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

Should you visit Krabi or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums. See Koyasan travel costs.

Krabi and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Koyasan?

Both Koyasan and Krabi have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Krabi is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Koyasan attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Koyasan is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. 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 Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Krabi or Koyasan.

Many visitors head to Krabi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Koyasan can be an interesting and educational experience. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Koyasan can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Koyasan. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Krabi is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Koyasan is not a beach destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Krabi does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is very good for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Koyasan. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Koyasan?

Krabi is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Krabi or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Koyasan is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a gorgeous place to visit. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Families?

Krabi is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Koyasan offers lots of family activities. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Koyasan are high quality 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 Koyasan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Koyasan are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Krabi is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Krabi or Koyasan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Koyasan has some public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

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 Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan 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.

Koyasan is very walkable. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

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 Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Krabi or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Krabi than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koyasan 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 Koyasan.

One day in Krabi or Koyasan?

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.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Krabi or Koyasan?

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 Koyasan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a fun place to experience. Koyasan is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Koyasan?

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.

Koyasan is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Krabi or Koyasan?

Koyasan 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 Koyasan in the Summer?

Both Koyasan 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Koyasan for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Koyasan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koyasan averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the summer, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 183 hours of full sun.

Koyasan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Koyasan. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Koyasan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Koyasan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Koyasan because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Koyasan. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Koyasan fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Koyasan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Koyasan. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Koyasan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Koyasan. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Koyasan this time of year.

Krabi is much warmer than Koyasan in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koyasan fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Koyasan. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koyasan receives 140 hours of full sun.

Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Koyasan. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season.

Should I visit Krabi or Koyasan in the Spring?

Both Koyasan and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Koyasan for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Koyasan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koyasan averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Koyasan during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Koyasan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koyasan. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Koyasan. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koyasan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Koyasan and Krabi