A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Benxi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Benxi?

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

Where Should I go: Krabi or Benxi?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Benxi 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 Benxi is $118. 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 Benxi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Benxi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Benxi

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Benxi? 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 Benxi


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Benxi $32
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:

  • Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Ao Nang : $12
  • Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang: $12
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
  • Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
  • Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $15
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
  • One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Benxi?

Prices for flights to both Benxi 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
    Benxi $53
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
    Benxi $7.41
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:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
  • Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
  • Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
  • ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
  • Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
  • Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
  • Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
  • ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
  • Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Benxi $7.81
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 Benxi, we can see that Benxi 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 Benxi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Benxi 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 Benxi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Benxi?

Benxi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Benxi, 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 Benxi?

Benxi 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 Benxi in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Benxi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Benxi averages at about 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Benxi. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Benxi. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Benxi 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Benxi in the Autumn?

Both Benxi and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Benxi. Krabi usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Benxi. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi 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.

The weather in Benxi can be very cold. Krabi is much warmer than Benxi in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Benxi fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Benxi. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun.

Krabi usually gets more rain in January than Benxi. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Benxi -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Benxi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Benxi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Benxi averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Benxi. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Benxi and Krabi

Krabi Benxi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)