A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Krabi and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur. Although Krabi and Kuala Lumpur are both popular with visitors, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Krabi different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

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

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Krabi has a few resort options worth checking out. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Krabi is a good spot to see the beach. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi 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.

Is Krabi or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Kuala Lumpur.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly town. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Krabi or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Is Krabi or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Krabi is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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 Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur 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.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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 Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Krabi or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

In Krabi, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this local town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Krabi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the stunning destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

Krabi is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Kuala Lumpur. 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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Kuala Lumpur?

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

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

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

The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Krabi during the autumn 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Kuala Lumpur 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 October than Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Krabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Krabi or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Krabi is the dry season. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Krabi or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Kuala Lumpur. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the spring, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Krabi