A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Krabi for Nightlife, Resorts, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Krabi can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Krabi

Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Krabi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Krabi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubai than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubai is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is more popular for its small town charm. Dubai is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Krabi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Krabi and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Krabi?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Krabi and Dubai.

Many visitors head to Dubai specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. In the area you'll find mountain top temples such as Wat Tham Suea and natural spots such as Khao Khanap Nam Cave. In town there's the stunning Wat Kaew Korawaram temple as well.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Krabi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubai is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Dubai. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Krabi. It's not particularly known for its culinary scene, but Krabi Town does have great street food and a lively night market. For some of the best restaurants, head to Chao Fah Road.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Dubai has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Krabi has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Music?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Krabi is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Krabi is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Resorts?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Krabi offers a few options. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Beaches?

Dubai is very good for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

Many people head to Dubai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

You can check out the beach in Krabi. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Krabi?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Dubai. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town's night market is fun to explore. There's also the popular Krabi Town Walking Street (where you'll find the night market) as well as some larger stores and small malls near town.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Krabi.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Krabi is a very family-friendly place to visit. The town makes a great base for island hopping and exploring the province of Krabi. Nearby you'll find Krabi Fun Park, which includes a ropes course. There are also caves nearby to explore and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Couples?

Krabi is a great town for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Krabi is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There's easy access to many beautiful areas with caves, viewpoints, and beaches. Krabi Walking Street also has great restaurants and a lively night market.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Krabi is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a more local vibe, as many backpackers head on to Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You'll find affordable accommodation here though, as well as easy access to some great excursions.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Students?

Dubai is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Krabi is not popular with students.

Is Dubai or Krabi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubai is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Dubai has some public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Public transit is generally limited in Krabi. There's no real public transit so you'll need to get around by rental car, motorbike, or songthaew truck (pickup trucks with seats in back).

Is Dubai or Krabi a more walkable city?

Krabi is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Krabi is a somewhat walkable town. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Krabi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Krabi or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Krabi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dubai and Krabi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than in Krabi. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Krabi.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Krabi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Krabi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubai than Krabi if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Dubai.

One day in Dubai or Krabi?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Krabi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Krabi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Krabi?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Krabi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Krabi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dubai or Krabi?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Krabi, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Krabi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Krabi?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Krabi?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Dubai or Krabi in the Summer?

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

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Krabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Krabi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Krabi in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Krabi. Dubai 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. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Krabi. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Krabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Krabi. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Krabi in the Winter?

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

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. The dry season in Krabi is December to March. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is cooler than Krabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Krabi in the Spring?

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

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Krabi. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dubai is cooler than Krabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Krabi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Krabi and Dubai