How Far Is Krabi from Phuket by Car?
From Phuket to Ao Nang in Krabi by car is 160–180 km and 3–3.5 hours via the Sarasin Bridge and Highway 4. The MonkeyCar rental contract allows the Krabi trip with no approval and no extra charge. A day trip is possible, and with a night in Ao Nang there is time for Railay and the islands.
In short
- From Phuket to Ao Nang is 160–180 km and 3–3.5 hours via the Sarasin Bridge and Highway 4.
- From the north of the island it is closer to three hours, from Rawai and Chalong closer to three and a half.
- The MonkeyCar contract allows trips in Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi provinces, with no separate approval needed.
- The car cannot reach Railay Beach: it is cut off by cliffs, and boats run there from Ao Nang.
Which road goes to Krabi?
There is one road: across the Sarasin Bridge to the mainland, then along Highway 4 through Phang Nga province to Krabi Town and Ao Nang. In your own car you keep your own schedule, stop wherever you like and have a boot for your things.
Check the tank before you set off: there are plenty of large PTT and Shell stations along Highway 4, but fewer near the beaches. Fuel consumption and prices are covered in the article on petrol and filling stations.
More: Car Catalogue. Next on this topic: Ferries from Phuket to the Islands with a Car: Parking.
Cars of every class with prices for your dates, including crossovers for Krabi's dirt tracks.
Car CatalogueHow long is the drive to Krabi from different parts of Phuket?
It depends on where you start: the north of the island is close to the Sarasin Bridge, the south is furthest away. The times are to Ao Nang without long stops; weekend traffic on the bridge adds time.
Is one day enough, or do you need to stay overnight?
A day trip is doable: 6–7 hours of driving there and back plus 4–5 hours on site. That is enough for Ao Nang, the viewpoints and lunch by the sea if you leave by 7 am and are back by 9 pm.
Railay and the islands need an overnight stay: boat outings take half a day, and without one the trip becomes a race. Ao Nang has hotels for every budget, and many have their own parking; check when booking.
- Day trip: leave by 7 am, back by 9 pm
- Overnight: time for Railay and the islands
What is there to see on the way to Krabi?
Highway 4 runs between limestone mountains and rubber plantations, and you can stop for photos right by the road. On the way it is easy to call at the Samet Nangshe viewpoint over Phang Nga Bay, a short detour. How to get there is covered in the article on driving to Phang Nga.
In Krabi you can climb to Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple): 1,237 steps, with the whole valley visible from the top. The climb is steep, so wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Samet Nangshe viewpoint: a panorama of Phang Nga Bay
- Wat Tham Suea: 1,237 steps and a view over the Krabi valley
How far into Krabi can the car go?
You cannot drive to Railay Beach: the peninsula is cut off by cliffs, and only boats from Ao Nang go there, all day and less often in the evening. The car stays in the car park by the promenade. On the other hand, a car reaches the quiet beaches of Klong Muang and Tubkaek north of Ao Nang, which tours skip.
Dirt tracks lead to the mangrove channels of Ao Thalane and to the viewpoints, so a crossover suits them better. Where to leave the car at a pier before an island trip is covered in the article on ferries from Phuket.
- Railay: by boat from Ao Nang only
- Klong Muang and Tubkaek: quiet beaches the car can reach
What should you take to Krabi?
Bring baht in small notes for parking, the boat and roadside cafés, plus water and sunscreen. Keep your original passport, licence and International Driving Permit with you: there are checkpoints on Highway 4, and tourists do get checked. Why the IDP matters is covered in the article on international driving permits.
- Cash for parking, boats and cafés
- Original passport, licence and IDP
- Water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to tell the rental company about a trip to Krabi?
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Is the road from Phuket to Krabi difficult?
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Which car should I take to Krabi?
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Is there a toll on the Sarasin Bridge?
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What if the car breaks down on the way to Krabi?
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More on this topic: Where to go by car
Where to Drive in Phuket: 5 Day Routes by Car
Five day routes around Phuket by car: the south and sunset at Promthep, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, the Old Town, the northern beaches, Phang Nga.
Read RoutesPhang Nga by Car: How to Get There from Phuket
Driving to Phang Nga in a rental car: how long it takes to the piers from different parts of Phuket, where to park, how to see the bay and what to bring.
Read RoutesFerries from Phuket to the Islands with a Car: Parking
Why the car cannot go to the islands, where to leave it at the Rassada and Bang Rong piers, what parking costs and how to plan a day tour.
ReadWhich area of Phuket should we deliver the car to?
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