adwinn

Hello all

We are looking to go for 2 or 3 nights to either Phuket or Krabi and can not make up our mind which one.

We will be staying on Phi Phi for a couple of days as well.

We are a couple in our early 30's and while we are well past our clubbing days we would like to be near an area with at least a couple of local restaurants, beer places and some stalls to buy the tourist t-shirts.

So far, Phuket seems kinda of too loud and Krabi possibly a little too quiet. Of course we have never been to this area before, so these are just impressions!! We would like to hear from some people with experience!!

Thanks

eurotraveller

I spent a few night in the Krabi area last year and it is truly spectacular as far as scenery goes. We did a great kayaking trip through the mangroves and stopped to feed some monkeys.

It rained most of the time we were there, unfortunately. We stayed at Sunrise Tropical Resort, which was awesome!

As for night life, East Railay has some pretty nice little bars but it isn't exactly rocking and rolling.

Haven't been to Phuket but others will chime in soon.

janeyb61

Hiya
I went to Krabi last year and stayed in a beautiful Hotel called Nakamanda. Although this was in a VERY quiet area, Ao Nang was only a 10 minute taxi ride away, and supplies you with every kind of tourist tatt you may need, and loads of bars and restaurants too. This area is very close to Phi Phi though.

LeighTravelClub

Have stayed at both Krabi and Phuket. Equally well located for transfer to and from Phi Phi. For me Phuket just gets the vote over Krabi. Mainly because at Phuket you really can choose exactly what you want. Tacky and brash,quiet and peaceful, whatever you want.
I very much enjoyed Krabi staying at the Sheraton Krabi Beach. A good base for a trip to James Bond Island.
The Jamie Monk blog is a great place to look for an insiders guide to Phuket and how to get the best out of it. There is a link to him on the Thailand page of our site
www.leightravelclub.com

curiostraveler01

Just came back from Thailand and stayed in Phuket for 4 nights, we did a day trip to Krabi and now regret that we didnt stay there. The scenery in Krabi is breathtaking. The limestones and beaches are unbelievable. I have traveled all over the world for the most part and fell in love with Krabi. Phuket is gorgeous but typical beach town and most of the towns in Phuket are the same. Surin beach town is a good place to stay in phuket due to location and more layed back as oppose to Patong. Railey beach is ideal location for Krabi. But Ao ng is more convenient if you want more night life. If staying in Phuket do take a day trip to Krabi or you will miss out on the limestones and scenery. Goodluck in Phi Phi islands, we never made it cuz we heard there were a lot of construction everywhere and "The Beach" beach is way too touristy and u just dont get the same effect after the tsunami. You will have an awesome time either way. Theres shopping in both islands so no worries

JamesA

If you stay in Krabi area you will find enough shops/restaurants/bars around Ao Nang. if you choose Phuket you can stay in places such as Surin / Bangtao which are relatively quiet but still have restaurants, a few bars.
Krabi is very scenic, you have not mentioned time of year, although weather is the same in those areas do note that May thru october would be rainy season.

I don't think you would find Ao Nang too quiet at all. You don't have to stay there but it's there when needed!

Gpanda

Having stayed in both, we found Krabi to be much prtettier. The afore-mentioned limestone formations are awesome. It's calmer, but Ao Nang can provide some activity.