A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Krabi or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include skiing and hiking.

Krabi and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Krabi than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Krabi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Also, Krabi is famous for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Krabi different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Milford Sound?

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Krabi is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Krabi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Krabi is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

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

You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

The beach in Krabi is worth checking out. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an amazing fiord to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Milford Sound?

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Milford Sound.

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.

Milford Sound is a very kid-friendly town. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Milford Sound are both notable 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 Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Krabi and Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Krabi or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Krabi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Milford Sound?

Krabi and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Krabi 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Krabi than Milford Sound. 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.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Milford Sound 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 Krabi.

One day in Krabi or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Krabi. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this world renowned destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Krabi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound is a fun place to experience. In Milford Sound, many people enjoy the skiing that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Krabi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Krabi is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Milford Sound would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Milford Sound?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Milford Sound, 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.