Your Ultimate Guide: Phuket to Krabi Drive

Have you ever dreamed of driving along the coast of Thailand, enjoying the beautiful scenery and exploring the hidden gems along the way? If so, you might want to consider taking a road trip from Phuket to Krabi, two of the most popular destinations in the country. I did this trip last year with my family, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. In this blog post, I will share with you everything you need to know about planning your own Phuket to Krabi drive, including the best route, the best stops, the best time to go, and the best tips to make your journey unforgettable. It’s kinda like having your own personal guide to show you around this amazing part of the world. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

A Phuket to Krabi drive is a road trip that covers about 170 kilometers (105 miles) along the western coast of Thailand. The drive can take anywhere from three to six hours, depending on the traffic and the number of stops. The drive offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea, limestone cliffs, tropical forests, and sandy beaches. Along the way, there are many attractions and activities to enjoy, such as national parks, waterfalls, temples, caves, islands, and markets. A Phuket to Krabi drive is a great way to experience the diversity and beauty of Thailand.

You might be wondering why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive over other options, such as flying, taking a bus, or hiring a taxi. Well, there are many benefits of driving yourself, such as having more flexibility, freedom, and fun. You can decide your own pace, your own itinerary, and your own budget. You can stop whenever and wherever you want, and discover places that are off the beaten track. You can also enjoy the thrill of driving on the scenic roads, and feel more connected to the local culture and nature. In the next section, I will explain in more detail how to plan your Phuket to Krabi drive, including the best route, the best stops, the best time to go, and the best tips to make your journey unforgettable. Keep reading to find out more.

Why You Should Choose a Phuket to Krabi Drive

If you are looking for a fun and adventurous way to explore the stunning coast of Thailand, you should consider taking a Phuket to Krabi drive. This road trip will allow you to experience the best of both worlds: the lively and vibrant Phuket, and the laid-back and scenic Krabi. Along the way, you will encounter many amazing sights and activities that will make your journey unforgettable. Here are some of the reasons why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive over other options.

You Are in Charge

One of the main benefits of taking a Phuket to Krabi drive is that you are in charge of your own trip. You can decide when to start, where to stop, how long to stay, and what to do. You don’t have to worry about flight schedules, bus timetables, or taxi fares. You can travel at your own pace and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of having your own vehicle. You can also customize your itinerary according to your interests and preferences. Whether you want to visit national parks, waterfalls, temples, caves, islands, or markets, you can find them along the way.

You Can Save Money

Another reason why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive is that you can save money on transportation and accommodation. Driving from Phuket to Krabi is cheaper than flying or taking a bus, especially if you are traveling with a group. You can split the costs of gas and car rental among your companions. You can also save money on accommodation by choosing cheaper options such as hostels, guesthouses, or camping sites. Alternatively, you can book hotels with free cancellation on 12GO or [Booking.com] and compare prices to find the best deals.

You Can See More

A third reason why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive is that you can see more of the real Thailand. Driving from Phuket to Krabi will take you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country. You will see stunning views of the Andaman Sea, limestone cliffs, tropical forests, and sandy beaches. You will also get to visit some of the hidden gems that are off the beaten track. You can discover small towns, local villages, and authentic culture along the way. You can also enjoy some of the best attractions and activities that Thailand has to offer, such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, or shopping.

You Can Have Fun

A final reason why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive is that you can have fun with your travel companions. Driving from Phuket to Krabi is not only a journey but also an adventure. You can enjoy the thrill of driving on scenic roads, listening to music, playing games, or having conversations with your friends or family. You can also bond over shared experiences, memories, and stories that you will create along the way. You can make your road trip as fun and memorable as you want it to be.

As you can see, there are many reasons why you should choose a Phuket to Krabi drive over other options. It is a great way to experience the diversity and beauty of Thailand while having fun and saving money. If you are ready to embark on this road trip adventure, check out our next section on how to plan your Phuket to Krabi drive.

How to Plan Your Phuket to Krabi Drive

If you have decided to take a Phuket to Krabi drive, you might be wondering how to plan your trip. There are many factors to consider, such as the best route, the best stops, the best time to go, and the best tips. In this section, I will explain each of these aspects in detail, so you can have a smooth and enjoyable road trip.

The Best Route

The most direct and convenient route from Phuket to Krabi is via Highway 4 (Phang Nga Road). This route will take you through the provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi, along the western coast of Thailand. The distance is about 170 kilometers (105 miles), and the drive time is about three to six hours, depending on the traffic and the number of stops. This route offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea, limestone cliffs, tropical forests, and sandy beaches.

