A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Tarutao vs. Krabi for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Krabi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Koh Tarutao and Krabi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Krabi than Koh Tarutao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Krabi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Koh Tarutao is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Krabi is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Also, Krabi is famous for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Koh Tarutao is well known for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Krabi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

Krabi is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Krabi. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Krabi is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Krabi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Nightlife?

Krabi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Krabi. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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 Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

Krabi is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Krabi. 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Families?

Krabi is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Krabi. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Krabi both high quality destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Krabi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Krabi are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Krabi. 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.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Krabi.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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 Koh Tarutao or Krabi a more walkable city?

Krabi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Krabi or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Krabi. In our opinion, Krabi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Krabi than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Koh Tarutao 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 Krabi.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

In Koh Tarutao, many people enjoy the that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the beaches. This island 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant town of Krabi. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Krabi. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

Koh Tarutao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. Lots of people come for the beaches. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The colorful town of Krabi offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Krabi?

You'll find around the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand, and The Best Nightlife Tours in Thailand.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Krabi in the Summer?

Both Krabi and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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 Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Krabi. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Tarutao in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Krabi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Krabi in the Autumn?

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

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in October than Krabi. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Krabi in the Winter?

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

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Krabi. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Krabi in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Krabi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Krabi. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Krabi. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Krabi. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Tarutao in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Krabi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Krabi and Koh Tarutao