Source: Phi Phi booking
I’ve had the fortune of visiting two beautiful Thai islands in the Andaman sea with my friends in the last year: Phuket and Krabi. I love Thailand, its service oriented people, its beautiful islands, extremely tasty food and it is almost always a joy to take a two hour plane over. Both islands are also easy getaway choices for those of us living in South-East Asia.
Recently, a friend managed to get some days off from work and we both decided to spontaneously hop on the next flight out. I chose Krabi expecting it to be like my trip to its sister island, Phuket. However, I was surprised to discover several differences between both islands:
Development
Krabi is way less developed than Phuket. Throughout our trip, we encountered problems such as having strange insects and moths in our room and waking up to find that the water supply has been cut off. The streets were also dirtier and more rustic, with the feeling that you were walking through a Thai village. Its signature beach, Ao Nang is also pretty quiet, way less toned down than even the beaches in Singapore.
Ao Nang beach
On the other hand, Phuket is rather developed and touristy. Its signature beach, Patong seems like a crazy party beach with activities such as diving, parasailing and beach volleyball highlighting the landscape. When you go to Phuket town, itis bustling with activities from Thai girls shows, clubs blasting loud music and pole dancing girls.
Figure: Phuket town
Patong beach; Source: Phuket paradise
Island hopping
If you’re into island hopping, you will definitely prefer Krabi to Phuket. Krabi is near to the very gorgeous Phi Phi Don, which in my opinion is the most beautiful, touristy and must-see island in the Andaman sea. It is also near to Hong island which boasts beautiful beaches, cliffs and a lagoon, and the four islands Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Tub and Koh Mor. All the islands take less than an hour, while Phi Phi Don takes an hour.
Phuket on the other hand is only close to Phang Nga bay and the James Bond island. I actually went to Phi Phi Don from Phuket and it took almost two hours by ferry.
Figure: Phi Phi island
Figure: Hong island
Prices
I only realized how insanely expensive Phuket is compared to Krabi. Here is the breakdown of the amount we spent on airfare, accomodation and hotel , per person.
Phuket
Jetstar flight: S$120
Accomodation in four-star hotel: S$80/night
Taxi to/from airport: S$15 per ride
Tuk Tuk: S$5 per ride
Krabi
AirAsia flight: $95
Accomodation in four-star villa: $30/night
Bus to/from airport: S$8 per ride
Tuk Tuk: S$2 per person
So it really depends on what you like. If you have a little more cash to spend, love bustle and crowds and want some place where you could be pampered, choose Phuket. If you’re looking for a laid-back and cheap getaway in a rustic and nature-bound place, choose Krabi.
Life as it is, with a silver lining 