A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Krabi or Cairns?

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 Cairns 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Krabi travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cairns travel costs.

Krabi and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Cairns?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cairns than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cairns is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Krabi is more popular for its museums and attractions and small town charm. Cairns is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Krabi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Cairns is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Cairns Better for Nightlife?

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

Cairns has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cairns. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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 Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns is not to be missed. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Cairns is a very popular vacation destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cairns specifically for its hiking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Cairns?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Krabi and Cairns.

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.

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Krabi or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is one of the most popular family destinations. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Krabi is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Krabi or Cairns Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Cairns are great destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Krabi or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Cairns a more walkable city?

Krabi is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Cairns?

In either Krabi or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Krabi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this adventure-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city 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 Cairns?

Krabi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. 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 Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a fun place to experience. In Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Krabi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the outdoorsy destination of Cairns. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns 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, the summer months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Krabi or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns 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 Cairnsin April. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 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. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Krabi or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Krabi is a little warmer than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Cairnsin July. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Krabi is the dry season.

Should I visit Krabi or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Cairns. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairns in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Krabi