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

Should you visit Krabi or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai 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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Krabi and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Shanghai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Krabi and Shanghai are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Shanghai is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. 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 Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Shanghai from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

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 Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Shanghai.

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.

Shanghai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Krabi or Shanghai Better for Resorts?

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

Shanghai is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Shanghai Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a moderate town for the beache. However, Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Shanghai?

Shanghai is an amazing port city to visit for shopping. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Shanghai. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Krabi is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Krabi or Shanghai Better for Families?

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

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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly town. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Krabi or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an amazing port city 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, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Shanghai is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Krabi. 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.

Is Krabi or Shanghai Better for Students?

Shanghai is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Krabi is not popular with students.

Shanghai is very popular with students. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Krabi is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai 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 Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai a more walkable city?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai is very walkable. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Shanghai?

In either Krabi or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Shanghai?

The town of Krabi offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This port city 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 Shanghai?

Krabi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Krabi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Shanghai?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Shanghai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Krabi or Shanghai?

Krabi is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the cosmopolitan big city of Shanghai. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 470 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Shanghai. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Shanghai. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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 Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 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 Shanghai in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. Krabi is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Shanghai. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Shanghai in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Krabi