A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Kaikoura for Families, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Krabi or Kaikoura?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a local, vibrant, and colorful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Krabi travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a biologically diverse, unique, and nature-oriented town. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Krabi and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Kaikoura?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Krabi and Kaikoura are popular destinations, Kaikoura has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kaikoura is very popular for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, shopping, and small town charm. Kaikoura is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also well known for its whale watching trips. 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 Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Krabi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

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

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

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 Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Kaikoura.

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.

Kaikoura has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Krabi or Kaikoura Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Kaikoura 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.

Kaikoura is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

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 Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Kaikoura?

Krabi is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Kaikoura has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Krabi or Kaikoura Better for Families?

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

Kaikoura is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

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 Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Kaikoura are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Krabi makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Kaikoura frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Krabi or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Kaikoura is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Krabi is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town 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 Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Krabi or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Krabi and Kaikoura are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable place. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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

Couples should spend more time in Krabi than Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura.

One day in Krabi or Kaikoura?

The town of Krabi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kaikoura, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this nature-oriented destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town 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 Kaikoura?

Krabi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Krabi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kaikoura is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kaikoura. 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 Kaikoura?

Krabi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the unique destination of Kaikoura. 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, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Kaikoura?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Kaikoura, 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.