Phuket vs Krabi: which Amazing Beach Retreat is Right for You?

If you wish to have an unforgettable beach experience in Thailand, you are at the right place! Thailand has beckoned travelers. Are you ready for it?

Thailand is now open for fully vaccinated travelers to enter the country without quarantine. Under the Sandbox program, travelers are exempt from required quarantine but must stay in Phuket or other Sandbox destinations for at least 7 nights before being allowed to go to other parts of the country.

Be prepared! Here is the Sandbox traveler checklist.

1. Prepare all required documents for entering Thailand.
2. Make sure to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before traveling to the country.
3. Get a certificate of vaccination with a negative RT-PCR result no more than 72 hours before traveling.
4. Prepay 7-day SHA Extra+ / AQ hotel reservation confirmation, which includes the cost of two RT-PCR tests and airport pickup.
5. Purchase an insurance policy with minimum coverage of 50,000 USD (not required for Thai nationals).

You can find more information about travel restrictions and requirements here.

Would you like to walk along the white beaches while holding a coconut in your hand and enjoying amazing views?

Phuket and Krabi are two popular beach paradises in Thailand that are separated by Phang Nga Bay. Thousands of travelers from all over the world come to these two paradises to unwind.

Let’s start with Phuket, also known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s southern provinces. It is a well-known and bustling tourist site. It is unsurprising that it is also one of the most expensive areas in the country. This place, on the other hand, will not disappoint you, from its wonderful beaches to its lush green forests.

Here are some of Phuket’s best attractions and landmarks that you should not miss!

1. Visit Patong Beach
Patong Beach is a 2.85-kilometer beach on the west coast with its long white sandy beach surrounded by a variety of food options. It is the busiest and most popular beach in Phuket.

Are you a big fan of water sports? If so, you have come to the right place! Jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and a variety of other activities are available here.

If you wish to go partying or clubbing, it is also the heart of Phuket’s nightlife. You might find yourself staying up all night partying here.

2. Plane spotting at Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast of Phuket and very close to Phuket International Airport. This is the place where you can see airplanes landing with the beautiful beach in the background. In recent years, it has risen to the top of the list of selfie destinations. The greatest time to watch planes landing over the ocean is from December to June.

3. Explore Phuket Old Town
It is another landmark in Phuket that you should not miss. Wandering along the old street in the heart of Phuket city, lined with antique colorful buildings on both sides. These historical buildings were first constructed in 1903 in a Sino-Portuguese style, a combination of European and Chinese influences. You may find yourself getting lost into delicious restaurants, stylish coffee shops, and gift shops while exploring and enjoying the city’s arts. If you visit on a Sunday, there will be a Walking Street Market here from 4 pm to 10 pm.

4. Watch sunsets at Krating Cape
Krating Cape, or Laem Krating, is one of Phuket’s hidden gems where you can enjoy panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. This place is still not very well-known among tourists so it is less crowded than Promthep Cape. It takes roughly an hour to walk from the beach to the lookout.

Take heed! Some areas require walking over rocks and over steep hills. It would be convenient to dress in your sportswear and prepare shoes with a strong grip. to dress in your activewear and prepare shoes with a strong grip.

5. Hanuman World
This is a jungle adventure park where you may pump up your adrenaline, get some fresh air for your lungs, and appreciate what nature has to offer through a variety of adventure activities. Hanuman World awaits you to enjoy Thailand’s largest zipline adventure among the views of Phuket and the big forest!

Visit Phuket for the first time? You will find that taxis in Phuket are a lot more expensive than taxis in Bangkok or anywhere else in the region. Traveloka car rental offers the best and most convenient service with reliable partners, allowing you to explore the city on a budget. Check it out here.

And Krabi, another popular beach retreat spot for vacationers.

Krabi is also one of Thailand’s southern provinces. Krabi is also known as the “City of a Hundred Islands,” as it contains more than 130 islands. The cost of living here is a bit lower than in other parts of the South Sea. It is suitable for those seeking relaxation and a less chaotic environment.

So, if you are looking for a beach vacation on a budget with a lot of hidden gems, Krabi could be the ideal destination for you.

Here are some of Krabi’s best attractions and hidden gems that you should not miss!

1. Visit Ao Nang Beach
It is Krabi’s most well-known beach. The majority of tourists are likely to be familiar with and stay in this area. Because of its accommodations, which range from simple, low-cost huts to fancy beach resorts. It also serves as a ferry terminal for day trips to nearby islands such as Chicken Island, Poda Island, Thale Waek, Hong Island, Phi Phi Island, and others. Not only can you enjoy stunning sunsets, but you can also experience beautiful sunrises at Ao Nang Beach.

2. Snorkeling at Thale Waek or the Separated Sea
It is one of Thailand’s unseen highlights, well-known by many visitors from all over the world. Thale Waek or Separated Sea is a natural phenomena in which the sea is progressively separated by the white sand and limestone beach during low tide, resulting in an unexpected connection between the three islands; Tub Island, Mor Island, and Chicken Island. Because of the numerous coral reefs in this area, this is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Krabi.

3. Hiking at Ngorn Nark (Dragon Crest Mountain)
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Would you like to experience nature on foot? Ngorn Nark or Dragon Crest Mountain offers the most epic viewpoint located along Tubkaek Beach. It is 3.7 kilometers long, with a peak elevation of 498 meters above sea level.

You will experience a heart-stopping moment seeing mesmerizing scenery from the top of this amazing viewpoint.

4. Experience Ao Ling (Monkey Beach)
If you are an animal lover, Ao Ling, also known as Monkey Beach, can make a great addition to your day. It is another popular tourist destination, with beautifully clear water and white sand. Monkey Beach, as the name implies, is home to a monkey kingdom and is only accessible by boat or kayak from Phi Phi Don, the largest and center island of Phi Phi Island.

5. Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
You do not have to be a tiger lover to enjoy this attraction. There are no longer any tigers at the temple, but imprints of their paws can still be seen in the cave. It is one of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temples, where you can immerse yourself in Thai culture. Climbing 1,237 steps to discover the 18-meter-tall Buddha and a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Krabi and the Andaman Sea at the top.

Choosing between Krabi and Phuket might be difficult, why limit yourself to one if you can do both? Many people like to travel to Krabi from Phuket because it is easy to reach and fairly accessible by bus, boat or ferry. Looking for a cheap flight to Phuket or Krabi? It is easily done via Traveloka. www.traveloka.com/en-th/flight

Are you up for a new adventure? Prepare your stuff and remember to check travel restrictions before booking a trip.