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

Should you visit Krabi or Taupo?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a striking, stunning, and otherworldly town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Taupo travel costs.

Krabi and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Taupo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taupo. Although Krabi and Taupo are popular destinations, Taupo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taupo is very popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Taupo is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also well known for the Craters of the Moon reserve. 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 Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Taupo and Krabi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Krabi or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Taupo is among the world's best ski destinations. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Krabi or Taupo?

Krabi is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Krabi offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

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 Taupo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Taupo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

Is Krabi or Taupo Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a town with a few options for its resorts. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Taupo Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Taupo 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Taupo Better for Hiking?

Taupo 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 Taupo. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Taupo?

Krabi is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Is Krabi or Taupo More Beautiful?

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

Taupo is a gorgeous place to visit. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Taupo Better for Families?

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

Taupo is one of the most popular family destinations. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an amazing town 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, Taupo has plenty to offer. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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 Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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 Taupo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Taupo has some public transit options. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to 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).

Is Krabi or Taupo a more walkable city?

Krabi and Taupo are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Taupo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Krabi and Taupo. In our opinion, Taupo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Taupo than Krabi. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Taupo?

In Krabi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning destination offers. This town 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.

In Taupo, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the skiing. This town 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 Taupo?

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

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

Krabi is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Krabi. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the destination of Taupo. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 Taupo?

You'll find food and shopping around the stunning destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the otherworldly destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the skiing. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Krabi and Taupo, we can see that Taupo is more expensive. And not only is Krabi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Krabi is in Asia and Taupo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Taupo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Taupo 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 Taupo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Taupo?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Taupo, 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.