Which place is cheaper, Koh Samui or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 Koh Samui can help you decide which place is right for you.
Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Koh Samui is a rainforest-covered, lush, and laid back resort island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Koh Samui than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Koh Samui is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is more popular for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Samui is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its ornate temples, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Also, Koh Samui is famous for The Big Buddha Temple. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Samui and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Krabi is a great town for its historical sights. However, Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.
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.
Koh Samui does not have museums and landmarks.
Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui. Food on the island is fresh and delicious. You'll find fine dining restaurants as well as hole in the wall dives where you can enjoy local flavors. There are also international restaurants if you need a break from the curries. Beachfront restaurants offer a beautiful setting and sunset dinner cruises are a not to be missed experience. Authentically local dishes usually include some form of coconut but there are also other common Thai dishes available almost anywhere like curries or Pad Thai.
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.
Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.
Koh Samui has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. All night beach parties, cheap bars, and lively dance clubs all give this island its party atmosphere. Young travelers from around the globe head here to enjoy music, cheap drinks, and world class fun. For the most active nightlife, head to Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach or Bophut Beach.
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.
Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.
If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Koh Samui is a perfect choice. The island is filled with countless resorts, hotels, and private villas that you can rent. You can choose from beachfront properties or resorts that are located in the hills, which offer beautiful views. The resorts often have pools and range from five star all the way down to budget-friendly.
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.
Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui. It's easy to arrange snorkeling or scuba diving trips through hotels or travel companies, but it's also possible to snorkel right off the shore in places like Chaweng Beach. Due to the island's popularity, the coral isn't always the healthiest, but the water is clear and you'll likely see some interesting sea life just off the shore.
Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Koh Samui is an amazing resort island to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.
With world-famous beaches, Koh Samui is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches are lined with coconut trees and look out on crystal blue waters, making this a perfect tropical destination. There are lively activity-filled beaches as well as quiet retreats where you can enjoy a peaceful setting away from the crowds.
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.
Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui. Hikes will take you inland through the beautiful rainforest. There are hidden waterfalls as well as Buddha gardens and ridge trails with breathtaking views. Hikes range from easy to challenging, so make sure you understand the skill level required before you set out.
Krabi is not a hiking destination.
Krabi is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Koh Samui is not as popular, but is still a nice resort island for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Krabi. 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.
Koh Samui is a great destination for shopping. The resort areas have the most interesting shops and you'll find the most options around Chaweng. There are boutique shops as well as some malls. You can sometimes negotiate prices down in independently run stores, but some places advertise fixed prices.
You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Koh Samui.
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.
Koh Samui is a very kid-friendly town. The island is one of the slightly calmer, family-friendly options in Thailand. It has a number of activities that all ages can enjoy including water parks, water sports, and temples to explore. Snorkeling is also fun and there's an aquarium and zoo that you can check out.
Both Krabi and Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dinner cruises, beachfront restaurants, and beautiful sunsets all make this island a romantic destination for couples. There are also spas, resorts, and fine dining restaurants that you can enjoy.
Koh Samui is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Koh Samui is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The island feels a bit more like a holiday destination than a backpacker destination, but it still has a lively nightlife and affordable accommodation around Lamai Beach. It's also a nice place to go for yoga or Muay Thai classes.
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.
Koh Samui is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.
Koh Samui has some public transit options. Songthaew, the Thai version of a bus, and taxis or motorbikes are the best ways to get around the island.
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).
Krabi is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Samui is not known for its walkability.
Krabi is a somewhat walkable town. There's a walking street and a few parts of town that are relatively walkable.
Koh Samui is generally not very walkable. The roads have a good amount of traffic and generally aren't designed for walking.
For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Koh Samui Worth Visiting?.
Both Krabi and Koh Samui have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Samui than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Samui.
Families should spend more time in Koh Samui than Krabi. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Samui, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Koh Samui than Krabi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Samui that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui.
You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Krabi. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this lush destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort island 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.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Krabi. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Samui. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local town of Krabi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Koh Samui is a fun place to experience. In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.
Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
In Koh Samui, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful 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. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $56, while the average daily cost in Koh Samui is $56. 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 Koh Samui in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Koh Samui? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Koh Samui:
Also for Koh Samui, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Koh Samui 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.
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Samui:
For Koh Samui, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Samui.
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Koh Samui, we can see that Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui Expensive?.
Koh Samui has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Koh Samui, 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.
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Koh Samui. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Koh Samui attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Koh Samui receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Koh Samui. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Koh Samui. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samui throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. Also, December to February in Koh Samui is the dry season. October to December in Koh Samui is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Samui. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Koh Samui. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Krabi is a little warmer than Koh Samui in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Both Koh Samui and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samui because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The dry season in Koh Samui is December to February. In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Koh Samui. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Krabi is a little warmer than Koh Samui. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Samui averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Both Koh Samui and Krabi during the spring 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 Koh Samui year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Koh Samui. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Samui receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Koh Samui. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Samui fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
Krabi | Koh Samui | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |