There are a few different ferry services operating between Krabi and Phuket, and the routes take between 1 hour 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on whether itтАЩs a direct route or one that requires a transfer to a speed boat halfway through.
Is it worth going from Krabi to Phuket?
The trip from Krabi to Phuket is absolutely worth it, as itтАЩs only a 2.5-hour journey and there are a wealth of activities to explore in Phuket. For the scenery alone, Phuket is unmatched, with its rich jungle mountainscapes and pristine beaches.
What is the fastest way to get from Krabi to Phuket?
The two fastest options for getting from Krabi to Phuket are either by driving with a private car service or by taking the fastest available ferry (1 hour 45 minutes). Though, keep in mind the ferries can quickly become overbooked in peak travel months.
What is the easiest way to get from Krabi to Phuket?
The easiest way to get from Krabi to Phuket is with a private driving transfer, which offers you the most flexibility in booking and the option to add sightseeing stops along the way. Particularly if youтАЩre heading to Phuket airport, this is the best option for scheduling around flight times.
Is Phuket nicer than Krabi?
The benefits of Phuket or Krabi over each other will depend largely on traveler preference. Krabi is smaller and more tranquil, while Phuket tends to be busier and has a much more active nightlife.
Can you take a bus from Krabi to Phuket?
There is a direct bus route from Krabi to Phuket that takes around 3 hours, and tickets cost about $7 per person if booked in advance. Keep in mind that you will need to plan for the time and money spent navigating to and from the bus stations in both cities.
The trip from Krabi to Phuket takes 2.5 hours by car, whisking you toward a colorful city in the Southeast of Thailand. With a private driving transfer, you can choose a direct journey or turn your travel day into an exciting sightseeing tour with optional stops en route.
Consider visiting the Tiger Cave Temple and mounting the 1237 steps it takes to reach the mountaintop for incredible panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Here, you can learn about all of the different Thai myths surrounding the templeтАЩs founding in 1975 and discover where the тАЬTigerтАЭ name is thought to come from.
Or, stop by Wat Suwan Kuha, known by the locals as the тАЬcave temple,тАЭ for views of the massive reclining Buddha statue and its friendly monkey colony. The walk through this cave temple is much less strenuous than the Tiger Cave Temple, and there are abundant examples of Thai art tucked away for you to discover.
About Phuket
After your Krabi to Phuket transfer, you will find yourself in the heart of ThailandтАЩs biggest island, home to a vibrant culture and unforgettable coastal scenery. This mountainous island boasts lush rainforests, pristine sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters that draw in travelers from all over the globe.
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The city center hosts traditional shophouses and markets alongside modern restaurants, bars, and energetic nightclubs nearer the resorts. Phuket is known amongst travelers for its incredible food scene and diverse range of outdoor activities, as well as the bold nightlife (though, there are still activities for the whole family!)
Phuket province actually consists of 32 smaller islands, with the island of Phuket being the largest. The tropical monsoon climate and consistently high temperatures lend the area its jungle growth and richly biodiverse ecosystems while also creating seasons of perfect sunny weather for beachgoers.
The city is largely Buddhist, an influence thatтАЩs abundantly clear in the many showstopping temples and incredible artworks throughout the city. While the area used to be economically supported by tin mining, its income now largely comes from rubber plantations and tourism. You can visit the rubber tree farms and learn more about their impact on the country and how theyтАЩve come to make Thailand the global leader in rubber production.
The city is a bucket list destination for many travelers, given its rich history, cultural appeal, and incredible beaches. Come for the idyllic coastal environment and lush rainforests, and stay for the friendly people, cultural touchstones, and mouthwatering Thai dishes.
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From Krabi to Phuket: travel tips
Before you traverse the distance from Krabi to Phuket, there are some things you should keep in mind that can help you to have the smoothest journey possible.
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Consider a private transfer
To make your trip from Krabi to Phuket seamless and stress-free, consider choosing a Daytrip private transfer service. Starting at $30 per passenger, this is the most comfortable way to make the journey, and youтАЩll have the benefit of a friendly English-speaking driver to accompany you. This is a great choice for those wanting to avoid the hassle of public transit, particularly if you are traveling with lots of luggage.
Be mindful of temple dress codes
As many of the attractions in this part of Thailand are incredible temples and other sacred sites, itтАЩs essential to be respectful of any posted dress codes. Plan ahead, and be sure to pack modest options that allow you to cover up your shoulders, midriff, and knees while still remaining cool in the hot climate.
Some temples will have stricter dress codes than others, so itтАЩs best to do your research ahead of time and give yourself the option of light layers to add on for spontaneous outings or sightseeing stops!
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How to get from Krabi to Phuket
There are a few different options for your trip from Krabi to Phuket, including both public transportation and private services. The best option for you will depend on your budget and travel priorities, but many travelers find the private transfer option the easiest and most efficient way to make the journey.
