A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Chiang Mai for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Krabi or Chiang Mai?

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 Chiang Mai 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a welcoming, natural, and temple-filled city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Krabi and Chiang Mai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Chiang Mai?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chiang Mai. Although Krabi and Chiang Mai are both popular with visitors, Chiang Mai has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chiang Mai is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Chiang Mai is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its lively night market, historical temples, local cuisine, and cultural rainforest treks. It is also home to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Chiang Mai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Chiang Mai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many beautiful temples in the area. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a mountain-top temple that is an iconic landmark in the city. Other famous sights include Doi Inthanon and Wat Chedi Luang.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

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

Chiang Mai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. For many, this city offers some of the best food in all of Thailand. The cuisine is influenced by nearby Burma and China, with ginger and turmeric often used. Curries tend to be a bit milder and dishes are often served with sticky rice. Famous dishes around town include Khao Soi, Larb Kua, and Sai Oua. Cooking classes are also very popular around town and the courses often include a trip to a market.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Nightlife?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Chiang Mai has a large number of nightlife venues. It is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it has the most active nightlife scene in the area. Whatever your style, you can find something to do at night here. Many people head to the riverside to drink and listen to music. You'll also find clubs concentrated around Nimmanhaemin Road and Loy Kroh Road. There's also the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is packed with stalls and people sampling food and drinks.

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 Chiang Mai Better for Resorts?

Krabi is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Krabi has a few resort options worth checking out. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Chiang Mai is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for Beaches?

Krabi is adequate for its beaches. However, Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Krabi is a good spot to see the beach. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Chiang Mai is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Mai is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Krabi does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chiang Mai. The old city is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and it has four gates, one on each side. The most famous area is Sunday Walking Street, which comes to life at 4pm every day when it is lined with stalls and filled with people.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for Hiking?

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

Many people visit Chiang Mai specifically for its hiking. Many people use this city as a base for a trekking excursion into the surrounding countryside. The land is lush and beautiful and many treks also expose you to the welcoming Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand. Treks can be organized at almost any hotel or hostel as well the many tour agencies around town.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Chiang Mai. The city is famous for its night markets, which run every night of the year until around midnight. You'll find the streets packed with people and vendors, rain or shine. This is a great place to search for local handicrafts and try some of the city's famous street food. Popular items to buy include rice boxes, silk, and Thai sky lanterns.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Chiang Mai.

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.

Chiang Mai is a very kid-friendly town. This city is very friendly and welcoming to kids. There are many cultural and adventurous activities that the whole family can enjoy. One of the most popular kid-friendly places to visit is the Elephant Sanctuary, where kids can get up close and personal with these beautiful animals. Kids will also enjoy heading into the countryside to trek or visit one of Thailand’s Hilltribes. The cultural experience and opportunity to meet a diversity of kids will be an experience your children will never forget. In town, a cooking class is a popular option for budding foodies.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Chiang Mai are high quality 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 Chiang Mai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Trekking, rafting, temples, and some of the best food in Thailand all make this city a popular destination for a couple's getaway. The region is perfect for adventurous couples who want to experience more of the authentic side of Thailand.

Is Krabi or Chiang Mai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai. This is one of the biggest backpacker mecca's in Southeast Asia, and you'll find the city flooded with budget travelers out to experience it all. There are countless hostels and budget hotels available and most will organize treks and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and many visitors end up staying longer than they planned. Prices in Northern Thailand are also much more affordable than many other areas.

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

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

Chiang Mai has some public transit options. Transportation options include red songthaew (converted pick-up trucks), buses, and tuk-tuks.

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 Chiang Mai a more walkable city?

Krabi and Chiang Mai are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Chiang Mai is a somewhat walkable place. Although there are a few walking streets, the city can get very crowded and many places are easier to access with a tuk tuk or taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Chiang Mai or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Chiang Mai?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.

One day in Krabi or Chiang Mai?

With museums and nightlife around the stunning town of Krabi, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Chiang Mai?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Krabi, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Krabi, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Chiang Mai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Chiang Mai?

Krabi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Chiang Mai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Chiang Mai, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi than you might in Chiang Mai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Chiang Mai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Chiang Mai?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Krabi or Chiang Mai in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Chiang Mai during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 146 hours of full sun in the summer.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the summer. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Chiang Mai in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. Also, November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 226 hours of full sun.

In the autumn, Krabi is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Chiang Mai averages at about 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Chiang Mai in the Winter?

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

The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The dry season in Chiang Mai is November to February. In January, Krabi usually receives more rain than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chiang Mai during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Chiang Mai receives 283 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Chiang Mai. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Chiang Mai in the Spring?

Both Chiang Mai and Krabi during the spring 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 Chiang Mai year-round.

June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Chiang Mai receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Chiang Mai. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chiang Mai receives 275 hours of full sun.

The heat can be very extreme in Chiang Mai. Krabi is around the same temperature as Chiang Mai in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Chiang Mai fluctuates around 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Chiang Mai and Krabi