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⛰️ Phang Nga Travel Plan

Phang Nga–Krabi 3 Days 2 Nights
Through the Andaman Limestone

Phang Nga and Krabi sit right next to each other - it's just 1.5 hours by car from Phang Nga town to Krabi. But the two provinces feel completely different: Phang Nga Bay is wide, quiet, and dramatic; Krabi is white sand beaches and island-hopping. This itinerary starts from the calmer side of the Andaman and works its way south, so you're always moving forward - no backtracking, and real timing with ballpark costs included.

⛰️ Phang Nga Bay & Khao Tapu🏕️ Krabi 4-Island Tour🚗 Cross-Province Drive ~1.5 hrs

Phang Nga–Krabi 3 Days 2 Nights Through the Andaman Limestone

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

A lot of people agonize over choosing between Phang Nga and Krabi - but you can easily do both in one trip. They are connected by Highway 4, and the distance from Phang Nga town to Krabi is roughly 80-90 km, about 1.5 hours by car. This plan keeps you moving in one direction: start with Phang Nga Bay, then drift south to finish in Krabi. No U-turns.

This trip works best if you have your own car or a rental. You can also hire a van with a driver, though you'll lose some flexibility. The prices below are rough estimates from real checks - actual costs vary by season, group size, and what is on offer when you go.

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay, Khao Tapu, Koh Panyee

Day 1

Longtail Boat on Phang Nga Bay + Stay in Phang Nga Town

08:30

Head to Tha Dan Customs Pier (Tha Surakul)The main pier for Phang Nga Bay boat trips, in Tambon Krasom, Takua Thung District - about 9 km from Phang Nga town. Parking is available at the pier.

09:00

Charter a longtail boat around Phang Nga BayPrivate longtail charters start around THB 2,000-3,500 per boat depending on how many people. The more in your group, the cheaper it is per head. Standard programs run 3-4 hours.

09:40

Khao Tapu & Khao Ping Kan (James Bond Island)The nail-shaped rock rising from the water made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun. It gets crowded mid-morning. You walk on Khao Ping Kan for photos. National park fee: Thai nationals ~THB 40, foreigners THB 300.

11:30

Koh Panyee - lunch at a floating Muslim villageAn entire village built on stilts over the sea. Seafood restaurants line the walkways, and the floating football pitch the island's kids built themselves is worth a look. Dishes roughly THB 80-150.

13:30

Head back to shore, check in to accommodation in Phang Nga townPhang Nga town has hotels and guesthouses at solid value - THB 600-1,500/night. Rest up for Day 2.

17:00

Wander the evening market, eat Southern Thai foodPhang Nga town is small and unpretentious. Khanom jeen, southern curries, and local snacks are easy to find at the night market.

On booking your boat

Chartering a longtail privately beats joining a group tour once you have 4 or more people - you get the boat on your schedule. Speedboats are faster but pricier and choppier. To beat the peak crowds, push off before 9 a.m. and you'll have Khao Tapu to yourself for the first 30 minutes.

🎟️

Book the activities in your Phang Nga trip ahead

Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.

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Day 2 — Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, Then Drive to Krabi

Day 2

Phang Nga Bay from Above + Base Shift to Krabi

06:30

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, Takua Thung DistrictLimestone karsts rising through the morning mist - the best sunrise view on the Phang Nga side. You need a 4WD vehicle to reach the top; the shuttle up and back costs around THB 90/person. Some packages include breakfast for ~THB 500.

09:30

Stop at Wat Tham Suwan Khuha (Monkey Cave Temple)A limestone cave temple with a reclining Buddha inside. Watch your food and belongings - the resident monkeys are persistent. it's right on the route south, no detour needed.

11:00

Drive from Phang Nga to Krabi on Highway 4About 80-90 km, roughly 1.5 hours. The road follows the hills - stop for lunch somewhere along the way.

13:00

Check in to accommodation in Ao Nang, KrabiAo Nang is where most people base themselves in Krabi - close to the beach and the pier for the 4-island tour. Options range from guesthouses to resorts at THB 800-3,000/night.

16:00

Walk along Ao Nang beach, watch the sunsetThe beachfront road has restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Late afternoon is a good time to sit and watch the sun drop behind the limestone cliffs.

