A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Zhangjiajie for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Krabi or Zhangjiajie?

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

Where Should I go: Krabi or Zhangjiajie?

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.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

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 Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie is $63. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $36
    Zhangjiajie $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $72
    Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Zhangjiajie

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Zhangjiajie? 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 Zhangjiajie


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $3.80
    Zhangjiajie $14
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:

  • Private 4 Islands Krabi Boat Tour from Ao Nang with Transfer: $172
  • From Krabi : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Khaolak and More: $130
  • Private Transfer Between Phuket Hotel to/from Krabi Hotel: $130
  • Private Transfer between Phuket Airport and Krabi Hotels: $130
  • Krabi Transfer to Khao Lak : $117
  • Krabi airport to donsak pier Private transfer: $116
  • Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $116
  • From Ao Nang: Similan Islands Boat Trip with Transfer & Food: $101
  • Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $97
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $97
  • Krabi to Khao Lak and Phang Nga Town: Private City Transfers: $97
  • Krabi Mangrove Kayak &Elephant Shelter with Private Transfer: $94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Zhangjiajie?

Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $20
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $10
    Zhangjiajie $23
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:

  • Full Day Guided Tour in Bor Thor Caves and Mangroves : $146
  • Phi Phi Islands Tour with Bioluminescent Planktons from krabi: $78
  • 1 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $43
  • 2 Hour Horse Riding Tour On The Beach Krabi: $60
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $61
  • 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $46
  • 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure by Sea Eagle Tour from Krabi: $34
  • 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel: $103
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang Cave: $51
  • 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $54
  • 4 Islands One Day Tour From Krabi: $28
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $28

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
  • 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
  • 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
  • 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300
  • 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour Including Yuanjiajie Mountains: $550
  • 2-Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour : $284

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $4.34
    Zhangjiajie $16
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 comparing the travel costs between Krabi and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.

In the summer, Krabi is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie. Typically, the summer temperatures in Krabi in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Zhangjiajie. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

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

Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Krabi is the dry season. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?

Both Zhangjiajie and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.

Krabi is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the winter. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Krabi usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Krabi is December to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?

Both Zhangjiajie and Krabi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Krabi is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the spring temperatures in Krabi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Krabi

Krabi Zhangjiajie
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)