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

Thailand is covered in beaches, but if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to Krabi, also known as "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. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Krabi is $55. 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 $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Abu Dhabi $196
    Krabi $72
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 $3.80
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 : $98
  • Warner Bros General Admission with Transfers: $150
  • Visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi From Dubai Included Transfer and Tickets: $235
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi HTL-APT(AUH): $52
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Abu Dhabi APT-HTL(AUH): $56
  • Transfer in private vehicle from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $61
  • Transfer in private minivan from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)- Abu Dhabi City: $67
  • Tickets to Global Village with Private Transfer: $95
  • Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Abu Dhabi City: $133
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
  • Private transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $2.73
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.18
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $5.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

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

  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Don Island: $13
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $13
  • Private Airport Transfers for Krabi & More: $15
  • Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang and Krabi Town: $16
  • Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Aonang & Krabi Town: $16
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $17
  • Krabi Airport: 1-Way Krabi Hotel Private Transfer: $17
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Tiger Cave Temple: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Air port, Krabi: $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Krabi Airport to Krabi Hotel: $19
  • Krabi airport to Aonang any hotel Private transfer: $19

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 $45
    Krabi $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Dubai: Dhow Cruise Marina Multi Cusine Dinner & Tanura Show: $35
  • Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows and BBQ Dinner: $48
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
  • Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
  • Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
  • Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
  • Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
  • Abu Dhabi Desert Safari 4x4, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride: $81
  • Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81

Typical Food Prices in Krabi

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.82
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $6.55
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $17
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $30
  • Mango Shake
    $1.36
  • Pad Thai
    $2.73
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.64
  • Pancakes
    $2.73
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

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

  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
  • Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
  • Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
  • 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
  • Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
  • Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $41
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $42
  • Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
  • Cooking Class at Thai Charm Cooking School with Meal: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Abu Dhabi $39
    Krabi $10

Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi

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

  • Abu Dhabi Full Day City Tour : $100
  • Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
  • Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
  • Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
  • Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
  • Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
  • 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
  • 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
  • 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
  • Abu Dhabi 'Hidden Gems' by City Break - walking tours made fun!: $32
  • Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
  • Abu Dhabi : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide: $43

Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

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


  • Thai-English Book
    $9.00
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $22
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $16
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $12
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $6.82
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $52

Tours and Activities in Krabi

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

  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $22
  • Ao Nang, Group Boat Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch: $24
  • 4 Islands Separated Sea - The Unseen of Thailand Tour: $24
  • Krabi 4 island tour: $26
  • Half Day Tour Mangrove Tour Kayaking Tour With Lunch: $27
  • 4 Islands & Thale Waek's Sandbar Tour By Speedboat: $27
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
  • The Krabi 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat: $28
  • 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Abu Dhabi $13
    Krabi $4.34

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

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


  • Beer
    $2.45
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $8.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Railay Pub Crawl: $14


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)