Day 3 — 4-Island Tour + Tiger Cave Temple

Day 3

Krabi Sea Before Heading Home

08:30

4-Island Tour, depart from Ao NangVisits Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Phra Nang Cave at Railay, and the sandbar at Tub Island. Join a longtail trip for ~THB 700 (Thai rate) or speedboat for ~THB 990. National park fee adds ~THB 40 for Thai nationals.

12:30

Back to shore, lunch in Ao NangThe sandbar at Tub Island only appears at low tide - check the tide schedule with your tour operator before booking so you actually get to see it.

14:30

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea, Krabi)If you're up for it: roughly 1,237 steps to the summit, with a 360-degree view of Krabi's karst landscape. Tiring but worth it. Wear trainers and bring water. If the climb is not for you, the cave complex at the base is worth exploring on its own.

17:00

Pack up, head home or transfer to Krabi AirportKrabi Airport is about 30-40 min from Ao Nang. Leave buffer time for evening traffic.

Getting Around

Own car or rental - the most flexible option for a cross-province trip. Highway 4 is well-maintained and an easy drive.
No driver - you can hire a minivan with a driver by the day, or book a package tour that includes transfers, but you'll have less freedom to stop and start.
Flying in - both Krabi and Phuket airports work. If you land at Phuket, Phang Nga is closer, so start there and end in Krabi for a clean route.
Route logic - always start in Phang Nga and finish in Krabi. That way you're moving south the whole time, and you can catch a flight from Krabi Airport on Day 3.

Seasons to know

The Andaman coast's rainy season runs May to October. Island tours can be cancelled on rough days - especially the 4-island trip. High season is November to April: clear skies, calm water, and the best conditions for both provinces. If you're traveling in low season, build in a backup plan and check the weather before getting on any boat.

Rough Budget (Per Person, 3 Days 2 Nights)

Accommodation, 2 nights - roughly THB 1,400-6,000, depending on hotel level (split if sharing a room)
Phang Nga Bay boat - private longtail THB 2,000-3,500/boat, split by headcount
Krabi 4-island tour - joint trip ~THB 700-990 + national park fee ~THB 40
Samet Nangshe - 4WD shuttle ~THB 90, or package ~THB 500
Car/fuel + food - depends on appetite; budget THB 80-200 per meal

Adjust the Plan

Want more time in Phang Nga

Add a second night in Phang Nga town. Use the extra day to explore waterfalls and caves in the province, then head to Krabi on the last day.

Adjust the Plan

Want more time in Krabi

Cut the Phang Nga Bay portion to half a day and add a night in Ao Nang. Use the extra time to visit Phi Phi Island or Railay Beach.

Want to browse hotels on both sides before finalizing your plan?

See Top 10 Hotels in Phang Nga →

FAQ

Can you visit Phang Nga and Krabi in one trip?

Easily. The two provinces border each other and are connected by Highway 4 - about 80-90 km, roughly 1.5 hours by car. A 3-day 2-night plan covers the highlights of both without rushing.

Should I start in Phang Nga or Krabi?

Start in Phang Nga, finish in Krabi. That way you drive south the whole time without backtracking, and you can fly out of Krabi Airport on the last day. If you are flying into Phuket, this order is especially natural since Phang Nga is right next door.

How much does a Phang Nga Bay boat trip cost?

A private longtail charter starts around THB 2,000-3,500 per boat depending on the number of passengers. With a group it works out cheap per head. Standard programs cover Khao Tapu, Khao Ping Kan, and Koh Panyee in 3-4 hours. National park fees add about THB 40 for Thai nationals.

What does the Krabi 4-island tour cover, and how much does it cost?

A joint longtail trip runs about THB 700 for Thai nationals; speedboats are around THB 990. Add the national park fee of ~THB 40. The tour visits Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Phra Nang Cave at Railay, and the Tub Island sandbar. Check the tide schedule with your operator so you actually see the sandbar at low tide.

When is the best time to visit - when are island tours open?

November to April is peak season on the Andaman coast - clear skies and calm water, ideal for both provinces. May to October is monsoon season; island tours can be cancelled on rough days. If you're going in low season, check weather forecasts before booking and have a backup plan ready.

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