5-Day Andaman Islands Itinerary: Phuket, Phi Phi & Krabi

The Andaman coast of southern Thailand offers some of the most dramatic island scenery in the world — limestone karst towers rising from translucent water, hidden beaches accessible only by longtail, and marine biodiversity that rivals anywhere in Southeast Asia. This 5-day circuit hits the three essential destinations. Day 1: Phuket (arrive and orient). Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). Most visitors base themselves in Patong (busy, central, full of facilities), Kata/Karon (quieter beaches), or Phuket Town (the authentic, Sino-Portuguese old city). Day 1: check in, explore Patong Beach or Old Phuket Town's heritage architecture, eat at the outstanding night market on Chao Fa West Road. Day 2: Phuket — Phang Nga Bay. Full-day Phang Nga Bay tour by speedboat or traditional wooden junk: James Bond Island (Ko Tapu), sea canoeing through limestone caves and hongs, lunch on Koh Panak. This is one of Thailand's genuine must-do experiences — book a reputable operator (John Gray's Sea Canoe, Ao Phang Nga Tours). Cost: 1,200–3,000 THB depending on operator. Evening: ferry booking confirmed for Phi Phi (many departures from Rassada Pier, Phuket). Day 3: Koh Phi Phi. Morning ferry Phuket–Phi Phi (2 hrs, 350–500 THB, multiple departures). Check into accommodation on Phi Phi Don (the inhabited island). Afternoon: boat tour around Phi Phi Leh — Maya Bay (the Beach film location), Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave. Snorkel at Loh Samah Bay. Evening: Phi Phi's small but energetic bar strip above Tonsai Bay. Day 4: Koh Phi Phi to Krabi. Morning: sunrise kayaking or early snorkel before the day-trippers arrive. Ferry Phi Phi to Krabi (1.5 hrs, ~250 THB) or directly to Ao Nang Pier (avoid going into Krabi Town if your accommodation is in Ao Nang). Afternoon: explore Ao Nang and the 4 Islands boat tour (snorkelling at Tup Island's long sandbar, Koh Poda, Chicken Island — 500–800 THB). Day 5: Krabi — Railay Beach departure. Morning: longtail to Railay Beach (10 min from Ao Nang, 100 THB per person) — the most dramatic beach setting in Thailand, only accessible by boat. Rock climbing (premier destination globally), cave explorations, Phra Nang Beach. Return to Ao Nang, Grab to Krabi Airport (KBV) for afternoon flight back to Bangkok. Alternatively, extend to visit Koh Lanta (1.5-hour ferry from Krabi) for a quieter conclusion. Total ferry costs: approximately 1,100–1,250 THB for all connections.