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

Should you visit Krabi or Cromwell?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a stunning, local, and vibrant town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Krabi travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cromwell travel costs.

Krabi and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Krabi or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cromwell. Although Krabi and Cromwell are popular destinations, Cromwell has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cromwell is very popular for its skiing and hiking, while Krabi attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Krabi is famous for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. It is also well known for the big fruit.

How is Krabi different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Krabi
Cromwell

Cromwell is very good for skiing and snowboarding. However, Krabi is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Krabi is not a skiing destination.


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

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Krabi. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Krabi
Cromwell

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Cromwell can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cromwell. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Cromwell

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

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.

Cromwell has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi is adequate for the beach. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Krabi
Cromwell

Cromwell 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 Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Cromwell?

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi is a great town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Krabi is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Families?

Krabi
Cromwell

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Cromwell.

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.

Cromwell is a very kid-friendly town. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Krabi
Cromwell

Both Krabi and Cromwell are superb 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 Cromwell frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.


Is Krabi or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi and Cromwell are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Krabi is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Krabi
Cromwell

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Krabi and Cromwell.

Public transit is mostly 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 generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Krabi or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Krabi
Cromwell

Krabi and Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Krabi or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Krabi than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

Families should spend more time in Krabi than Cromwell. 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 Cromwell. 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Krabi or Cromwell?

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.

In Cromwell, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Krabi or Cromwell?

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 Cromwell. 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 Cromwell?

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.

Cromwell is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cromwell. 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 Cromwell?

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 museums and skiing around the outdoorsy destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Krabi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Krabi is $74, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $100. 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 Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Cromwell? 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 Cromwell


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 Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Cromwell $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Krabi

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


  • Scooter Rental
    $9.42
  • Short Tuk-Tuk Ride
    $3.14
  • 2 Bottles of Gasoline
    $2.51
  • Longboat Taxi from Town
    $6.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krabi

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

  • Krabi airport to Pakbara pier Private transfer: $190
  • Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $133
  • Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket with 2h of Sightseeing: $124
  • VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $123
  • Private Transfer Between Hotels in Krabi Town and Ko Lanta: $104
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $99
  • TAXI PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI PIER: $89
  • From Khaolak : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Krabi and More: $85
  • Private Transfer Krabi Airport to Lanta Island: $85
  • Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $82
  • Private Transfer from Anyavee Tubkaek Beach Resort to Krabi (KBV) Airport: $60
  • KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Krabi Airport-Ao-nang Beach-Krabi Airport: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell 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 $25
    Cromwell $45
Typical Food Prices in Krabi

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


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $7.85
  • Drinks on the Beach
    $7.54
  • Sit Down Dinner (for Two)
    $19
  • Nice Dinner (for Two)
    $35
  • Mango Shake
    $1.57
  • Pad Thai
    $3.14
  • Fruit from the Market
    $1.88
  • Pancakes
    $3.14
  • 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:

  • Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $37
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Buffet Dinner & Night Snorkeling: $38
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset & BBQ Dinner (Join Tour): $44
  • Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling, Sunset Dinner & Plankton Night : $45
  • Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang: $46
  • Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Smart Cook: $46
  • Krabi Thai Cooking Class at Ya Cookery School: $48
  • Krabi Morning and Evening Food Tours with Market Visits: $51
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $51
  • Thai Charm Cooking School Krabi: $51
  • Kayaking and BBQ Dinner On The Beach Ao Thalane From Krabi: $53
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset Tour by Speed Boat with BBQ Dinner : $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Cromwell $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Krabi

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


  • Thai-English Book
    $10
  • Thai Massages (for Two)
    $25
  • Bikini & Sarong
    $19
  • Yoga Class (1 Hour)
    $14
  • Backgammon Set (travel size)
    $7.85
  • 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:

  • Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
  • 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $69
  • 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
  • 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $47
  • 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $32
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $24
  • 4 Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi with Tub, Chicken, Poda Island & Phra Nang: $62
  • 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour in Krabi with Lunch : $33
  • 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo: $34
  • 5 km Rafting, ATV & Zipline Tour From Krabi: $61
  • 7 Islands Sunset tour by Speed boat : $49
  • 7km White Water Rafting Adventure Tour From Krabi: $51

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

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

  • Queenstown to Middlemarch Small-Group Guided Tour (One-Way): $92
  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Cromwell $9.10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Krabi

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


  • Beer
    $2.83
  • Cocktails (for Two)
    $9.42


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