The Best Stops

Along the way from Phuket to Krabi, there are many attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best stops that you should not miss:

• Phang Nga Bay: This is a scenic bay with hundreds of limestone islands, caves, and mangroves. You can take a boat tour or kayak around the bay, and visit the famous James Bond Island, where the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed.
• Khao Lak: This is a popular beach resort town with a long stretch of golden sand and clear water. You can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or surf. You can also visit the Tsunami Memorial Museum, which commemorates the victims of the 2004 tsunami.
• Ao Nang: This is a lively beach town with a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. You can enjoy the nightlife, or take a boat to nearby islands such as Railay Beach, Ko Poda, or Ko Hong.
• Krabi Town: This is the capital of Krabi Province and a gateway to many attractions. You can explore the town’s culture and history, visit the Wat Kaew Korawaram temple, or shop at the night market.

The Best Time to Go

The best time to go on a Phuket to Krabi drive is from November to April, which is the dry season in Thailand. The weather is sunny and pleasant, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F). The sea is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The roads are also less crowded and safer.

However, this is also the peak season for tourism in Thailand, so you might encounter higher prices and more crowds at popular destinations. You might want to book your accommodation and activities in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Best Tips

To make your Phuket to Krabi drive more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

• Rent a car: You can rent a car from Phuket Airport or from various locations in Phuket Town. You can compare prices and book online on Kayak.com or Rentalcars.com. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit. You should also check the condition of the car before you sign the contract.
• Drive safely: You should drive on the left side of the road in Thailand. You should also follow the speed limit, which is 90 km/h (55 mph) on highways and 50 km/h (30 mph) in urban areas. You should avoid driving at night or in bad weather conditions. You should also be aware of other road users, such as motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals.
• Fill up gas: You should fill up gas whenever you see a gas station along the way. Gas stations are usually open from 6 am to 10 pm. The price of gas is about 30 baht (0.9 USD) per liter.
• Pack essentials: You should pack some essentials for your road trip, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, phone charger, map or GPS device. You should also bring some cash for tolls, parking fees, or emergencies.
• Have fun: You should enjoy your road trip and make it memorable. You can play music, games, or have conversations with your travel companions. You can also stop whenever and wherever you want, and discover new places along the way.

What to Expect from Your Phuket to Krabi Drive

If you are ready to embark on your Phuket to Krabi drive, you might be wondering what to expect from your road trip. In this section, I will give you an overview of the scenery, the attractions, the activities, and the challenges that you will encounter along the way.

The Scenery

One of the main reasons to choose a Phuket to Krabi drive is the scenery. You will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the landscapes that you will see along the route. You will start from Phuket, an island with lush green hills, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. You will cross a bridge to the mainland, where you will enter Phang Nga Province, famous for its stunning bay with hundreds of limestone islands, caves, and mangroves. You will then drive along the western coast of Thailand, where you will see spectacular views of the Andaman Sea, limestone cliffs, tropical forests, and sandy beaches. You will end your journey in Krabi, a province with a laid-back vibe and scenic attractions such as Railay Beach, Ko Hong, and Tha Lane Bay.

The Attractions

Along the way from Phuket to Krabi, there are many attractions and activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best ones that you should not miss:

• Phang Nga Bay: This is a scenic bay with hundreds of limestone islands, caves, and mangroves. You can take a boat tour or kayak around the bay, and visit the famous James Bond Island, where the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed.
• Khao Lak: This is a popular beach resort town with a long stretch of golden sand and clear water. You can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, or surf. You can also visit the Tsunami Memorial Museum, which commemorates the victims of the 2004 tsunami.
• Ao Nang: This is a lively beach town with a variety of restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. You can enjoy the nightlife, or take a boat to nearby islands such as Railay Beach, Ko Poda, or Ko Hong.
• Krabi Town: This is the capital of Krabi Province and a gateway to many attractions. You can explore the town’s culture and history, visit the Wat Kaew Korawaram temple, or shop at the night market.

The Activities

If you are looking for some fun and adventure on your Phuket to Krabi drive, you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of activities to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the best ones that you can try:

• Snorkeling: You can snorkel in many places along the route, such as Kata Beach, Ko Racha Yai, Khao Lak, or Ao Nang. You will see colorful coral reefs and marine life such as fish, turtles, rays, and sharks.
• Kayaking: You can kayak in some of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, such as Phang Nga Bay, Tha Lane Bay, or Ko Hong. You will paddle through mangroves, caves, lagoons, and islands.
• Hiking: You can hike in some of the most scenic areas in Thailand, such as Khao Sok National Park, Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, or Railay Beach. You will see waterfalls, forests, mountains, and wildlife.
• Biking: You can bike in some of the most diverse landscapes in Thailand, such as Phuket Old Town, Khao Lak, or Krabi Town. You will see temples, markets, villages, and beaches.

