How to get from Phuket to Krabi
Two of the most popular destinations of the Andaman, Phuket and Krabi are connected by numerous buses and boats plying the route any time of the day. The road distance from Phuket to Krabi is 170 km, but the bus journey takes no less than three hours. Buses pass via Phang Nga, the most underrated sea province of the Andaman Coast. Ferry from Phuket to Krabi may call to Koh Phi Phi first or pass between Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai heading directly to Ao Nang or Khlong Jilard pier in Krabi. The former take up to four hours to bring you to Krabi; the latter need just half that time. Note that the Andaman Sea is often rough – if you suffer from seasickness, choose the fastest ferry or go by bus.
From Phuket to Krabi by boat
There is normally at least one boat a day from Rassada Pier on Phuket to Krabi with more departures added during high season. A ferry ride may cost you anywhere from THB700 to THB1200 depending on the operating company, the route and the season.There are a number of companies ready to bring you from Phuket to Krabi, including but not limited to Chao Koh Group, Ferry Tigerline, Andaman Master and some others. You have more options if you are ready to connect via Koh Phi Phi which acts as a transit point between the Andaman Line and Krabi Line for certain companies. It takes from one to two hours to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi (THB600-THB800) and two more hours [to reach Krabi from Koh Phi Phi](/en/travel/ koh-phi-phi/krabi) (THB450-THB600). Buying a direct ticket from Phuket to Krabi (e.g. with Chao Koh Group) does not save you any time but does save some money (4 hours; THB900).
In Krabi, ferries dock at Khlong Jilard pier, the passenger port 4 km south of town. There is a taxi counter at the pier where you can take a taxi to the town (THB150), but a cheaper way is to catch a motorbike taxi.
Heading to Ao Nang, you can either take a boat from Phuket to Krabi first and then take a 50-baht songthaew to Ao Nang, or go straight from Phuket to Ao Nang, which can save you two hours of your travel, reducing the time you spend on the waves considerably. Note though that direct boats to Ao Nang operate daily in winter and every other day during rainy season.
Tip Do not underestimate the danger of taking a boat during stormy weather. It makes sense to stay one more day in Phuket or go by bus if the skies are dark. As a part of the Indian Ocean, the Andaman Sea is often rough and storms get their sober toll of carefree travellers every year.
From Phuket to Krabi by bus
Buses to Krabi depart every hour from the new Phuket bus terminal several km north of Phuket Town and its old in-city bus terminal. There is a pink songthaew (line 2) running between the two. It costs THB10 and leaves when full. There are songthaews heading to the new bus terminal from Phuket Town, too. They also cost THB10 and provide the most budget way to get to the bus terminal.It takes about three hours to get to Krabi Town from Phuket. On their way to Krabi buses follow route N4, passing via Phang Nga. If your travel plans are not yet fixed, consider making a stop there – and you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular and mind-blowing picture of karst hills raising from the water, which the Andaman can offer.
In Krabi, buses from Phuket arrive to the provincial bus station in the centre of Krabi Town. To get to your hotel or guesthouse in Krabi Town, take a songthaew – there are white and brown ones waiting for passengers at the bus terminal (THB20). You can negotiate a private ride, too, which will not cost you over THB100 to any destination within the town.
Note that if you need to get to Ao Nang, but not Krabi Town proper, you can take a minivan from Phuket directly to Ao Nang. There are at least three minivans a day during high season, all taking under three hours to get to Ao Nang and passing via Phang Nga Town. To get to Ao Nang from Krabi Town, hop onto a white songthaew (THB50) – the trip will take you around half an hour.
