A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Chiang Rai for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Krabi or Chiang Rai?

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 Rai 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.

Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a charming, cultural, and beautiful city. Chiang Rai is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Chiang Rai travel costs.

Krabi and Chiang Rai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Chiang Rai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chiang Rai. Although Krabi and Chiang Rai are popular destinations, Chiang Rai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chiang Rai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Chiang Rai is famous for its intricate temples, unique cuisine, and being the gateway to the Golden Triangle. It is also well known for Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple).

How is Krabi different from Chiang Rai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chiang Rai 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 Rai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The Old City is filled with breathtaking temples and cultural sites. Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) is an iconic sight, but you should also visit the Black House, and Wat Rong Seua Ten (the Blue Temple). Wat Tham Pla is the Monkey Temple and has a dramatic effect with its steep staircase. It's a short drive from Chiang Rai, but worth the trip as it's overrun with monkeys.

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 Rai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chiang Rai 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 Rai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The regional cuisine is famous for its unique dishes and flavors. It's slightly less spicy than the southern Thai cuisine and the dishes are rich in flavor. Northern Thai sausage is a must-try dish, as is Khao Soi Curry, and Khao Soi Gai Nong (coconut curry and chicken soup).

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 Rai Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Chiang Rai.

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.

Chiang Rai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The small city has a laid back nightlife scene with a number of bars and cafes along Jetyod Road. You'll find a mix of expats and locals, without the usual backpacker crowds that are common in some cities.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Chiang Rai 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.

Chiang Rai is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

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.

Chiang Rai is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for its Old Town?

Chiang Rai 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 Rai. The Old City is filled with intricate temples and impressive beauty. The area is very walkable and you can easily visit the famed Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Hiking?

Chiang Rai is very good for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Chiang Rai. Head out of town to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall if you want to enjoy some hiking. It makes an easy half day trip.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Chiang Rai?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Krabi and Chiang Rai.

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.

Chiang Rai is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local markets, night markets, and souvenir shops with handcrafted goods all make shopping a fun experience. Head to the Night Bazaar or the Walking Street for some of the best experiences.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai More Beautiful?

Chiang Rai is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chiang Rai is a gorgeous place to visit. Surrounded by the mountains and filled with temples and impressive parks, this city is a beautiful place.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Chiang Rai.

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 Rai is a very kid-friendly town. There are parks and outdoor spaces to explore such as Singha Park and the Garden of Reeds. For a little bit of silly fun, check out Nava Land Water Park and if you want to get out of town a bit, you'll find some great hiking nearby at Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Chiang Rai are excellent 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 Rai frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful temples, impressive gardens, and an authentic Thai experience all make this a romantic and fun destination for couples.

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

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Chiang Rai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of affordable hostels around town. There are also enough backpackers around to keep things fun but not so many that the local vibe is lost.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Krabi and Chiang Rai.

Public transit is mostly 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).

Public transit is generally limited in Chiang Rai. Tuk tuks and taxis are your best bet for getting around town in a vehicle.

Is Krabi or Chiang Rai a more walkable city?

Chiang Rai is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Chiang Rai is very walkable. The old city is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chiang Rai or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Chiang Rai?

It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Chiang Rai. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chiang Rai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Chiang Rai.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Chiang Rai?

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.

In Chiang Rai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. 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 Rai?

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 Rai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Rai?

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 Rai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chiang Rai. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Chiang Rai?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Chiang Rai. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 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 Rai, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Rai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Rai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Rai 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 Rai.

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 Rai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Chiang Rai?

Chiang Rai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Chiang Rai, 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.