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3 Days Island Getaway: Phuket & Krabi
3 DayssouthernFrom $150-220

3 Days Island Getaway: Phuket & Krabi

Sun, sand, and stunning limestone cliffs await on this 3-day island getaway. Split between Phuket's lively beach scene and Krabi's dramatic natural beauty, this trip packs maximum beach time into a short break.

Overview

Sun, sand, and stunning limestone cliffs await on this 3-day island getaway. Split between Phuket's lively beach scene and Krabi's dramatic natural beauty, this trip packs maximum beach time into a short break.

3
Days
2
Cities
$150-220
Min Budget
5
Highlights

Trip Highlights

Patong Beach
Phi Phi Islands
Railay Beach
Big Buddha
Ao Nang

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrive in Phuket & Beach Day

phuket

Activities

Patong Beach
Free (sunbed rental 200/day)2-3 hours

Phuket's most popular beach. Busy but fun with lots of water sports available. Go to the northern end for fewer crowds.

Big Buddha Phuket
Free (donation appreciated)1-2 hours

45-meter marble Buddha statue with panoramic views. Best visited in late afternoon for sunset views. Cover shoulders and knees.

Phuket Old Town
Free1.5 hours

Beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful streets, and great local restaurants. Perfect for Instagram photos.

Bangla Road Nightlife
200-500 ($6-15) for drinks2 hours

Phuket's famous party street in Patong. Live music, bars, and shows. Gets going after 10 PM.

Meals

Breakfast
Hotel breakfast or local Roti stall near the beach (30-60 baht)
Lunch
Seafood at a beachfront restaurant in Patong (200-400 baht)
Dinner
Local Thai food at One Chun in Old Town (150-300 baht per person)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata or Karon Beach (1,500-3,500/night)
Airport taxi to Patong: 600-800 baht. Or use the airport bus (100 baht) to Phuket Town.
2

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

phuket

Activities

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

Includes Maya Bay (from The Beach movie), Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling, and lunch. Book a speedboat for more time at each stop, or longtail for budget.

Snorkeling at Bamboo Island
Included in tourIncluded in tour

Crystal clear water with colorful coral. Most tour packages include snorkeling equipment.

Sunset Drinks at Kata Beach
150-400 ($4.50-12) per drink1.5 hours

After returning from the island tour, relax at a beach bar. Ska Bar or After Beach Bar offer great sunset views.

Meals

Breakfast
Early breakfast at hotel before the tour (most tours depart 7-8 AM)
Lunch
Lunch included on Phi Phi Islands tour (usually buffet on the beach)
Dinner
Fresh seafood BBQ at a beach restaurant in Kata (300-600 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata Beach area (1,500-3,500/night)
Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Most tours depart from Rassada Pier.
3

Krabi: Railay Beach & Ao Nang

krabi

Activities

Transfer to Krabi
300-600 ($9-18) by bus/minivan2.5-3 hours

Take the morning minivan from Phuket to Krabi (departs 8-9 AM). Or hire a private taxi for 2,000-2,500 baht.

Railay Beach
200 ($6) longtail boat from Ao Nang3-4 hours

Only accessible by boat - no roads! Stunning limestone cliffs surround pristine beaches. Walk to Phra Nang Cave Beach for the best scenery.

Rock Climbing at Railay
800-2,000 ($24-60) half-day course2-3 hours

World-class rock climbing on limestone karsts. Beginners welcome - guides provide all equipment and instruction.

Ao Nang Beach & Seafood Dinner
Free (dinner extra)2 hours

Ao Nang is Krabi's main tourist area. Walk along the beachfront promenade and choose from dozens of seafood restaurants.

Meals

Breakfast
Quick breakfast in Phuket before departure (or eat on the road)
Lunch
Fresh fruit shake and grilled fish at Railay Beach (150-300 baht)
Dinner
Seafood dinner at Ao Nang beachfront - try the grilled prawns (300-600 baht per person)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang or Railay (1,500-4,000/night)
Minivan Phuket to Krabi: 300-600 baht. Longtail boat Ao Nang to Railay: 200 baht return.

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
Swimsuit and rash guard
Waterproof phone case
Water shoes for rocky beaches
Light coverup for restaurants
Dry bag for boat trips

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 3 days in Thailand cost?

A 3-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $150-220 on a budget, $400-600 for mid-range travel, and $900-1,500 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 3 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 3 days is enough for a focused trip to one area. 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!