Phuket vs Krabi (Ao Nang) with Kids: Which Is Better for Your Family?
Choosing between Phuket and Krabi (especially Ao Nang) when traveling in Thailand with kids can feel tricky, but there is no wrong choice. Phuket is easier to travel to and get around and offers more resorts and activities. Krabi feels calmer, more nature-focused, and slightly less developed. The best choice depends on your travel style and family preferences.
If you are planning a family trip to Thailand, chances are you are doubting between Phuket and Krabi. Both are popular with families, both offer beautiful beaches, and both are easy to combine with other destinations in southern Thailand with kids.
The difference is not about what is better or worse, but about what suits your family best. Phuket focuses more on convenience, choice, and activities. Krabi, especially Ao Nang, offers a slower pace, impressive scenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere. In this guide, we compare both destinations from a family travel perspective to help you make the right choice.
Quick Summary: Phuket vs Krabi with kids?
- ✈️ Phuket is easier to reach and easier to get around, with more transport options across the island.
- 🏨 Phuket offers a wider choice of family resorts and organized activities for kids.
- 🌴 Krabi is especially known for its scenery, limestone cliffs, and island hopping from Ao Nang.
- 👶 Both destinations are suitable for traveling with babies, but Phuket has more facilities, amenities, and baby essentials readily available.
- 🚶 Ao Nang is relatively small, compact, and walkable, which makes it easy to navigate with kids.
- 🎡 Phuket is much larger and more spread out, but that also means more variety and more things to do.
So, which one is better for your family?
If you value convenience, family resorts, and easy access to baby essentials and activities, Phuket is usually the better fit. If you prefer a relaxed pace, impressive scenery, and a smaller, walkable base near beautiful beaches, Ao Nang in Krabi is often the better choice.
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Before we go into the details, one important thing to say: you really cannot make a bad choice here. We have traveled with our kids to both Phuket and Krabi, visiting these destinations during our two-week Thailand itinerary with kids, when our children were one and three years old.
Both places were absolutely doable with young kids and offered everything we needed for a comfortable family trip. Phuket felt very easy and convenient, with plenty of choice in resorts, transport, and facilities. Krabi, especially Ao Nang, surprised us with how relaxed and compact it felt, while still being very manageable with toddlers.
We genuinely enjoyed both destinations, and this comparison is not about ranking one above the other. Our goal is to help you figure out what works best for your family, your kids’ ages, and the type of trip you (as parents) want to make. If we had to choose for a next trip with young kids, we would personally lean slightly towards Ao Nang, mainly because of the calmer pace and scenery.
From here on, we will break down the main differences step by step, focusing on what actually matters when traveling Thailand with kids.
Our Phuket/Krabi Top Picks for Families
Phuket Top Hotel: The Palms →
Family hotel near Kamala Beach
Phuket Top Tour: Maya Bay →
Iconic cliffs and clear water
Phuket Top Activity: Andamanda→
Big slides and splash zones
Krabi Top Hotel: Ananta Burin →
Central stay with family pools
Krabi Top Tour: Four Islands →
Spectacular island hopping by boat
Krabi Top Activity: Daytrip →
Emerald Pool & Hot Springs
At first glance, Phuket and Krabi may seem quite similar. Both are located in southern Thailand, both offer beautiful beaches, and both are popular with families. The real differences become clear once you look at scale, atmosphere, and ease of travel, especially when traveling with kids.
Phuket is larger, more developed, and offers more choice in resorts, transport, and activities. Krabi feels smaller and more compact, with a stronger focus on nature and island scenery. Neither option is better or worse. They simply suit different family travel styles.
Phuket vs Krabi (Ao Nang) with kids: comparison overview
| Category | Phuket | Krabi (Ao Nang) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Lively, developed, and varied | Calm, scenic, and relaxed |
| Size & layout | Large island, spread out | Compact base, easy to navigate |
| Beaches | Wide variety across the island | Fewer beaches, but very scenic |
| Family resorts | Many large family resorts | Fewer resorts, more small-scale hotels |
| Activities for kids | Many organized activities and attractions | Mostly nature-based activities |
| Traveling with babies | Very convenient, many facilities available | Well doable, but fewer amenities |
| Getting around | Taxis, Grab, and drivers widely available | Walking and boats from Ao Nang |
| Island hopping | Possible, often longer boat rides | Easy and close to Ao Nang |
| Costs | Generally slightly higher, but wide price range | Often a bit more affordable overall |
Phuket is often one of the easiest places to start when traveling Thailand with kids. The island is well developed, easy to reach, and offers a lot of choice, which can be reassuring, especially when traveling with young children for the first time. We’ve spent time in Phuket with our own kids and found it very manageable as a family destination.
If you want a broader overview, we’ve shared all our practical tips and experiences in our Phuket with kids guide, including the best areas, activities, and what to expect when traveling with young children.
