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

Should you visit Krabi or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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. See Krabi travel costs.

Nagano

Nagano is a scenic, historic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nagano travel costs.

Krabi and Nagano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Nagano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagano. Although Krabi and Nagano are popular destinations, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Nagano is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is also well known for Zenko-ji Temple. 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 Nagano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Skiing?

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

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Nagano?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Krabi or Nagano.

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 Nagano can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

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

Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano Better for Nightlife?

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

Nagano has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

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 Nagano Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

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 Nagano Better for Beaches?

Krabi is adequate for the beach. However, Nagano 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.

Nagano is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is very good for its historic old town. However, Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Nagano is a good destination for visiting its old town. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Hiking?

Nagano 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 Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Nagano?

Krabi is a great town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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 Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Krabi or Nagano More Beautiful?

Nagano is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nagano is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Nagano.

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.

Nagano is a very kid-friendly town. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Couples?

Krabi is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Krabi is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Nagano is a good town for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Nagano 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 Nagano. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Is Krabi or Nagano Better for Students?

Nagano is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Nagano. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Krabi is not popular with students.

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

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

Nagano has some public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

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 Nagano a more walkable city?

Krabi and Nagano are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagano or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Nagano?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Krabi and Nagano. In our opinion, Nagano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nagano than Krabi. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-3 days is enough time in Nagano.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Nagano?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Krabi. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Nagano?

Krabi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Nagano?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Krabi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and skiing around the scenic destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Nagano?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Nagano 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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Nagano. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Krabi is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nagano 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 Nagano. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Nagano. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Nagano. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Nagano in the Winter?

Both Nagano and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nagano can be very cold. Krabi is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Nagano. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Krabi is December to March.

Should I visit Krabi or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano 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. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Nagano. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Krabi