A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Abu Dhabi vs. Krabi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Krabi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Krabi?

Abu Dhabi

It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.

Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.

Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Krabi or Abu Dhabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Krabi is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Krabi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Abu Dhabi $98
    Krabi $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Krabi $82
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Krabi

Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Krabi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi


Hotels in Krabi


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Krabi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $20
    Krabi $4.23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:


  • Car Rental
    $31
  • Taxi to Airport
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:

  • Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Tickets With Meal and Transfers: $105
  • Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Ticket with Hotel Transfers: $251
  • Warner Bros World and Ferrari World Combo Ticket with transfer from Dubai: $204
  • Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
  • Warner Bro's with Private Transfers from Dubai: $279
  • Ultimate Snow Park Abu Dhabi Package with transfer option: $71
  • Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $31
  • Teams Lab Phenomena Experience in Abu Dhabi with Transfers option: $56
  • Snow Park Abudhabi Premium Tickets with Optional Transfers: $120
  • Snow Abu Dhabi Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $110
  • Ski Abu Dhabi with Optional Transfers: $100
  • Qasr al Watan Tour with Optional Private Transfers: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.12
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.04
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.43
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
  • Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
  • One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
  • Private Transfer Krabi Airport and Ao Nang Area: $16
  • Krabi to Khao Sok Transfer by Air-Conditioned Van: $19
  • Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $19
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $19
  • Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $19
  • Krabi to Khao Lak Transfer by AC Van: $20
  • Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $20
  • Krabi to Koh Phi Phi By Ferry Include Pickup Transfer: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Krabi?

Prices for flights to both Krabi and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Abu Dhabi $78
    Krabi $24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.

  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari with Red Dunes 4x4 Pick Drop Dinner Shows: $43
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows & BBQ Buffet Dinner: $50
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Camel Ride and Live Shows: $56
  • Desert Safari In Abu Dhabi With BBQ Dinner: $58
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
  • Lunch Or Dinner at Emirates Palace - Ultimate Luxury Experience: $64
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner: $65
  • Evening Desert Safari Camel Ride Dinner Live Shows in Abu Dhabi: $69
  • Desert Safari, Camel Ride, Live Shows, and BBQ Dinner: $69
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari: BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Shows: $71
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner: $71
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and Shows: $73

Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.60
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.30
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $34
  • Mango Shake
    $1.52
  • Pad Thai
    $3.04
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.82
  • Pancakes
    $3.04
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $32
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $36
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $40
  • Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $40
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40
  • Krabi Best of 7 islands Adventure Tour with Beachside BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour By Long Tail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $43
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $44
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $45
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Krabi $11

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:

  • 1 Day 2 Yas Island Park Tickets Combo: $149
  • 2 Days 2 Park- Ferrari World +Yas Waterworld Or Warner Bros World Combo Tickets: $155
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch: $103
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $34
  • Abu Dhabi ,Private Layover Tour -6 hours: $299
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Walking Tour with A guide (Private Tour): $47
  • Abu Dhabi City Essentials Half day tour from Abu Dhabi: $44
  • Abu Dhabi City Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi: $157
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour by Helicopter: $278
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour from Abu Dhabi: $100

Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $24
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $18
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $13
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.60
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $58

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.03
  • 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi: $21
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Tickets Krabi: $22
  • Popular 4 Islands Tour By Classic Longtail Boat From Krabi: $22
  • Jurassic World Filming Tour Kayak and ATV Adventure in Krabi: $23
  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $25
  • Kayaking Tour at Klong Root (Crystal Lake), Krabi: $26
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $26
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $27
  • Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure From Krabi: $27
  • Krabi Jungle Escape Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Krabi $4.84

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.74
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Krabi Pub Crawl: $16
  • Railay Pub Crawl: $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Krabi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Krabi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Krabi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krabi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Krabi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Krabi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Krabi?

Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Krabi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi in the Summer?

Both Krabi and Abu Dhabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.

August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Krabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Abu Dhabi 35°C (95°F) 
    Krabi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Krabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Krabi during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Krabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Abu Dhabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Krabi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Krabi. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Abu Dhabi is generally much colder than Krabi. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Abu Dhabi 18°C (64°F) 
    Krabi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Krabi in the Spring?

Both Krabi and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Krabi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Krabi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Krabi during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Krabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Krabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Abu Dhabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Krabi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Krabi and Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Krabi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)