How much does a trip to Phuket & Krabi cost from South Africa?
About R34 620 for 7 days, solo
Or R28 320 each for two people sharing a room. Saving for a trip a year from now means about R2 890 a month.
Estimates from Johannesburg, booked 3 to 6 months ahead, including a 20% buffer and the visa fee. Prices checked Sep 2026.
Join the waitlistAndaman Sea islands, limestone cliffs and night markets: South Africans' favourite Thai beach base.
Cost by trip length and style (solo)
| Length | Tourist | Blend | Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | R29 220 | R28 725 | R28 500 |
| 7 days | R34 620 | R33 783 | R33 180 |
| 14 days | R53 520 | R51 486 | R49 560 |
Tourist covers the famous sights. Niche swaps them for places locals love, usually with cheaper stays but more travel between them. Blend mixes both. Two people sharing pay less each, because the room is split.
Where the money goes (7 days, Tourist, solo)
| Return flight from Johannesburg | R12 500 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, 7 nights | R10 500 |
| Food, local transport and activities | R5 250 |
| Getting around (transfers, internal travel) | R600 |
| 20% buffer for surprises | R5 770 |
| Visa and entry fees | None |
| Total | R34 620 |
Visa for South Africans
No visa needed No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for Thailand.
Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before landing.
When to go
| Best time | Nov–Apr (dry season) |
|---|---|
| Cheapest time | May–Oct (monsoon, rougher seas) |
| Currency | Thai baht (฿) |
Book 3 to 4 months out; June to August is low season with fewer crowds and good value.
Know before you go
| Getting there | About 14 to 18 hours with one stop via Dubai, Doha or Singapore; no direct flights. |
|---|---|
| Health | Low malaria risk in tourist areas; dengue occurs. |
| Money | Cash for islands, taxis and street food; cards in hotels. |
Gulf hubs are operating, but airspace disruption flared again in September 2026. Book flexible fares, or route via Singapore, Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Istanbul.
A 7-day plan that mixes both
- Day 1 Arrive, check in and find dinner nearby
- Day 2 Phi Phi islands by speedboat
- Day 3 Koh Yao Noi's rice fields and kayaking
- Day 4 Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
- Day 5 Sunday walking street in Phuket Town
- Day 6 Big Buddha viewpoint
- Day 7 Final morning, then fly home
The classics
- Phi Phi islands by speedboat
- Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
- Big Buddha viewpoint
- Old Phuket Town
- Patong's Bangla Road
- Railay beach and cliffs in Krabi
- Four-island tour from Ao Nang
- Ethical elephant sanctuary (no riding)
Where locals go
- Koh Yao Noi's rice fields and kayaking
- Sunday walking street in Phuket Town
- Hong Island lagoon at dawn
- Climb to Krabi's Tiger Cave Temple
- Koh Lanta's Old Town
- Emerald Pool and hot springs in Krabi
- Sirinat National Park's quiet beaches
- Cooking class with a market tour
Hidden gems near Phuket & Krabi
Koh Yao Noi
A fishing island between Phuket and Krabi: rice fields, kayaking and views of the limestone karsts.
About R800 extra to get there
Koh Lanta Old Town
Stilt houses and seafood on the island's quiet east coast.
About R1 200 extra to get there
Ready to book?
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Quick answers
How much does a trip to Phuket & Krabi cost from South Africa?
About R34 620 per person for 7 days travelling solo, or R28 320 each for two people sharing a room, booked 3 to 6 months ahead. That includes return flights from Johannesburg, mid-range accommodation, daily spending, the visa fee and a 20% buffer. These are estimates checked in Sep 2026.
Do South Africans need a visa for Thailand?
No. South African passport holders don't need a visa for Thailand. Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before landing.
When is the best time to visit Phuket & Krabi?
The best time is Nov–Apr (dry season). The cheapest time is usually May–Oct (monsoon, rougher seas).
How long is the flight from Johannesburg?
About 14 to 18 hours with one stop via Dubai, Doha or Singapore; no direct flights.
Sources
Checked Sep 2026.