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Bus from Krabi to Phuket
A direct bus from Krabi to Phuket takes between 2.5 and 3 hours, with tickets costing around $7. Keep in mind that you will have to account for any time or money spent navigating to the bus station in Krabi and to your accommodation in Phuket.
If you are heading to Phuket airport, you will need to take an additional bus or taxi, which is fairly far south on the island and can add between 40 minutes and an hour to your travel time. Be mindful of this when planning any flights.
Boat from Krabi to Phuket
There are both direct and indirect boat services to Phuket from Krabi, with the fastest ferry option taking 1 hour and 45 minutes to get from Chao Fah Pier to Rassada Pier in Phuket. Tickets start at $21 but quickly become expensive during peak travel times.
Other ferry services take about 3 hours and involve a change from the ferry to a Bundhaya speed boat at the Phi Phi Islands Ton Sai Pier. Combining the ferry and speed boat tickets can cost between $20 and $120, depending on how far in advance you book your trip.
Taxi from Krabi to Phuket
As the trip is just over 100 miles (161 km), a taxi ride from Krabi to Phuket can quickly become expensive. Estimates are around $90-110, tolls and other surcharges notwithstanding. The journey takes 2.5 hours by taxi, though you may be somewhat limited on pickup and dropoff locations depending on the company you select.
Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket
The most comfortable transfer option for many travelers from Krabi to Phuket is a private driving transfer. With Daytrip, your friendly, professional driver will help you with your luggage on either end of the door-to-door service and can work with you to customize sightseeing stops or provide any reasonable assistance you might need to feel comfortable on the road.
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Things to do when you get to Phuket
However you get from Krabi to Phuket, your time in this incredible city will include unforgettable outdoor experiences, fascinating historical sights, and food worth writing home about.
Take a trip to Phi Phi Islands
Once youтАЩve made it as far as Phuket, there is a range of day trip options for you to explore. Join one of the speedboat tours heading to Phi Phi Islands for an incredible experience exploring the famous bay, with turquoise waters offering unmatched snorkeling and swimming. The white sand beaches are perfect for sunbathing while gazing up at the mountainous surroundings.
Visit James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan is known more popularly as James Bond Island after its appearance in тАЬThe Man with the Golden Gun.тАЭ The staggering limestone karst towers give the area its distinct otherworldly appearance and offer an incredible backdrop as you enter the bay by boat. Note that there are no public transport options available here, and it is only accessible by speedboat.
See the Big Buddha
One of the most iconic sights of Phuket is the massive 148-foot (45-meter) tall seated Gautama statue, called simply the тАЬBig Buddha.тАЭ This huge marble feature rests on a hilltop on the south of the island and offers exceptional views over the city (especially at sunset!)
Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Park
While elephant sanctuaries and captive exhibits can oftentimes be unethical, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a unique way to see these majestic creatures up close without worrying about their living conditions. The sanctuary offers a respite for retired working/performing elephants and rescues from unsafe conditions, and the animals roam and bathe freely with their only human interaction being at supervised feeding times.
Keep in mind not all of the elephant parks in the area offer the same treatment, so do your research before supporting other options!
Try the local food
Dishes such as Pad Thai have grown in popularity all over the world, but lesser-known options such as Kuay Tiew (a noodle soup) or Massaman curry are an incredible sample of the local cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
When planning your transfer from Krabi to Phuket, you might wonder about the best time to visit this tropical island. Most travelers come during the dry season from November to February for the sunniest beach days. During this period, temperatures average around 77-88┬░F (25-31┬░C), making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach lounging.
However, it's worth considering October and March-April, known as the shoulder months. During these times, the monsoon season is either starting up or winding down. Prices for flights and accommodation may be lower due to fewer crowds. While there might be sporadic showers, temperatures remain warm, averaging between 75-90┬░F (24-32┬░C), providing plenty of sunshine for beach enjoyment.
Even Rocky would be challenged by the 1,237 steps it takes to reach this mountaintop temple, but the spectacular views are worth it.┬аEye of the Tiger┬а
Wat Rat Upatham
This hilltop temple complex offers an amazing blend of beautiful architecture, spectacular views, and holy relics.┬аBodhivistas┬а
Wat Suwan Kuha
This beautiful cave temple is famous for its giant, golden reclining Buddha statue and friendly monkey colony.┬аLying Underground┬а
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Lush forest and craggy islands make for some stunning photos, especially at sunrise.┬аA Non-Stop Natural Spectacle┬а
Wat Phra Thong
This temple's famous Buddha was left half buried because all who tried to unearth it mysteriously fell ill or were swarmed by insects. ┬аA Peaceful Pestilence┬а
Wat Phra Nang Sang
PhuketтАЩs oldest temple is inundated with colors and statues, earning it the affectionate nickname of тАШThe Messy TempleтАЩ.┬аA Magnificent Mess┬а
тАЬWe all really enjoyed our trip from Phuket to Krabi. Our driver even took us to an extra temple for free! It was a convenient and fun alternative to taking an airplane or boat. Highly recommended!тАЭ
