Which place is cheaper, Xiamen or Krabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Krabi or Xiamen?
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 Xiamen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Krabi or Xiamen?
Krabi
Krabi is both a large town and region in southern Thailand. While the region is covered in beaches, if you're more interested in immersion in Thai culture than the salty ocean, consider a trip to "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 (where you'll find famous places such as Railay, Ao Nang, Haad Yao, and plenty of others). 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. There's a good chance you'll be passing through on your way to one of the famous beaches, so take advantage of your brief time here.
Xiamen
Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Krabi Prices
Thailand PricesXiamen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKrabi $74Xiamen $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Xiamen is $84. 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 Xiamen in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKrabi $42Xiamen $31
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKrabi $84Xiamen $62
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Xiamen
Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Xiamen? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Krabi $4.37Xiamen $6.08
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Krabi are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$9.42
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Short Tuk-Tuk Ride$3.14
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2 Bottles of Gasoline$2.51
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Longboat Taxi from Town$6.28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi
Also for Krabi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Van Phuket Airport Transfer to Patong Beach Area (SHA Plus): $43
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $42
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $48
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAITHON BEACH: $30
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $45
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $27
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $109
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $124
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen
Also for Xiamen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Departure Transfer from City Areas: $33
- Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng and HekengHakka Tulou fromXiamen: $90
- Private Transfer to Tianluokeng Tulou and Hekeng Hakka Tulou from Xiamen City : $98
- Private Transfer to Hongkeng Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Yunshuiyao Village from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer to Gaobei Tulou and Hongkeng Tulou from Xiamen City: $98
- Private Transfer from Xiamen North Railway Station to City Area: $19
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster : $89
- Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89
- Private Transfer Service between Xiamen and Anxi : $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Xiamen?
Prices for flights to both Xiamen 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 $25Xiamen $46
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)$7.85
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Drinks on the Beach$7.54
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$19
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Nice Dinner (for Two)$35
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Mango Shake$1.57
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Pad Thai$3.14
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Fruit from the Market$1.88
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Pancakes$3.14
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Coffee & Cake$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krabi
For Krabi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Snorkeling and Sunset to Krabi 7 Islands by Longtail Boat + Buffet BBQ Dinner: $37
- Hands on Half-day Cooking Class by Authentic Thai Cooking: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $39
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $40
- Penny Thai Cooking Class Krabi: $45
- Krabi Kitchens Food Tour with 15 Plus Tastings: $45
- Krabi Bites Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $45
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
- Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $46
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
- Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Krabi $12Xiamen $16
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$10
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Thai Massages (for Two)$25
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Bikini & Sarong$19
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Yoga Class (1 Hour)$14
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Backgammon Set (travel size)$7.85
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Kayak Trip (for Two)$60
Tours and Activities in Krabi
For Krabi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $70
- 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
- 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $277
- 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $48
- 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $34
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $53
- 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $35
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi: $33
- 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $32
- 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $33
Tours and Activities in Xiamen
For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fujian Tulou Private Day Tour to World Heritage Site Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster: $178
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Local Food Market Experience: $103
- 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
- 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $115
- A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour from Cruise Port or Airport : $155
- Flexible Private Xiamen Layover Tour with Meal: $176
- Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $164
- From 3-Day Tulou and Gulangyu Island Tour: $589
- Fujian Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Tianluokeng and Daping Lou: $194
- Hakka Tulou Private Day Tour of Yunshuiyao Ancient Village and Hekeng Tulou : $203
- Half-Day Private Tour to Xiamen Gulangyu Island Highlights: $192
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKrabi $5.00Xiamen $17
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$2.83
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Cocktails (for Two)$9.42
When comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Xiamen, we can see that Xiamen is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Krabi Expensive? and Is Xiamen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Krabi or Xiamen?
Xiamen has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Xiamen, 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 Xiamen?
Xiamen 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 Xiamen in the Summer?
Both Xiamen and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.
In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Xiamen. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Xiamen. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKrabi 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Xiamen in the Autumn?
Both Xiamen and Krabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Krabi is around the same temperature as Xiamen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Xiamen fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Xiamen. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKrabi 27°C (81°F)Xiamen 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Xiamen in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Xiamen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.
In the winter, Krabi is much warmer than Xiamen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Xiamen averages at about 14°C (58°F).
In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Xiamen. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Krabi is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKrabi 28°C (82°F)Xiamen 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Krabi or Xiamen in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Xiamen. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Krabi is generally a little warmer than Xiamen. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Xiamen fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).
It's quite rainy in Xiamen. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets less rain in April than Xiamen. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Xiamen receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKrabi 29°C (84°F)Xiamen 20°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Xiamen and Krabi
| Krabi | Xiamen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
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.