A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Krabi or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Krabi travel costs.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a high energy, fun-filled, and glamourous coastline. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Gold Coast travel costs.

Krabi and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Gold Coast?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gold Coast than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gold Coast is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Krabi is more popular for its small town charm. Gold Coast is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. 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 Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Gold Coast can be an interesting and educational experience. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

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 Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

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

Gold Coast has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is an amazing coastline to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Gold Coast is a perfect choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

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 Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is an amazing coastline to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Gold Coast is a very popular vacation destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Gold Coast?

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

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.

Gold Coast is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Krabi or Gold Coast Better for Families?

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

Gold Coast is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is an amazing coastline 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, Gold Coast has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

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 Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Krabi and Gold Coast are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Gold Coast is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Gold Coast?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Krabi or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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 Gold Coast, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this high energy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastline 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 Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast?

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.

Gold Coast is a fun place to experience. In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Gold Coast?

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.

In Gold Coast, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this glamourous destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin January. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Gold Coast. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

Krabi is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Krabi is much warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Krabi is December to March.

Should I visit Krabi or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast 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. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Gold Coastin October. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin October. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast 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 April than Gold Coastin October. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Krabi