy, sunscreen can be hard to locate and expensive when you do find it.