A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Guilin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Guilin?

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

Where Should I go: Krabi or Guilin?

Krabi

Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies, and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 $71, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $89. 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 Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $40
    Guilin $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $80
    Guilin $74
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Guilin? 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 Guilin


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 Guilin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.18
    Guilin $6.16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.01
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.00
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.40
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.01

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: $36
  • Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $134
  • Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Koh Phi Phi: $28
  • Aonang any hotel to Khao Lak Private transfer: $102
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $95
  • From Khao Sok: Private Transfer to Ao Nang/Koh Lanta/Krabi: $64
  • From Koh Lanta: Speedboat Transfer to/from Ao Nang: $63
  • From Speedboat Transfer to Ko Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi: $33
  • Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $79
  • Full-Day Ao Thalane Kayaking Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $49
  • Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $57

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.95

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! *: $23
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $120
  • Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Private Transfer from/to Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $24
    Guilin $42
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.51
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.21
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Mango Shake
    $1.50
  • Pad Thai
    $3.00
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.80
  • Pancakes
    $3.00
  • Coffee & Cake
    $2.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi

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

  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Snorkeling: $32
  • 7 Islands Sunset & Plankton Swim with BBQ Dinner: $35
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Island Hopping with BBQ Dinner by Big Boat: $35
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $35
  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $36
  • Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $38
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night: $39
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
  • Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi: $39
  • Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $39
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $39
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $40

Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Boat and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $11
    Guilin $30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

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


  • Thai-English Book
    $9.91
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $24
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $18
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $13
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.51
  • Kayak Trip (for Two)
    $57

Tours and Activities in Krabi

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

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $7.78
  • 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat Krabi + Lunch + Pick Up + Drop Off: $20
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi: $21
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Tickets Krabi: $21
  • Popular 4 Islands Tour By Classic Longtail Boat From Krabi: $22
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat: $23
  • 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat & Thai Buffet Lunch: $23
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $23
  • Ao Thalane Mangrove Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $24
  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $24
  • Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
  • Four Islands Group Tour from Krabi with Lunch: $25

Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $18

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • 1 Day Congjiang Ethnic Dong Village Private Tour from Guilin: $219
  • 1 Day Guilin Sanjiang Tour to Dong Villages: $169
  • 1 Day Guilin Tour: Village Visit, Waterfall Viewing, Hiking: $230
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Biking Adventure: $80
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $209
  • 1 Day Li River Tour with Xingping Town & Xianggong Mountain: $209
  • 1 Day Private Cruise Tour at Li River from Guilin with Biking: $198
  • 1 Day Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Village Tour: $202
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $192
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Adventure Balloon Helicopter and Cave Experience: $208
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Hiking along the Yulong river Private Tour: $103

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.79
    Guilin $6.12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

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


  • Beer
    $2.70
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.01

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Krabi Pub Crawl - The Best Nightlife Tour in Ao Nang!: $15
  • Krabi Pub Crawl: $15
  • Railay Pub Crawl: $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Guilin, we can see that Guilin is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Guilin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guilin 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 Guilin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Guilin?

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

Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?

Both Guilin and Krabi during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

Guilin 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 July than Guilin. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Guilin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.

In the autumn, Krabi is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Guilin. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Guilin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Guilin. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Krabi is generally much warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Guilin in the Spring?

Both Guilin and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

Krabi is a little warmer than Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Guilin. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Krabi

Krabi Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)