A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Atami for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Krabi or Atami?

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 Atami can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Krabi travel costs.

Atami

Atami is a overlooked, nostalgic, and authentic town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Atami travel costs.

Krabi and Atami: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Krabi or Atami?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Krabi. Although Krabi and Atami are popular destinations, Krabi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Krabi is very popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Atami attracts visitors for its beaches. Krabi is more touristy than Atami and is known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. It is also well known for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Atami is famous for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Krabi different from Atami?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atami 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 Atami?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.


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

Krabi
Atami

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Atami can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Atami. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Krabi or Atami Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Atami

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Atami.

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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Krabi or Atami Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Atami is not a resort destination.

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.

Atami is not a resort destination.


Is Krabi or Atami Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Atami

Atami is very good for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

Many people head to Atami to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

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 Krabi or Atami?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Krabi is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Atami to go shopping. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Is Krabi or Atami Better for Families?

Krabi
Atami

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Krabi is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.


Is Krabi or Atami Better for Couples?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Krabi makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Krabi or Atami Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi and Atami are both nice 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 Atami. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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

Krabi
Atami

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

Atami has some public transit options. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

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 Krabi or Atami a more walkable city?

Krabi
Atami

Krabi and Atami are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Atami is a somewhat walkable place. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Atami or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Atami?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Krabi or Atami to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Krabi than Atami because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Atami.

Families should spend more time in Krabi than Atami. 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 Atami. 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.


  • How many days in Krabi or Atami? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Atami 1-2

One day in Krabi or Atami?

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.

In Atami, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Krabi or Atami?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Atami. 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 Krabi or Atami?

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.

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

A week in Krabi or Atami?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the overlooked destination of Atami. 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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Krabi?

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 Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Atami is $108. 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 Krabi and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Atami $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Atami $88
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Atami? 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 Krabi


Hotels in Atami


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: Krabi Hotel Prices and Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Atami $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.14
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.51
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

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

  • Van Phuket Airport Transfer to Patong Beach Area (SHA Plus): $43
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $39
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $42
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $48
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAITHON BEACH: $30
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $45
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $27
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $109
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Krabi 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
    Krabi $25
    Atami $43
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.85
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.54
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $35
  • Mango Shake
    $1.57
  • Pad Thai
    $3.14
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.88
  • Pancakes
    $3.14
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

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

  • Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
  • Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
  • Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
  • Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
  • Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
  • Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Atami $7.96
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)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $19
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $14
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.85
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $60

Tours and Activities in Krabi

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

  • ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
  • Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $70
  • 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
  • 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $277
  • 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $48
  • 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $34
  • 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $53
  • 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $35
  • 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi: $33
  • 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $32
  • 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $33

Tours and Activities in Atami

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

  • 2025 1 Day Winter Sumo Official Provincial Tour at Odawara: $104
  • Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn : $46
  • Hakone customized private one day tour: $173
  • Japanese Traditional Music Experience: $48
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $138
  • Odawara Ramen Crawl Experience: Visit 2 Iconic Shops: $52
  • Odawara to Hakone Scenic Adventure: $172

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Atami $5.65
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

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


  • Beer
    $2.83
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.42


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Atami, we can see that Atami 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 Atami would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Atami 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 Atami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Atami, 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 Krabi or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Krabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Krabi or Atami in the Summer?

Both Atami and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Atami in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Atami. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Atami averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Atami during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Atami. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Krabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Atami. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 130 hours of full sun.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Atami. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Atami in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Atami because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Krabi is much warmer than Atami in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Atami fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Atami during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Atami receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Atami. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Krabi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Atami in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Atami. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Atami averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the spring, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Atami. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atami receives 161 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Atami. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets less rain in April than Atami. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Krabi

Krabi Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)