Pros of Phuket with kids
- ✈️ Easy access via an international airport with many flight connections
- 🏨 Wide choice of family resorts and hotels in different areas of the island
- 🎟️ Many organized activities suitable for kids of all ages
- 🚕 Good infrastructure, with taxis, drivers, and delivery services widely available
- 👶🏻 Baby essentials, pharmacies, and medical facilities are easy to find
Cons of Phuket with kids
- ⏱️ Phuket is large and spread out, so travel times can add up
- 🚘 Traffic can be busy in popular areas and during peak hours
- ❗️Some parts feel quite touristy compared to other places in Thailand
Where to stay in Phuket with kids
Where you stay in Phuket makes a big difference when traveling with children. Areas like Kata, Karon, and Kamala tend to work best for families, offering a good balance between beaches, restaurants, and a calmer atmosphere.
During our stay, we found Kamala Dreams Hotel to be a very comfortable base with kids, thanks to its family-friendly setup and relaxed location near the beach. In our where to stay in Phuket with kids guide, we break down the best areas and accommodation types depending on your kids’ ages and travel style.
💡 Crew Tip: stay in Kamala if you’re looking for a quieter base, or choose Kata if you want a bit more life while still traveling comfortably with kids.
Things to do in Phuket with kids
Phuket offers a wide range of activities, which is one of its biggest strengths for families. Beach days are easy to combine with short outings, and there are plenty of options if you want to mix relaxation with something more active.
One activity our kids absolutely loved was Andamanda Water Park, which is a fun option if you’re looking for a full day of water slides and pools. We’ve listed more family-friendly ideas, from beaches to easy day trips, in our top things to do in Phuket with kids guide.
Krabi is a very different experience from Phuket, but still a great option when traveling Thailand with kids. We visited Krabi with our children when they were one and three years old and found it surprisingly easy to travel as a family. The pace is slower, the scenery is more dramatic, and everything feels a bit more compact.
We would recommend choosing Ao Nang as your base, as it offers the best balance between convenience and atmosphere. It’s not as developed as Phuket, but that is also part of its appeal.
If you’re looking for a broader overview of what to expect, we’ve shared our full experience and practical tips in our Ao Nang with kids guide, including beaches, boat trips, and how to keep things relaxed when traveling with young children.
Pros of Krabi (Ao Nang) with kids
- 🌴 Stunning scenery with limestone cliffs, islands, and calm beaches
- 🚶 Ao Nang is compact and walkable, which makes getting around easy with kids
- 🚤 Island hopping is simple, with short boat rides to nearby islands
- ⌛️ Slower pace and more relaxed atmosphere than Phuket
- 👶🏻 Well doable with babies and toddlers, especially if you keep travel days short
Cons of Krabi (Ao Nang) with kids
- 🏨 Fewer large family resorts compared to Phuket
- 🛍️ Less choice when it comes to shops and baby amenities
- 🎢 Fewer organized activities and attractions for kids
- 🌧️ Limited indoor options on rainy days
Where to stay in Krabi with kids
Choosing the right area in Krabi makes a big difference when traveling with children. Ao Nang is the easiest and most practical base for families, with restaurants, the beach, and boat trips all within walking distance.
For families who prefer a quieter setting, Noppharat Thara Beach is a good alternative, while Railay Beach can be a great option for families with older kids who enjoy a more adventurous and car-free environment.
During our stay, The L Resort Krabi worked well as a comfortable and central base for exploring the area with kids. Choosing the right area to stay in Ao Nang with kids can make a big difference, especially with babies or toddlers.
Things to do in Krabi with kids
Krabi is especially well suited for families who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Beach days, short boat trips, and relaxed exploring are easy to combine without feeling rushed. It’s less about ticking off attractions and more about enjoying the scenery – and honestly, the surroundings are absolutely stunning.
One of the highlights for us was a private four island tour, which allowed us to set our own pace and keep the day flexible for the kids. Private tours can be a good option when traveling with children, as you can take breaks when needed and avoid large groups.
💡 Crew Tip: if you’re staying in Ao Nang, don’t miss Railay Beach. It’s easy to reach by boat, absolutely stunning, and best visited early in the morning.
Traveling with kids in Thailand looks very different depending on their age. Based on our own experience and what we’ve seen around us, this is how Phuket and Krabi (especially Ao Nang) compare for different age groups.
Traveling with a baby or toddler (0–2 years)
Both destinations are doable with babies, but the experience feels different.
Phuket tends to be easier at this stage. There is more choice in family resorts, shorter distances to facilities, and baby essentials are easy to find. Medical care and transport options are also more widely available, which can be reassuring with very young children.
Krabi works well too, especially if you stay in Ao Nang and keep travel days short. It’s calmer and less busy, but there is less choice in amenities, which means a bit more planning.
✅ Best fit: Phuket for maximum convenience, Krabi if you prefer a quieter pace and don’t mind fewer facilities.
Traveling with toddlers and preschoolers (3–5 years)
At this age, both destinations can be a great fit.
Phuket offers more structured activities and attractions, which can be fun if your child likes variety and short outings. Resorts often have pools and play areas that work well for this age group.
