Which place is cheaper, Halong Bay or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Krabi or Halong Bay?
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 Halong Bay 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a dramatic, spectacular, and breathtaking bay. Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and museums. See Halong Bay travel costs.
Krabi and Halong Bay: Pros and Cons
Krabi
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Very walkable
- Less attractive beach
Halong Bay
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Krabi or Halong Bay?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Halong Bay. Although Krabi and Halong Bay are popular destinations, Halong Bay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Halong Bay is very popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm. Halong Bay is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. It is also well known for Cat Ba Island. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.
How is Krabi different from Halong Bay?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Krabi. 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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.
Is the Food Better in Krabi or Halong Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Halong Bay can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Halong Bay. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay Better for Nightlife?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is a town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.
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.
The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay Better for Resorts?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Halong Bay 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.
Halong Bay is not a resort destination.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay Better for Beaches?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.
Halong Bay is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.
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 Halong Bay Better for Hiking?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.
Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Halong Bay?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.
Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.
Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay More Beautiful?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is an amazing bay to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Halong Bay is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay Better for Families?
Krabi
Halong Bay
You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Halong Bay.
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.
Halong Bay is a very kid-friendly town. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay Better for Couples?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is an amazing bay 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, Halong Bay has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.
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 Halong Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Halong Bay is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.
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 Halong Bay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is a town with a few options for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
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).
Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.
Is Krabi or Halong Bay a more walkable city?
Krabi
Halong Bay
Krabi is a town with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Krabi is a somewhat walkable place. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.
Halong Bay is not a very walkable town. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.
For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Halong Bay or Krabi?
How long in Krabi or Halong Bay?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Krabi and Halong Bay. In our opinion, Krabi has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Krabi than Halong Bay. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Krabi than Halong Bay. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Halong Bay 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 Halong Bay.
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How many days in Krabi or Halong Bay? Ideal Length of StayKrabi 2-3Halong Bay 2-3
One day in Krabi or Halong Bay?
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 Halong Bay, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This bay 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 Halong Bay?
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 Halong Bay. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Halong Bay?
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.
Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Krabi or Halong Bay?
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 museums and food around the dramatic destination of Halong Bay. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Vietnam, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam.
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Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesHalong Bay Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Halong Bay $66
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Halong Bay is $66. 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 Halong Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Halong Bay $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Halong Bay $54
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Halong Bay
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Halong Bay? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Halong Bay $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
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: $38
- Ao Nang Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfer: $26
- Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
- Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $135
- Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $101
- From Khaolak : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Krabi and More: $87
- Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $83
- Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $60
- KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Krabi Airport-Ao-nang Beach-Krabi Airport: $60
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $33
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
- Krabi Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halong Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Halong Bay:
- Transfer from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh with D-Class Limousine: $20
- Transfer Ha Long to Ha Noi Super Limousine Morning Bus: $33
- Transfer Ha Long and Ninh Binh by Limousine Bus: $18
- Transfer From Halong to Ninh Binh: $25
- Sea Octopus Luxury Day Cruise in Halong With Transfer Roundtrip: $75
- Private Transfer: Cat Bi Airport to/from Ha Long, Tuan Chau: $60
- Private Transfer from Halong Bay Port to Hanoi Airport (HAN): $79
- Private Transfer from Halong Bay Port to Haiphong city hotels: $56
- Private Transfer from Halong Bay Cruise Port to Hanoi hotels: $145
- Private Transfer from Halong Bay Cruise Port to Haiphong Hotels: $63
- Private Transfer From Ha Long Bay To Hanoi: $90
- Premium 2-Day Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Meals & Transfer: $299
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Halong Bay?
Prices for flights to both Halong Bay 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
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Food Meals for one dayKrabi $25Halong Bay $26
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$7.85
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Drinks on the Beach$7.54
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
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Mango Shake$1.57
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Pad Thai$3.14
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Fruit from the Market$1.88
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Pancakes$3.14
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halong Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Halong Bay.
- Cat Ba Paradise Cave Experience with Dinner and Live Music: $41
- Paradise Cave Dinner with Live Music and Tasting in Cat Ba: $42
- Halong's Hidden Gem: Dragon Pearl Cave Tour with Dinner: $47
- Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise - Ambassador: $51
- Best 2D1N Lan Ha Bay Cruise: BBQ dinner, Viet Hai Ancient Village: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Halong Bay $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$10
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Thai Massages (for Two)$25
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Bikini & Sarong$19
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
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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:
- DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
- Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
- Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
- ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
- Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
- Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
- Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
- Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
- 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
- Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28
Tours and Activities in Halong Bay
Here are a few actual costs in Halong Bay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Halong Orchid Cruise: $235
- Alisa Premier Luxury 5-Star Cruise in Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night: $215
- Ha Long Bay Day Tour by 5 Stars Luxury Cruise (07 Hours on Bay): $60
- La Regina Overnight Cruise - Queen of Lan Ha Bay - 2 day/1 night: $199
- Luxury Cruise - Top Tier Ha Long bay 2D1N/3D2N: $185
- 07 Hours Explore Halong Bay with Sea Octopus Cruise: $70
- 1 Day Boat Tour Lan Ha Bay & Viet Hai Ancient Village from Cat Ba: $59
- 1 Day Boat Tour: HaLong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Natural Beach and Full Moon Party: $29
- 1-Day Halong Luxury Cruise,Buffet Meal,Sunset Party,Cave & Island: $53
- 2 Day 1 Night Halong & Lan Ha Bay Luxury Rosy Cruise from Ha Long: $215
- 2 Day Guided Cruise Tour in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi: $201
- 2 Days 1 Night Lan Ha Bay Adventure: $129
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Halong Bay $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.83
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Halong Bay, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Halong Bay Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.