One Week Thailand: Phuket to Phi Phi to Krabi
Three Destinations, One Week
This itinerary takes you through three of Southern Thailand's best destinations in one week: Phuket (the gateway with the most tour options), Phi Phi Don (overnight for the full island experience), and Krabi/Railay (dramatic cliffs and a different vibe). It is a route that covers the Andaman coast highlights efficiently while giving each location enough time to appreciate.
Days 1 to 3: Phuket
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Arrive Phuket, transfer to hotel, beach time, explore your area. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Phang Nga Bay
Full day Phang Nga Bay tour with kayaking. Start with this because the sheltered bay is accessible year round and provides an incredible introduction to the region's limestone landscape.
Day 3: Phuket Exploration
Morning: Phuket Old Town. Afternoon: Beach, spa, or optional Coral Island half day trip. Evening: Pack for Phi Phi (you will leave most luggage at your Phuket hotel if you plan to return).
Days 4 to 5: Phi Phi Don
Day 4: Phuket to Phi Phi Don
Take a morning ferry or speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi Don (about 90 minutes by ferry from Rassada Pier, 400 to 600 THB one way, or 45 minutes by speedboat). Check into your Phi Phi accommodation.
Afternoon: Explore Phi Phi Don. Walk to the viewpoint (a steep 20-minute climb, but the panoramic view of Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay is spectacular). Visit Loh Dalum Bay for late afternoon swimming. The beach empties out as day-trip boats leave and the island takes on a completely different character.
Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Phi Phi's evening atmosphere includes fire shows on the beach and a vibrant (but small) bar scene.
Day 5: Phi Phi Leh Day Trip and Departure
Morning: Book a local longtail boat tour of Phi Phi Leh from Phi Phi Don (about 1,500 to 2,500 THB per person). Visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave with far fewer people than a Phuket group tour, since you are already at Phi Phi.
Afternoon: Ferry or speedboat from Phi Phi to Krabi/Ao Nang (about 90 minutes by ferry, 300 to 600 THB). Check into Ao Nang or Railay accommodation.
Evening: Explore Ao Nang, dinner along the beachfront.
Days 5 to 7: Krabi/Railay
Day 5 (continued): Ao Nang arrival
Settle in, beach walk, dinner.
Day 6: Railay Beach
Longtail boat to Railay (15 minutes from Ao Nang, 200 THB). Full day at Railay:
- Morning: Phra Nang Cave Beach (stunning)
- Optional: Half-day rock climbing
- Afternoon: Railay West Beach, walk to viewpoint
- Return to Ao Nang for dinner
Day 7: Four Islands or Hong Islands, Departure
Morning: Four Islands longtail tour (departs 9:00 AM, returns 2:00 PM, about 1,000 THB per person). Visit Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island.
Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, head to Krabi Airport (30 minutes from Ao Nang) or transfer back to Phuket Airport (3 hours).
Logistics Summary
- Phuket to Phi Phi: Ferry or speedboat, 400 to 900 THB, 45 to 90 minutes
- Phi Phi to Ao Nang/Krabi: Ferry, 300 to 600 THB, 60 to 90 minutes
- Ao Nang to Railay: Longtail boat, 200 THB, 15 minutes
Packing Tip
Travel light for the Phi Phi and Krabi segments. Leave non-essential luggage at your Phuket hotel (most will store bags for free or a small fee) and carry only what you need for 3 to 4 days in a daypack or small bag. Ferries and longtails have limited luggage space.
When to Do This Route
This route works best during the dry season (November to April) when ferries run reliably, seas are calm, and all islands are accessible. During monsoon season (May to October), ferry services are reduced and Phi Phi can have rough conditions.
For other itinerary ideas, see our 5 day Phuket itinerary or 10 day Southern Thailand itinerary.
Budget Summary (One Week, per person, mid-range)
- Accommodation: 17,500 THB (2,500 THB/night average x 7)
- Food: 8,400 THB (1,200 THB/day)
- Tours and activities: 8,000 to 12,000 THB
- Ferries and transfers: 2,000 to 3,000 THB
- Local transport: 3,000 THB
- Total: approximately 38,900 to 45,900 THB (about 1,100 to 1,300 USD)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not over-schedule by fitting a tour into every single day. Rest days make the active days more enjoyable and give you time to absorb each destination properly. Book ferries in advance during peak season, as popular routes between Phuket, Phi Phi, and Krabi can sell out completely. Carry minimal luggage for the Phi Phi and Krabi segments since longtail boats to Railay have very limited space for bags. Leave non-essential luggage at your Phuket hotel where most properties will store them for free or a small daily fee. Finally, check weather forecasts before each ferry crossing, as rough seas can make travel uncomfortable or result in outright cancellations that disrupt your carefully planned schedule.