Krabi shines if your kids enjoy beach time, boat trips, and being outdoors. Ao Nang is compact and easy to navigate, which makes days feel relaxed rather than rushed.
✅ Best fit: Both work well, depending on whether you prefer activities (Phuket) or nature and calm days (Krabi).
Want a fun little activity to involve kids while traveling around Thailand? Our 👉 free Thailand Bingo is a great place to start.
Traveling with older kids (6+ years)
With older kids, the choice between Phuket and Krabi often comes down less to age and more to personality.
Phuket works very well for kids who like variety and activities. There is simply more to do, from waterparks and playgrounds to mini golf and other organized attractions. If your kids enjoy being busy and like switching between beach time and activities, Phuket can be a great fit.
Krabi, on the other hand, tends to suit older kids who are happy spending their days outdoors. Island hopping, snorkeling, and beach time are the main highlights here. For kids who don’t need constant entertainment and love nature and the sea, Krabi can feel more special and adventurous.
✅ Best fit: Phuket for kids who enjoy activities and variety, Krabi for kids who are content with beach days and outdoor adventures.
After comparing Phuket vs Krabi with kids in detail, it really comes down to what kind of family trip you are looking for. There is no wrong choice here. Both destinations work well with kids of all ages, but they offer a very different rhythm and travel experience.
Choose Phuket if:
- You value convenience and ease of travel
- You like having lots of choice in family resorts and hotels
- Your kids enjoy activities, attractions, and organized outings
- Easy access to shops, baby essentials, and facilities matters to you
- You prefer a destination where everything is readily available
Phuket often works best for first-time family trips to Thailand, or for families who like variety, structure, and having plenty of options close by.
Choose Krabi (especially Ao Nang) if:
- You prefer a slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere
- Nature, scenery, and beach time are your main priorities
- You like a compact, walkable base that feels easy with kids
- Your family enjoys outdoor activities more than attractions
- You don’t need constant entertainment to have a great time
Krabi tends to suit families who are happy to keep things simple and let the surroundings do most of the work.
One last thing to consider
Of course, kids are only part of the equation. What you enjoy as parents matters too, even if it sometimes feels like you’re just along for the ride 😂. Both Phuket and Krabi are great with children, but they feel very different as destinations.
If you love variety, comfort, and a bit of buzz, Phuket will likely feel right. If you personally lean towards calm beaches, dramatic scenery, and slower days, Krabi might just win your heart, while the kids will probably be happy either way.
You can also combine Phuket and Ao Nang in one trip, which is exactly what we did, and it’s a great way to experience both sides of Thailand with kids.
Both Phuket and Krabi are excellent choices for a family trip to Thailand, and there truly is no wrong decision. We enjoyed traveling with our kids in both places in different ways. Phuket feels easy, lively, and full of options, while Krabi stands out for its calm pace, scenery, and relaxed vibe. The best destination is simply the one that fits your travel style, your kids’ ages, and what you value most during your time together as a family.
Traveling through Asia with kids becomes much more enjoyable when you have the right gear. Lightweight, compact and practical items make it easier to move around, handle long travel days and adapt to different sleeping situations along the way.
The travel gear for kids we shared in this guide is based on real experience across multiple destinations in Asia. These are the items that helped us travel more comfortably, sleep better and enjoy each destination without unnecessary stress. While every family and trip is different, focusing on versatile, well tested gear will make a big difference when traveling with children in warm climates. For general travel information, official updates, and destination inspiration, you can also check the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.
If you want to dive deeper into traveling through Asia with kids, you’ll find more practical tips, itineraries, and destination guides on the blog.
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📥 Want more tips? Visit our Family Travel Shop for printables, travel journals, and guides to make your trip smoother.
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Enjoy deciding between Phuket and Krabi with kids!
The Little Passport Crew
Neither destination is objectively better. Phuket is usually easier and offers more resorts and activities, while Krabi feels calmer and more nature-focused. The better choice depends on whether you prefer convenience and variety or a slower pace and scenery.
Yes, Krabi is suitable for traveling with babies and toddlers, especially if you stay in Ao Nang. Ao Nang is compact, walkable, and easy to navigate with young children. However, Phuket offers more baby facilities and amenities, which can feel more convenient for some families.
Phuket clearly offers more organized activities for kids, including attractions, playgrounds, and waterparks. Krabi has fewer structured activities and focuses more on beach time, island hopping, and outdoor experiences. Kids who enjoy being active and switching activities often prefer Phuket, while kids who love the beach are usually happy in Krabi.
Phuket can feel busy in certain areas, especially during peak season, but it is still very family-friendly. Choosing the right area to stay makes a big difference. Many families enjoy Phuket because of its infrastructure, variety, and ease of travel, even when visiting with young children.
Yes, combining Phuket and Krabi in one trip is very doable and popular with families. Many travelers start in Phuket for convenience and end in Krabi for a more relaxed finish. This works especially well on trips of ten days or longer and allows families to experience both destinations.