A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Okinawa for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Krabi or Okinawa?

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 Okinawa 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping. See Krabi travel costs.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a lush, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Okinawa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Okinawa travel costs.

Krabi and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Okinawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Okinawa than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Okinawa is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Okinawa is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. Also, Okinawa is famous for the Kerama Islands. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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 Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke 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.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Okinawa. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

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 Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Okinawa is not to be missed. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Okinawa is a very popular vacation destination. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Okinawa?

Krabi is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Krabi or Okinawa More Beautiful?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Okinawa is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Okinawa is one of the most popular family destinations. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Couples?

Okinawa is an amazing archipelago to visit for romance. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Okinawa has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Couples visit Krabi frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Krabi or Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi and Okinawa 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 Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

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

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

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 Okinawa a more walkable city?

Krabi is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

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

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable town. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Okinawa?

Both Krabi and Okinawa have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-7 days is enough time in Okinawa.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Okinawa?

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.

In Okinawa, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this tropical destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This archipelago 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 Okinawa?

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 Okinawa. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Krabi or Okinawa?

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.

Okinawa is a fun place to experience. In Okinawa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Okinawa?

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.

In Okinawa, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this idyllic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Okinawa?

Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Okinawa. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Okinawa. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 258 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Okinawa. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Okinawa in the Autumn?

Both Okinawa 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 autumn months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Okinawa fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Okinawa during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 174 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Okinawa. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 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 Okinawa in the Winter?

Both Okinawa 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.

In the winter, Krabi is much warmer than Okinawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Okinawa averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Okinawa. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Okinawa receives 96 hours of full sun.

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Okinawa. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Okinawa in the Spring?

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

In April, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Okinawa during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Okinawa receives 149 hours of full sun in the spring.

Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Okinawa and Krabi