A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Krabi vs. Koh Tao for Beaches, Backpackers, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Krabi or Koh Tao?

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 Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a tropical, popular, and laid back island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Krabi and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Koh Tao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Krabi and Koh Tao are popular destinations, Koh Tao has more sights and attractions for tourists. Koh Tao is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and small town charm. Koh Tao is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also well known for Mango Bay Viewpoint. 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 Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is great for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

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 Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Koh Tao has a large number of nightlife venues. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

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.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

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 Koh Tao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Tao is not to be missed. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tao is a very popular vacation destination. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

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 Koh Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Koh Tao?

Krabi is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its shopping areas.

Krabi is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Koh Tao to go shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Krabi is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tao is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Krabi is very family-friendly. 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 Tao is a family-friendly place to visit. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Koh Tao are excellent 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 Tao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Koh Tao. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Krabi and Koh Tao.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Krabi or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Koh Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Tao or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Koh Tao?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Tao.

One day in Krabi or Koh Tao?

In Krabi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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.

A weekend in Krabi or Koh Tao?

In Krabi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Krabi has to offer.

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

Krabi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koh Tao is a fun place to experience. In Koh Tao, 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.

A week in Krabi or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Koh Tao, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this popular 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Koh Tao, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi than you might in Koh Tao.

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 Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Koh Tao?

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

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.

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Tao in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Koh Tao 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 Tao. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In the summer, Krabi is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Tao in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Koh Tao. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.

Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Koh Tao. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

In October, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Tao in the Winter?

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao 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 Tao is February to June. In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

Krabi is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Koh Tao in the Spring?

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.

February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Krabi is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Krabi