The Challenges

While a Phuket to Krabi drive is an amazing experience, it also comes with some challenges that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:

• Driving conditions: You should drive on the left side of the road in Thailand. You should also follow the speed limit, which is 90 km/h (55 mph) on highways and 50 km/h (30 mph) in urban areas. You should avoid driving at night or in bad weather conditions. You should also be aware of other road users, such as motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and animals.
• Traffic congestion: You might encounter traffic congestion on some parts of the route, especially during peak hours or holidays. You should plan your trip accordingly and avoid driving during these times if possible.
• Car rental: You should rent a car from a reputable company and check the condition of the car before you sign the contract. You should also have a valid driver’s license and an international driving permit. You should also check the insurance and the fuel policy of the car rental company.
• Parking fees: You might have to pay parking fees at some of the attractions or hotels along the route. You should check the parking rates and availability before you park your car.

How to Make Your Phuket to Krabi Drive Unforgettable

You have learned how to plan and what to expect from your Phuket to Krabi drive, but how can you make it unforgettable? In this section, I will share with you some tips on how to make your road trip more memorable and enjoyable.

The Essentials

Before you start your road trip, you should make sure you have the essentials that will make your journey more comfortable and convenient. Here are some of the essentials that you should pack for your road trip:

• A good travel trailer: If you want to have more space, comfort, and flexibility on your road trip, you should consider renting a travel trailer. A travel trailer is a towable vehicle that provides sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. You can park it at designated campgrounds or RV parks along the route, or even at some attractions or hotels that allow overnight parking. You can compare prices and book online on 12GO or Outdoorsy.
• A travel playlist: Music is a great way to set the mood and enhance the experience of your road trip. You should create a travel playlist that suits your taste and preferences, and that matches the scenery and the attractions along the way. You can use apps like Spotify or Apple Music to create your own playlist, or use existing ones like Road Trip Playlist or [Thailand Road Trip].
• An emergency kit: You never know when something might go wrong on your road trip, so it’s better to be prepared than sorry. You should pack an emergency kit that contains items such as a first aid kit, a flashlight, a tire inflator, a jumper cable, a fire extinguisher, a tool kit, a spare tire, and a roadside assistance card. You should also have some water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, phone charger, map or GPS device.
• A journal: One of the best ways to make your road trip unforgettable is to document it. You should keep a journal where you can write down your thoughts, feelings, impressions, and stories from each day of your journey. You can also use it to collect souvenirs such as tickets, postcards, stickers, or photos. A journal will help you remember the details and emotions of your road trip for years to come.

The Recommendations

Besides the essentials, there are also some recommendations that will make your road trip more enjoyable and unforgettable. Here are some of the recommendations that you should follow on your road trip:

• Be flexible: While it’s good to have a plan for your road trip, you should also be open to changes and surprises. Sometimes you might find something more interesting or exciting than what you had planned, or you might encounter some delays or detours that will force you to adjust your itinerary. Instead of being frustrated or disappointed, you should embrace the unexpected and see it as an opportunity to discover something new or have an adventure.
• Be respectful: When you are on a road trip, you are not only visiting places but also interacting with people. You should be respectful of the local culture, customs, and laws of the places you visit. You should also be respectful of the environment and nature that you encounter along the way. You should not litter, damage, or disturb anything that does not belong to you. You should also be respectful of other road users and drivers that you share the road with.
• Be curious: One of the best ways to make your road trip unforgettable is to be curious about everything that you see and do along the way. You should ask questions, learn new things, try new foods, experience new activities, and meet new people. You should also be curious about yourself and how you react to different situations and challenges on your road trip. You might discover something new or surprising about yourself or your travel companions.

The Memories

The most important thing that will make your road trip unforgettable is the memories that you will create along the way. You will have many moments of joy, laughter, wonder, excitement, and even sadness or fear on your road trip. These moments will become part of your story and your identity. Here are some tips on how to make and preserve these memories:

• Take photos: Photos are a great way to capture the moments and the places that you visit on your road trip. You can use your phone camera or a digital camera to take photos of yourself, your travel companions, the scenery, the attractions, and anything else that catches your eye. You can also use apps like Instagram or Snapchat to edit and share your photos with others.
• Make videos: Videos are another great way to capture the moments and the places that you visit on your road trip. You can use your phone camera or a GoPro camera to record videos of yourself, your travel companions, the scenery, the attractions, and anything else that interests you. You can also use apps like TikTok or YouTube to edit and share your videos with others.
• Make a scrapbook: A scrapbook is a creative way to preserve and display the memories of your road trip. You can use a notebook or an album to collect and arrange your photos, souvenirs, journal entries, and anything else that reminds you of your road trip. You can also use stickers, stamps, colors, or anything else that you like to decorate your scrapbook. A scrapbook will be a unique and personal souvenir of your road trip.

I hope this guide has inspired you to make your Phuket to Krabi drive unforgettable. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask me. Have a great trip! 😊