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5 Days Southern Beaches: Phuket & Krabi
5 DayssouthernFrom $250-380

5 Days Southern Beaches: Phuket & Krabi

Five days of tropical paradise in Southern Thailand. Start with Phuket's vibrant beaches and island tours, then head to Krabi for dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay Beach, and the stunning Emerald Pool. The perfect beach holiday.

Overview

Five days of tropical paradise in Southern Thailand. Start with Phuket's vibrant beaches and island tours, then head to Krabi for dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay Beach, and the stunning Emerald Pool. The perfect beach holiday.

5
Days
2
Cities
$250-380
Min Budget
6
Highlights

Trip Highlights

Phi Phi Islands
Railay Beach
Patong Beach
Emerald Pool
Tiger Cave Temple
Ao Nang

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrive in Phuket & Beach Time

phuket

Activities

Settle in at Patong or Kata Beach
Free (sunbed 200/day)2-3 hours

Patong for nightlife, Kata for families, Karon for a quieter vibe. All have great swimming beaches from November to April.

Phuket Old Town Walking Tour
Free1.5-2 hours

Colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, and local cafes. Soi Romanee and Thalang Road are the most photogenic streets.

Wat Chalong
Free45 minutes

Phuket's most important Buddhist temple. The ornate Grand Pagoda offers views over southern Phuket.

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

Patong's famous walking street comes alive after dark with bars, shows, and live music. Just enjoy the spectacle!

Meals

Breakfast
Thai-style breakfast at your hotel or fresh Roti with banana (30-50 baht)
Lunch
Lock Tien in Old Town for Hokkien noodles (60-100 baht)
Dinner
Seafood at No. 6 Restaurant in Patong (200-500 baht per person)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata Beach area (1,500-3,500/night)
Airport minibus to Patong: 200 baht. Taxi: 600-800 baht. Songthaew within Patong: 30-50 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 tour visiting Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island. Includes snorkeling equipment and lunch. Book through hotel or Klook.

Snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon
IncludedIncluded in tour

The emerald green lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs is unforgettable. Jump in for a swim!

Maya Bay (from The Beach movie)
400 ($12) national park feeIncluded in tour

Reopened after restoration. Limited visitors per day, so early tours have the best access. Swimming is sometimes restricted to protect coral.

Sunset Drinks at Karon Viewpoint
Free (drinks at nearby cafe 60-150)1 hour

After returning, drive up to Karon Viewpoint (Kata Viewpoint) for a three-beach panorama at sunset.

Meals

Breakfast
Early breakfast at hotel (tours depart 7-8 AM)
Lunch
Buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don (included in tour)
Dinner
Mom Tri's Kitchen in Kata Noi for upscale dining (500-1,200 baht) or beachfront BBQ (200-400 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Kata or Karon (1,500-3,500/night)
Tour includes hotel pickup. Taxi to Karon Viewpoint: 300-500 baht.
3

Big Buddha & Transfer to Krabi

krabi

Activities

Big Buddha Phuket (Morning)
Free (donation appreciated)1-1.5 hours

The 45-meter marble statue offers 360-degree views. Visit in the morning before heading to Krabi. Cover shoulders and knees.

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

Minivans depart from Phuket Bus Terminal. Private taxi: 2,000-2,500 baht. Ferry option also available (seasonal).

Ao Nang Beach Afternoon
Free2-3 hours

Krabi's main tourist beach with a lively promenade. Limestone karsts rising from the sea create a dramatic backdrop.

Ao Nang Beachfront Dinner
200-500 ($6-15)1.5 hours

Walk along the seafront strip for seafood restaurants with beanbag seating on the beach. Great sunset views.

Meals

Breakfast
Breakfast in Phuket before departure (60-150 baht)
Lunch
En route or upon arrival in Ao Nang (80-200 baht)
Dinner
Fresh seafood at Ao Nang beachfront restaurants (200-500 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang (1,500-3,500/night)
Minivan Phuket to Krabi: 300-600 baht (2.5-3 hours). Songthaew in Ao Nang: 50-100 baht.
4

Railay Beach & Rock Climbing

krabi

Activities

Longtail Boat to Railay Beach
200 ($6) return15 minutes

Boats depart from Ao Nang beach when full (8+ passengers). In low season you may need to charter (1,500-2,000 baht).

Railay Beach & Phra Nang Cave Beach
Free3-4 hours

Walk from Railay West to Phra Nang Cave Beach (10 minutes) for the most spectacular scenery. The cave has a shrine to a sea princess.

Rock Climbing at Railay
1,000-2,500 ($30-75) half-day3 hours

World-renowned climbing destination. Half-day beginner courses available at Railay East. All gear provided.

Railay Viewpoint Hike
Free1-1.5 hours

Short but steep and slippery hike up to a lagoon and viewpoint. Wear proper shoes - no flip flops! The views are worth the effort.

Meals

Breakfast
Breakfast at your Ao Nang hotel before taking the boat (or eat at Railay)
Lunch
Fresh coconut and Thai food at a Railay beach restaurant (150-300 baht)
Dinner
Sunset dinner at The Grotto restaurant, Railay (400-800 baht) or back in Ao Nang

Where to Stay

Railay Village Resort (2,000-4,000/night)
Longtail boat Ao Nang to Railay: 100-200 baht each way. Everything on Railay is walkable.
5

Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple

krabi

Activities

Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
200 ($6) national park fee1.5 hours

Crystal-clear emerald-colored natural pool in the rainforest. Arrive early (8-9 AM) to swim before the tour groups. Don't miss the Blue Pool nearby (no swimming).

Klong Thom Hot Springs
200 ($6)1 hour

Natural hot springs in the jungle, just 20 minutes from Emerald Pool. Water temperature is around 40-42 degrees Celsius. Very relaxing!

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Free2 hours

1,237 steps to the summit with a golden Buddha and 360-degree views. Extremely rewarding but challenging - bring water and start early to avoid the heat.

Farewell Sunset at Ao Nang
Free (drinks extra)1.5 hours

End your trip watching the sun set behind the islands from Ao Nang beach or the Last Bar on the beach.

Meals

Breakfast
Early breakfast at hotel before heading out (or grab Roti on the way)
Lunch
Local restaurant near Emerald Pool area (80-200 baht)
Dinner
Farewell dinner at Krabi's famous Gecko Cabane or Lae Lay Grill with sea views (300-700 baht)

Where to Stay

Hotel in Ao Nang (1,500-3,500/night)
Rent a motorbike (250-350 baht/day) or hire a songthaew/taxi for the day trip to Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave (1,500-2,000 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
Swimsuit and rash guard
Water shoes for hot springs and rocky beaches
Waterproof phone case/dry bag
Light hiking shoes for Tiger Cave Temple
Modest cover-up for temples
Insect repellent for jungle areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does 5 days in Thailand cost?

A 5-day trip to Thailand costs approximately $250-380 on a budget, $600-950 for mid-range travel, and $1,500-2,800 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 5 days enough for Thailand?

Yes, 5 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!