Which place is cheaper, Phnom Penh or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Krabi or Phnom Penh?
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 Phnom Penh can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Phnom Penh?
Krabi
Thailand is covered in beaches, but if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to Krabi, also known as "Krabi Town". Pronounced "Grabee," this small, but bustling city is just up the river from the coast, and is the gateway to the beaches in the surrounding Province of Krabi. Krabi Town is full of hotels, agencies and western restaurants, but if you look hard enough, you'll easily see the energy and life of Thailand. While there are no beaches in the town itself, there is plenty of Thai culture to experience.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
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 Cambodia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $55Phnom Penh $41
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Phnom Penh is $41. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Krabi and Phnom Penh in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $36Phnom Penh $12
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $72Phnom Penh $24
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Phnom Penh
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Phnom Penh? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Krabi Hotel Prices and Phnom Penh Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $3.80Phnom Penh $7.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$8.18
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$2.73
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.18
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Longboat Taxi from Town$5.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $33
- Airport transfer: $21
- Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $80
- Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $87
- From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $101
- From Koh Lanta: Speedboat Transfer to/From Koh Lipe: $58
- From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $130
- From Speedboat Transfer to Ko Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi: $31
- From Phuket :One Way Private Transfer Khaolak,Krabi and More: $69
- Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $52
- KRABI:Private Car Transfer Krabi Airport - Aonang, Krabi Town: $27
- Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- Vip Taxi Transfer from Phnom Penh to Preah Sihanouk: $450
- Vip Taxi Private Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $450
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Phnom Penh APT-HTL (PNH): $16
- Transfer Stop Sightseeing Phnom Penh - Siem Reap, English Speaking Driver: $107
- Transfer Private Car Siemreap to Phnom Penh/PHN to Province.: $110
- Private taxi transfer from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville city: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $145
- Private taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Kompot or Kep: $145
- Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $129
- Private taxi transfer Phnom Penh to Pursat or Battambang: $155
- Private intercity transfer ! From Phnom Penh to any cities in Cambodia (One Way): $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Phnom Penh?
Prices for flights to both Phnom Penh and Krabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayKrabi $13Phnom Penh $13
Typical Food Prices in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.82
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Drinks on the Beach$6.55
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$17
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$30
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Mango Shake$1.36
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Pad Thai$2.73
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Fruit from the Market$1.64
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Pancakes$2.73
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Coffee & Cake$2.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $36
- Snorkeling and Sunset Dinner Trip From Krabi: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner and Snorkeling: $37
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner & Plankton: $37
- Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $39
- 4 Islands Sunset Longtail Boat Tour with BBQ Dinner: $41
- Seven Islands Snorkel Cruise with Dinner: $41
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour: $41
- Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $42
- Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $42
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44
- Cooking Class at Thai Charm Cooking School with Meal: $45
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Available: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruises w/Live Music, 5&7pm; Free Pickup Avail: $9.90
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour Drinks & Tuk Tuk included: $36
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive over 10 Local Tastings: $44
- Phnom Penh Morning Market & Food Tour by Tuktuk - Includes All Food & Drinks!: $45
- Half Day - Phnom Penh Food Tour: $45
- Phnom Penh Local Market & Morning Food Tour Include Drinks: $49
- Evening Cambodian Food Tour: $60
- Ultimate PP Food Tour by Tuk Tuk - 20 tastings & drinks included: $69
- Phnom Penh Authentic Food Tour 100% By Local: $69
- Phnom Penh's Ultimate Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $10Phnom Penh $7.65
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Thai-English Book$9.00
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Thai Massages (for Two)$22
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Bikini & Sarong$16
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$12
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$6.82
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$52
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $22
- Ao Nang, Group Boat Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch: $24
- 4 Islands Separated Sea - The Unseen of Thailand Tour: $24
- Krabi 4 island tour: $26
- Half Day Tour Mangrove Tour Kayaking Tour With Lunch: $27
- 4 Islands & Thale Waek's Sandbar Tour By Speedboat: $27
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
- The Krabi 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat: $28
- 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
- 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
- 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat: $29
- Shooting Range Experience in Krabi: $30
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half Day tour Genocide Museum and Killing Field : $130
- Killing field and Toul Sleng genocide museum Tour: $20
- Phnom Penh Full Day Private Tours: $155
- 10 Tastings of Phnom Penh Foodie Tour: $39
- 2 Day-Phnom Penh by Private Tours: $155
- 2 Days Phnom Penh Cyclo and Cycling Tour: $128
- 2 Days of Phnom Penh City Tour: $199
- 3 Hours Private Morning Market and Art Tour in Phnom Penh: $45
- 9 Days Cambodia Highlights Guided Motorcycle Tour: $1,952
- A 10-day ethical animals tour of Cambodia: $1,699
- A Day Trip From Phnom Penh - Historical Sites Tours : $35
- A Day Trip Sightseeing of Phnom Penh With Private Tour Guide : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $4.34Phnom Penh $4.33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:
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Beer$2.45
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Cocktails (for Two)$8.18
Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:
- Railay Pub Crawl: $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $10
- Mad Monkey Phnom Penh Pub Crawl: $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Phnom Penh, we can see that Krabi is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Krabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Krabi than you might in Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Phnom Penh Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Phnom Penh, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.