A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Fiordland National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

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 Fiordland National Park 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Krabi travel costs.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. Fiordland National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Fiordland National Park travel costs.

Krabi and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Milford Track
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Krabi. Although Krabi and Fiordland National Park are both popular with visitors, Krabi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Krabi is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Fiordland National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Fiordland National Park is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. It is also home to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea).

How is Krabi different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Krabi or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is very good for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is a very popular place for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park More Beautiful?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Fiordland National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It has striking mountains, dramatic fjords, and pristine beech forests.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Fiordland National Park is one of the most popular family destinations. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Fiordland National Park has plenty to offer. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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.


Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Fiordland National Park. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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 limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Krabi or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Krabi
Fiordland National Park

Krabi is very good for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.


For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Fiordland National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

Krabi and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Krabi because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Fiordland National Park 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 Krabi.


  • How many days in Krabi or Fiordland National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Fiordland National Park 3-6

One day in Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the stunning town of Krabi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Fiordland National Park, many people enjoy the that this iconic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This national park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park?

Krabi is a great place to explore. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park is a fun place to experience. In Fiordland National Park, many people enjoy the that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the stunning destination of Fiordland National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park is $113. 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 Fiordland National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Fiordland National Park $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Fiordland National Park $96
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Fiordland National Park

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Fiordland National Park? 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 Fiordland National Park


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
    Fiordland National Park $41
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:

  • Van Phuket Airport Transfer to Patong Beach Area (SHA Plus): $43
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $39
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $42
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $48
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAITHON BEACH: $30
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $45
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $27
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $109
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Fiordland National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fiordland National Park 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
    Fiordland National Park $39
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
    Fiordland National Park $20
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:

  • ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
  • Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $70
  • 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
  • 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $277
  • 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $48
  • 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $34
  • 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $53
  • 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $35
  • 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi: $33
  • 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $32
  • 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $33

Tours and Activities in Fiordland National Park

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

  • Milford Sound: Premium Small Group Cruise with Canape Lunch: $404
  • Te Anau: River Jet Boat and Bike Ride Tour with Local Guide: $139

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Fiordland National Park $8.03
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 Fiordland National Park, we can see that Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park Expensive?.