A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Khao Lak for Beaches, Couples, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Krabi or Khao Lak?

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 Khao Lak 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a relaxed, friendly, and idyllic area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Krabi and Khao Lak: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Khao Lak?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Khao Lak. Although Krabi and Khao Lak are both popular with visitors, Khao Lak has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Khao Lak is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Khao Lak is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. It is also home to Khao Sok National Park. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Khao Lak?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Khao Lak can be difficult as they are each good 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 Khao Lak. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Is Krabi or Khao Lak Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Khao Lak.

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.

Khao Lak has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Is Krabi or Khao Lak Better for Resorts?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Khao Lak. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

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 Khao Lak Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Khao Lak Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is an amazing area to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Khao Lak is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

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 the Shopping Better in Krabi or Khao Lak?

Krabi is a great destination for shopping. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Krabi is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 is a popular activity when visiting Khao Lak. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Is Krabi or Khao Lak Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Khao Lak.

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.

Khao Lak is a very kid-friendly town. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

Is Krabi or Khao Lak Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is an amazing area 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, Khao Lak has plenty to offer. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

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 Khao Lak Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Khao Lak is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

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

Khao Lak is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Khao Lak has some public transit options. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

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 Khao Lak a more walkable city?

Krabi is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable town. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Khao Lak or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Khao Lak?

Both Krabi and Khao Lak have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 5-7 days is enough time in Khao Lak.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak.

One day in Krabi or Khao Lak?

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 Khao Lak, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This area 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 Khao Lak?

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 Khao Lak. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Khao Lak?

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.

Khao Lak is a fun place to experience. In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Khao Lak?

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.

In Khao Lak, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this friendly 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Khao Lak?

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Krabi or Khao Lak in the Summer?

Both Khao Lak 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.

August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Khao Lak. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the summer, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 206 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Khao Lak in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Khao Lak. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Krabi usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Krabi is around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Khao Lak averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Khao Lak in the Winter?

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

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Khao Lak. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the winter, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Khao Lak receives 287 hours of full sun.

In January, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Khao Lak. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Khao Lak fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Khao Lak in the Spring?

Both Khao Lak and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Khao Lak. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Khao Lak receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Khao Lak during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Khao Lak receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Khao Lak in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Khao Lak fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Typical Weather for Khao Lak and Krabi