A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Aoraki Mount Cook for Couples, Families, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

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 Krabi and Aoraki Mount Cook can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook is a world renowned, scenic, and dramatic mountain. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Krabi and Aoraki Mount Cook: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Krabi than Aoraki Mount Cook, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Krabi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Aoraki Mount Cook is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Aoraki Mount Cook is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its glaciers, alpine setting, and being the highest mountain in New Zealand. Krabi is well 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).

How is Krabi different from Aoraki Mount Cook?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Krabi is great for its historical sights. However, Aoraki Mount Cook does not have 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Krabi is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few cafes and restaurants in the village, but if you're doing any hiking you should pack your own food.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Nightlife?

Krabi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Krabi has a few options to choose from. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Resorts?

Krabi is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Beaches?

Krabi is adequate for the beach. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

The beach in Krabi is worth checking out. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Hiking?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Aoraki Mount Cook specifically for its hiking. There are beginner trails as well as world class routes that bring out expert climbers. As the highest peak in New Zealand, many people come here for the challenge, but if you're looking for a most simple experience, the hiking opportunities are still abundant.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Krabi is great for its shopping areas. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Families?

Krabi is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Aoraki Mount Cook is not as popular, but is still a nice mountain 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.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of short walks that are perfect for little legs. Kids will also enjoy the boat rides on the lakes and the area's superb stargazing.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Couples?

Aoraki Mount Cook is an amazing mountain to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Aoraki Mount Cook has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the stunning glaciers, beautiful walks, and iconic views. Many couples take helicopter rides to fully experience the area. Stargazing and hiking is also high on the list of must-do romantic activities.

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 Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Aoraki Mount Cook are both notable destinations 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aoraki Mount Cook. While many activities in the area are expensive, the hiking is world class and there are a few hostels and camping opportunities nearby.

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

Krabi is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly 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).

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Aoraki Mount Cook. Having a car is essential unless you take a private tour that provides transportation.

Is Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook a more walkable city?

Krabi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Aoraki Mount Cook is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Aoraki Mount Cook is generally not very walkable. While there are many trails through the region, you really must have a car to access the trail heads and efficiently get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Aoraki Mount Cook Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aoraki Mount Cook due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aoraki Mount Cook.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Aoraki Mount Cook 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 Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Krabi, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Aoraki Mount Cook, many people enjoy the that this dramatic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This mountain 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 Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant town of Krabi, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aoraki Mount Cook. 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.

Five days in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local destination of Krabi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Aoraki Mount Cook is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Aoraki Mount Cook?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find around the breathtaking destination of Aoraki Mount Cook. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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