From Phuket to Krabi by taxi
The easiest, fastest – and most expensive – way to get from Phuket to Krabi is by taxi. As a rule, private transfer companies offer vehicles of two classes: economy cars like Honda City or Toyota Corolla accommodating up to three passengers and minivans suitable for larger groups of travellers up to 9 pax. If you need to travel between Phuket and Krabi with all possible comfort and convenience, take a note of Ground Business taxi service. They charge THB4.400 for a small car and THB5.300 for a minivan. The rates include pick up and drop off at the location you indicate both in Phuket and in Krabi.Why go to Krabi
When people say they are going to Krabi they very seldom plan to stay in Krabi Town proper – what is a real pity, to tell you the truth. With an abundance of natural attractions like crystal clear rivers in the mangrove forest or emerald pool, several worth visiting temples among which Wat Tham Suea commanding the views north of town being the number one and several less known natural wonders like Shell Cemetery, Khlong Hin Kwang or an absolute stunner Khao Ngon Nak within an easy reach from town, Krabi deserves a closer look. Add to this a great choice of budget accommodation and surprisingly decent cafe and restaurant scene – and try to squeeze a couple of days in Krabi Town proper into your Krabi beach life itinerary.
Getting around in Krabi
The streets of Krabi Town can be negotiated on foot. But with the main attractions scattered beyond the town limits, you will have either to rent your own transport or to join a tour.
If walking is not your thing, songthaews are a cheap and convenient way to get around the city, as well as to Ao Nang and Krabi airport (THB50-THB100 per person in a shared vehicle depending on the route). If you want to have the whole vehicle for yourself, discuss the price before the trip.
Both bicycles and motorbikes are a great way to explore Krabi. Almost all the guesthouses in Krabi Town and Ao Nang have their fleet of vehicles for rent. Daily rates for motorbikes fluctuate between THB150 and THB300. Traffic tends to be not so chaotic and intense outside Ao Nang and several central streets in Krabi Town, and the countryside setting is absolutely magnificent – with slender hevea trees dropping precious tears of future latex foam from the cuts in their trunks to small cup attached; with beautiful mighty oil palms flaming with bright orange and red berries; with tiny tidy villages with Buddhist temples giving the way to mosques; and ghostly silhouettes of karst hills in the horizon.
Which beach in Krabi to choose
With some of the most beautiful Thai islands with pristine (or sometimes not-so-pristine) beaches within an easy reach, it is quite possible to miss what the mainland beaches around Krabi Town have on offer. In the mean time all of them have their own character and charm and while the two star mainland beach destinations of Ao Nang and Railey Beach are totally commercialized and have lost their ‘beach’ appeal to a certain extent, there are still good stretches of sand to consider.
To get a great family holiday – a fancy resort, friendly service, beautiful setting – have a look at Khlong Muang Beach, 20 km further along the coast from Ao Nang.
To enjoy a low-key vibe right by the side of the tourist-crazy Ao Nang, head to Noppharat Thara Beach.
To get away from it all, walk along the spectacular unpeopled beach and marvel dramatic sunsets on the background of the jaw-dropping views of Koh Hong island, consider Tub Kaek Beach, further north from Khlong Muang Beach.
Railey Beach, which once was the most well kept Krabi secret, is still stunning, though the influx the hordes of tourists produce will sooner or later put it at the same catastrophic edge at what Koh Phi Phi find themselves at the moment.
Ao Nang, a perennial package tourist favourite, is not as bad as it sounds. The beach is beautiful and a great choice of accommodation, restaurants and tours on offer combined with rather affordable prices can make you stay longer than you have expected to do.
Your onward travel from Krabi
Krabi is a convenient starting point for any travel further south down the Andaman Coast to Trang and the [Trang islands](/en/travel /trang/koh-libong) as well as to Koh Lanta (take a special note of private transfer service from Krabi to Koh Lanta by Andaman Taxis at THB1800 for a minivan which is a real deal).
Wish you travel to Bangkok, you can choose between direct buses (12 hours, from THB650) and cheap flights operated by several low-cost airlines including Lion Air and Air Asia with over a dozen departures throughout the day.
To jump over to the Gulf coast, pass via Suratthani (4 hours, from THB250), where you will be able to catch a ferry to the islands of the Gulf – Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao or proceed from Suratthani to Bangkok by train (10–12 hours; from THB750).