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

Should you visit Krabi or Bali?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a local, vibrant, and colorful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bali

Bali is a tropical, lush, and frequented island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Krabi and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Bali?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bali. Although Krabi and Bali are popular destinations, Bali has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bali is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Bali is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also well known for Pura Lempuyang. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Krabi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Krabi or Bali Better for Nightlife?

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

Bali has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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 Krabi or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is an amazing island 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, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

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 Krabi or Bali Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali is not to be missed. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Bali Better for Beaches?

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

With world-famous beaches, Bali is a very popular vacation destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

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 Krabi or Bali Better for Hiking?

Bali 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 Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Bali?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Krabi and Bali.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Is Krabi or Bali Better for Families?

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

Krabi is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Bali is a very kid-friendly town. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Is Krabi or Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is an amazing island 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, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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 Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Krabi or Bali Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

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 Bali a more walkable city?

Krabi is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable town. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Bali?

Both Krabi and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Krabi or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bali, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this frequented destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Krabi or Bali?

Krabi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Five days in Krabi or Bali?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Krabi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bali is a fun place to experience. In Bali, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

A week in Krabi or Bali?

The stunning town of Krabi offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

In Bali, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. 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.

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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Bali, 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 Bali?

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 Krabi or Bali in the Summer?

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

August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Bali. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Bali in the Autumn?

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

The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. The rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Bali. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Bali. Krabi usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Bali in the Winter?

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

December to March is the dry season in Krabi. October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Bali. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Bali in the Spring?

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

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Bali. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Krabi is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Krabi