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7 Days Island Hopping: Thailand's Best Beaches
7 DayssouthernFrom $350-500

7 Days Island Hopping: Thailand's Best Beaches

A week of pure tropical bliss hopping between Thailand's most beautiful islands and coastal gems. From Phuket's lively beach scene to Krabi's dramatic cliffs, with boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and the four islands of Krabi. Sun, sand, and turquoise water every single day.

Overview

A week of pure tropical bliss hopping between Thailand's most beautiful islands and coastal gems. From Phuket's lively beach scene to Krabi's dramatic cliffs, with boat trips to the Phi Phi Islands, Railay Beach, and the four islands of Krabi. Sun, sand, and turquoise water every single day.

7
Days
2
Cities
$350-500
Min Budget
6
Highlights

Trip Highlights

Phi Phi Islands
Railay Beach
James Bond Island
Four Islands Tour
Koh Lanta
Ao Nang

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrive in Phuket & Kata Beach

phuket

Activities

Kata Beach Relaxation
Free (sunbed 200/day)3 hours

One of Phuket's best beaches for swimming. Less crowded than Patong with a relaxed family-friendly vibe.

Karon Viewpoint
Free30 minutes

Panoramic views of three beaches (Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon). Best at sunset.

Phuket Old Town Dinner
Free (food 150-400)2 hours

Explore the charming Sino-Portuguese streets and dine at One Chun or Raya restaurant for authentic Phuket cuisine.

Meals

Breakfast
Fresh Roti with banana and Nutella at the airport (30-60 baht)
Lunch
Beachfront restaurant at Kata (150-300 baht)
Dinner
One Chun in Old Town for authentic Phuket food (150-350 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata Beach (1,500-3,500/night)
Airport taxi to Kata: 700-900 baht. Or airport minibus: 200 baht.
2

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

phuket

Activities

Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour
1,500-3,500 ($45-105)8-10 hours

Full day visiting Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island. Speedboat recommended over ferry for more time at each spot.

Snorkeling at Multiple Spots
IncludedIncluded in tour

Equipment provided. Look for clownfish, parrotfish, and coral gardens.

Maya Bay Swimming
400 ($12) park feeIncluded in tour

Limited daily visitors since restoration. Early tours have the best chance of uncrowded experience.

Meals

Breakfast
Early hotel breakfast (tours depart 7-8 AM)
Lunch
Buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don (included)
Dinner
Thai-Italian fusion at Capannina in Kata (300-600 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata Beach (1,500-3,500/night)
Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
3

James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay

phuket

Activities

Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island Tour
1,500-3,000 ($45-90)8-9 hours

Visit the iconic limestone needle (Koh Tapu) from The Man with the Golden Gun. Kayak through sea caves and mangroves. One of Thailand's most scenic day trips.

Sea Cave Kayaking
IncludedIncluded in tour

Paddle through limestone caves and hidden lagoons (hongs). Magical experience at any tide level.

Koh Panyee Floating Village
IncludedIncluded in tour

Muslim fishing village built entirely on stilts. Lunch is usually served here. The community has lived here for over 200 years.

Meals

Breakfast
Hotel breakfast (tours depart 7:30-8:30 AM)
Lunch
Lunch at Koh Panyee floating village (included in tour)
Dinner
Sunset dinner at After Beach Bar in Kata (200-500 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata or Karon (1,500-3,500/night)
Tour includes hotel pickup.
4

Beach Day & Transfer to Krabi

krabi

Activities

Morning at Karon Beach
Free2 hours

Wide, long beach with fewer crowds. Great for a morning swim before heading to Krabi.

Transfer to Krabi (Ao Nang)
300-600 ($9-18)2.5-3 hours

Minivan or ferry from Phuket. Afternoon departure lets you enjoy a morning beach session.

Ao Nang Beach Walk
Free1.5 hours

Walk the beachfront promenade as the sun sets. Limestone karsts make a dramatic backdrop.

Ao Nang Night Market
Free entry (food extra)1.5 hours

Small but charming night market with great seafood BBQ stalls and fresh fruit shakes.

