Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krabi or Harbin?
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 Harbin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Harbin?
Krabi
Thailand is covered in beaches, but if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to Krabi, also known as "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. 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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $55Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $36Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $72Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Harbin? 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 $3.80Harbin $1.49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$2.73
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.18
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Longboat Taxi from Town$5.46
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): $37
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT Transfer to PHUKET TOWN (SHA Plus): $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $33
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL PHUKET MARINA: $28
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RAWAI BEACH: $41
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PHUKET TOWN: $30
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIYANG BEACH: $26
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $23
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Transfer Service to Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Festival: $250
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $13Harbin $14
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)$6.82
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Drinks on the Beach$6.55
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$17
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$30
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Mango Shake$1.36
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Pad Thai$2.73
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Fruit from the Market$1.64
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Pancakes$2.73
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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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Food Tour Including Harbin Beer1900: $157
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $10Harbin $52
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$9.00
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Thai Massages (for Two)$22
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Bikini & Sarong$16
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$12
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$6.82
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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:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Bor Thor Caves and Mangroves : $145
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Planktons from krabi: $77
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $60
- 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel: $102
- 4 Islands & Sunset Tour by Long Tail Boat with Plankton : $71
- 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $54
- 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
- 4 Islands Tour Long Tail Boat (UPDATED JULY 2020 for New Normal): $33
- 5 km Rafting, ATV & Zipline Tour From Krabi: $53
- 7km White Water Rafting Adventure Tour From Krabi: $50
- ATV Adventure Krabi: $37
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Group Tour including Crossing Songhua River by Ropeway and Ice Swimming Show: $290
- Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.34Harbin $7.83
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$2.45
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Cocktails (for Two)$8.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Railay Pub Crawl: $14
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Harbin, 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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.
In the summer, Krabi is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Harbin. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrabi 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Krabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrabi 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.
Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Krabi is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Krabi usually receives more rain than Harbin. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Krabi is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrabi 28°C (82°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Harbin. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrabi 29°C (84°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Krabi
| Krabi | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
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.