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

Should you visit Krabi or Nara?

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 Nara can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a local, vibrant, and colorful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Krabi travel costs.

Nara

Nara is a tranquil, natural, and historic city. Nara is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nara travel costs.

Krabi and Nara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Nara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nara. Although Krabi and Nara are popular destinations, Nara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nara is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Nara is famous for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. It is also well known for Nara Park.

How is Krabi different from Nara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Krabi or Nara.

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 Nara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Nara 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 Nara. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Nightlife?

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

Nara has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

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 Nara Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a moderate town for the beach. However, Nara 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for its Old Town?

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

Nara is a good destination for visiting its old town. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Nara?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Krabi and Nara.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Nara is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

Is Krabi or Nara More Beautiful?

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

Nara is a gorgeous place to visit. The city is filled with green space, parks, and natural areas. You'll find deer roaming freely and tranquil lawns where you can relax.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Nara.

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.

Nara is a very kid-friendly town. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Couples?

Both Krabi and Nara are great 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 Nara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

Is Krabi or Nara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Nara 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 Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nara. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

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 Nara a more walkable city?

Nara 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.

Nara is very walkable. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring 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 Nara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nara or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Nara?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Krabi or Nara to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Krabi than Nara 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 Nara.

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

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

One day in Krabi or Nara?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nara, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this natural 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 Nara?

Krabi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Krabi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nara. 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 Nara?

The vibrant town of Krabi offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the traditional destination of Nara. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Nara?

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

Nara 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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Nara. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In October, Krabi is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Nara. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.

Should I visit Krabi or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Krabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Krabi is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Nara in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Nara. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nara and Krabi