A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Dunedin for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Krabi or Dunedin?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Krabi and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Krabi or Dunedin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dunedin than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dunedin is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Krabi is more popular for its resorts and small town charm. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Dunedin is well known for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. Also, Dunedin is famous for .


How is Krabi different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi
Dunedin

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Krabi or Dunedin.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dunedin can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.


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

Krabi
Dunedin

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Dunedin can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Dunedin

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

Dunedin has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

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 Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Dunedin

Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.


Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Dunedin

Dunedin is very good for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

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 Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Krabi
Dunedin

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Dunedin?

Krabi
Dunedin

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

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.

Dunedin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.


Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Families?

Krabi
Dunedin

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Dunedin.

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.

Dunedin is a very kid-friendly town. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Krabi
Dunedin

Krabi is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Dunedin

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

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

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 Dunedin Better for Students?

Krabi
Dunedin

Dunedin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Dunedin is very popular with students. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Krabi is not popular with students.

Is Krabi or Dunedin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Krabi
Dunedin

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

Dunedin has some public transit options. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

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 Dunedin a more walkable city?

Krabi
Dunedin

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is very walkable. Parts of the town are 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 Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Krabi and Dunedin. In our opinion, Dunedin has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Dunedin than Krabi. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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


  • How many days in Krabi or Dunedin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Dunedin 1-3

One day in Krabi or Dunedin?

In Krabi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Dunedin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this small destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Krabi or Dunedin?

In Krabi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Krabi has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Dunedin?

Krabi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Dunedin is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Dunedin. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Krabi or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Dunedin. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Dunedin or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Dunedin is $102. 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 Dunedin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $36
    Dunedin $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $72
    Dunedin $104
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Dunedin

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Dunedin? 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 Dunedin


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 and Dunedin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $3.80
    Dunedin $27
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $2.73
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.18
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $5.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $33
  • Airport transfer: $21
  • Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $80
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $87
  • From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $101
  • From Koh Lanta: Speedboat Transfer to/From Koh Lipe: $58
  • From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $130
  • From Speedboat Transfer to Ko Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi: $31
  • From Phuket :One Way Private Transfer Khaolak,Krabi and More: $69
  • Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $52
  • KRABI:Private Car Transfer Krabi Airport - Aonang, Krabi Town: $27
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dunedin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dunedin:

  • Private Transfer from Chalmers Port to Dunedin Airport (DUD): $44
  • Private Transfer from Chalmers Cruise Port to Dunedin City Hotels: $44
  • ONE WAY MOMONA: Transfer from /to Dunedin Airport: $125
  • Momona Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Momona: $90
  • Dunedin Int Airport(DUD) to Dunedin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Dunedin?

Prices for flights to both Dunedin 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 $13
    Dunedin $29
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.82
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $6.55
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $17
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $30
  • Mango Shake
    $1.36
  • Pad Thai
    $2.73
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.64
  • Pancakes
    $2.73
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
  • Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
  • Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
  • 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
  • Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
  • Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $41
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $42
  • Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $42
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
  • Cooking Class at Thai Charm Cooking School with Meal: $45

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $10
    Dunedin $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $9.00
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $22
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $16
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $12
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $6.82
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $52

Tours and Activities in Krabi

For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $22
  • Ao Nang, Group Boat Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch: $24
  • 4 Islands Separated Sea - The Unseen of Thailand Tour: $24
  • Krabi 4 island tour: $26
  • Half Day Tour Mangrove Tour Kayaking Tour With Lunch: $27
  • 4 Islands & Thale Waek's Sandbar Tour By Speedboat: $27
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
  • The Krabi 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat: $28
  • 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
  • Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $30

Tours and Activities in Dunedin

Here are a few actual costs in Dunedin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Shore Excursion: V8 Trike, Peninsula and City Tour: $48
  • A 2 hour Small Group Dunedin City Highlights Tour: $57
  • Albatross, Wildlife and Harbour Cruise: $97
  • All in Dunedin - Nature & City Tour: $520
  • Brews and Views: Private Tour of Dunedin’s Craft Beer Scene: $1,035
  • Captivating Side of Dunedin Walking Tour for Couples: $273
  • Castle, Coast & City Small Group Tour (8 pax max): $120
  • Clearwater Wildlife - Small Guided Tours (10 max) Otago Peninsula: $106
  • Cruise Dunedin City and Castle Tour: $112
  • Dunedin Adventure: Family Heritage & Nature Walk: $174
  • Dunedin Adventure: Family Heritage & Nature Walk: $339
  • Dunedin City & Coast Views 3-Hour Small-Group Tour: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.34
    Dunedin $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.45
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $8.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Railay Pub Crawl: $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Dunedin

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dunedin:

  • Speight Brewery Small Group Guided Tour from Dunedin: $21
  • Emerson's Brewery Tour: $24


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


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Dunedin, 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.