If you're dreaming of white sands, limestone cliffs, and emerald waters, a combined trip to Phuket and Krabi is the ultimate Thai escape. While Bali offers spiritual vibes, Thailand’s Andaman coast is all about high-octane island hopping and world-class beaches.
In 2026, Thailand has made it even easier for Indian travelers to visit. Here is your comprehensive guide to planning and budgeting for a 7-day Phuket and Krabi adventure.
Phuket: Thailand’s largest island. It’s vibrant, bustling, and offers everything from the neon lights of Patong to the serene Big Buddha statue.
Krabi: A more laid-back, "nature-first" province. Think towering limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and the famous Railay Beach (accessible only by boat).
The Route: Most travelers fly into Phuket, spend 3 days there, take a ferry or van to Krabi for 3 days, and fly out from Krabi Airport (KBV).
Average Return Fare: ?18,000 – ?28,000 (from Delhi/Mumbai/Bengaluru).
Routes: You can find direct flights to Phuket (HKT). For the return, Krabi (KBV) has excellent domestic connections to Bangkok or direct international flights to major Indian hubs.
Thailand has significantly simplified entry for Indian citizens:
Visa Status: Visa-Free Entry for up to 60 days.
Extension: You can even extend this by another 30 days at a local immigration office if you decide to stay longer.
Requirement: You must submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least 3 days before you fly.
Thailand remains slightly more budget-friendly than Bali, especially regarding local transport and food.
| Category | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range (Recommended) | Luxury |
| Flights (Ret.) | ?18,000 | ?25,000 | ?45,000+ |
| Accommodation | ?7,000 (Hostels) | ?18,000 (4? Resorts) | ?60,000+ (Pool Villas) |
| Food & Dining | ?6,000 | ?12,000 | ?25,000 |
| Tours/Activities | ?8,000 | ?15,000 | ?35,000 |
| Local Transport | ?3,000 | ?6,000 | ?12,000 |
| Total Estimate | ?42,000 – ?50,000 | ?76,000 – ?85,000 | ?1.8 Lakh+ |
Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: The "Gold Standard" of Thai tours. Includes Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. (Cost: ~?3,500 by Speedboat).
Big Buddha & Wat Chalong: For incredible views and a touch of culture. (Free entry; Taxi/Bolt cost ~?800).
Old Phuket Town: Famous for colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and Sunday night markets.
4-Island Tour: Visit Koh Poda and the "Chicken Island." Great for snorkeling. (Cost: ~?1,800 by Longtail boat).
Railay Beach: Perfect for rock climbing or just watching the sunset. (Longtail boat from Ao Nang: ~?250).
Tiger Cave Temple: A 1,237-step climb with a rewarding 360-degree view. (Free entry).
Peak Season (November – February): Perfect blue skies and calm seas. It is the best time for snorkeling, but also the most expensive for hotels.
Shoulder Season (March – May): Hotter weather, but great for those who love the sun. This is when the famous Songkran (Water Festival) happens in April.
Monsoon Season (June – October): You’ll find 40% discounts on luxury resorts. While it rains, it’s often in short bursts. Warning: Seas can be rough for boat tours.
Phuket (Patong/Karon): Stay here if you want to be near the action, shopping, and nightlife.
Phuket (Kamala/Bang Tao): Best for a quieter, more upscale experience.
Krabi (Ao Nang): The main tourist hub with easy access to all boat tours.
Krabi (Railay): For those who want to feel "off-the-grid" in a stunning cove.
Transport Apps: Use Bolt or Grab. Taxis in Phuket are notoriously expensive; these apps provide fair, transparent pricing.
Island Transfer: To get from Phuket to Krabi, take the Speedboat Ferry (approx. 1.5 hours) for around ?1,200. It’s faster and much more scenic than the 4-hour bus ride.
Local Eats: Look for "Food Courts" in malls like Jungceylon (Phuket) or street stalls in Ao Nang for authentic meals under ?250.
National Park Fees: Most island tours exclude the National Park entry fee (~?900 or 400 THB). Keep cash handy for this!
A Phuket and Krabi trip offers the quintessential "tropical postcard" experience. With the current visa-free status for Indians, 2026 is the perfect year to cross this off your bucket list.
Need help with flights, visa or holiday packages?
Contact FTH Travels
? +91 9871672250
? www.fthtravels.com