Meals

Breakfast
Hotel breakfast in Phuket
Lunch
En route or upon arrival in Ao Nang (80-200 baht)
Dinner
Night market street food in Ao Nang (100-250 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang (1,500-3,500/night)
Minivan Phuket to Krabi: 300-600 baht. Ferry: 400-800 baht.
5

Railay Beach Full Day

krabi

Activities

Longtail Boat to Railay
200 ($6) return15 minutes

One of the world's most beautiful beaches, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Only accessible by boat.

Phra Nang Cave Beach
Free2-3 hours

The most spectacular beach in Krabi. Limestone cave with a shrine, crystal clear water, and stunning rock formations.

Rock Climbing at Tonsai
1,000-2,500 ($30-75)3 hours

World-famous climbing on limestone karsts. Beginner courses available. All equipment provided.

Railay Viewpoint & Lagoon
Free1.5 hours

Adventurous hike through jungle to a hidden lagoon and viewpoint. Muddy and steep but rewarding.

Meals

Breakfast
Breakfast at Ao Nang hotel (or eat at Railay)
Lunch
Thai food at a Railay restaurant with sea views (150-300 baht)
Dinner
Sunset dinner at The Grotto, Railay (400-800 baht)

Where to Stay

Railay Village Resort (2,000-4,000/night)
Longtail boat Ao Nang to Railay: 100-200 baht each way.
6

Four Islands Tour

krabi

Activities

Four Islands Tour by Longtail Boat
800-1,800 ($24-54)7-8 hours

Visit Koh Tup, Koh Mor (connected by sandbar at low tide), Koh Poda, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. Longtail boat is the most authentic way.

Walking the Sandbar (Koh Tup to Koh Mor)
IncludedIncluded in tour

At low tide, a sandbar appears connecting the two islands. Check tide times - this only works at specific hours.

Snorkeling at Koh Poda
IncludedIncluded in tour

Beautiful coral reef and clear water. Snorkeling gear usually included in tour price.

Sunset at Ao Nang Beach
Free1 hour

Return from the tour and watch another stunning Andaman sunset from Ao Nang's beachfront bars.

Meals

Breakfast
Hotel breakfast before tour departure
Lunch
Beach picnic lunch on Koh Poda (usually included in tour)
Dinner
Seafood BBQ at Ao Nang beachfront (200-500 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang (1,500-3,500/night)
Tour includes pickup. Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang beach.
7

Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Farewell

krabi

Activities

Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
200 ($6)1.5 hours

Arrive early (8-9 AM) to swim in this crystal clear natural pool before the crowds. Walk further to find the Blue Pool.

Klong Thom Hot Springs
200 ($6)1 hour

Natural jungle hot springs near the Emerald Pool. Soak in 40-42 degree water surrounded by rainforest.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Free2 hours

1,237 steps to the top with a golden Buddha and panoramic views. A challenging but unforgettable climb.

Final Sunset at Ao Nang
Free1 hour

One last Andaman sunset from Last Bar or a beachfront restaurant.

Meals

Breakfast
Early breakfast at hotel (60-150 baht)
Lunch
Local restaurant near Emerald Pool (80-200 baht)
Dinner
Farewell seafood dinner at Lae Lay Grill (400-800 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang (1,500-3,500/night)
Hire taxi for day trip to Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave: 1,500-2,000 baht. Krabi airport is 30 minutes from Ao Nang (taxi 500-700 baht).

Transport Between Cities

phuketkrabi
bus
3-4 hours
200-400
taxi
2.5-3 hours
2,000-2,500
ferry
2-3 hours
400-800

Packing Tips

Reef-safe sunscreen (essential!)
Multiple swimsuits
Rash guard for sun protection
Waterproof phone case
Dry bag for boat trips
Water shoes
Snorkel mask (tours provide but own is better)
Light hiking shoes for Tiger Cave
Insect repellent for jungle areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 7 days in Thailand cost?

A 7-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $350-500 on a budget, $800-1,300 for mid-range travel, and $2,000-4,000 for a luxury experience. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

What is the best time to visit southern Thailand?

The best time to visit southern Thailand is November to April. This period offers the most favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Is 7 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 7 days is a great amount of time to explore multiple destinations. This itinerary covers phuket, krabi with a well-planned day-by-day schedule.

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New content added regularly! Check back often for the latest Thailand travel guides and tips!