A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Shiretoko National Park for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Krabi and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Krabi than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Krabi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Shiretoko National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Krabi is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Also, Krabi is famous for Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Krabi different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Krabi area. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a moderate town for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a moderate town for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beach in Krabi is worth checking out. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is an amazing remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its hiking trails. However, Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Krabi is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly town. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Both Krabi and Shiretoko National Park are excellent 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 Shiretoko National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

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

Shiretoko National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi is a moderate town for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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).

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Krabi or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Krabi
Shiretoko National Park

Krabi and Shiretoko National Park are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable place. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Krabi Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Shiretoko National Park 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 Krabi.


  • How many days in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the colorful town of Krabi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Shiretoko National Park, many people enjoy the that this national park destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Krabi is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Krabi is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shiretoko National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Shiretoko National Park. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $55, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $36
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $72
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Shiretoko National Park? 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.

Hotels in Krabi


Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $3.80
    Shiretoko National Park $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:


  • Scooter Rental
    $8.18
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $2.73
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.18
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $5.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Don Island: $13
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $13
  • Krabi Airport From/To Krabi Town Private Transfer (CAR): $15
  • Private Airport Transfers for Krabi & More: $15
  • Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang and Krabi Town: $16
  • Krabi International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Aonang & Krabi Town: $16
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $17
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $17
  • Krabi Airport: 1-Way Krabi Hotel Private Transfer: $17
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Air port, Krabi: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Krabi $13
    Shiretoko National Park $25
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

For Krabi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $6.82
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $6.55
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $17
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $30
  • Mango Shake
    $1.36
  • Pad Thai
    $2.73
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.64
  • Pancakes
    $2.73
  • 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: $42
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class: $43
  • Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Premium Service Trip by Speedboat + BBQ Dinner: $43
  • 4 Island Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with BBQ Dinner: $44
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $10
    Shiretoko National Park $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Krabi's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thai-English Book
    $9.00
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $22
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $16
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $12
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $6.82
  • 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:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $7.11
  • Krabi 4 Islands Tour and Snorkeling with Shared boat: $22
  • 4 Islands Separated Sea - The Unseen of Thailand Tour: $24
  • Ao Nang, Group Boat Tour to 4 Islands with Lunch: $24
  • Krabi Sea Kayaking Tour Adventure at Ao Thalane: $26
  • 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
  • Aonang wonder Cocktail testing tour: $28
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28
  • The Krabi 4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat: $28
  • ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.34
    Shiretoko National Park $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Krabi are as follows:


  • Beer
    $2.45
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $8.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Krabi

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Krabi:

  • Railay Pub Crawl: $14


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



When is the best time to visit Krabi or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Shiretoko National Park. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Krabi is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°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 Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Krabi is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Krabi is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about -6°C (20°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun.

Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In April, Krabi is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Krabi

Krabi Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)