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

Should you visit Krabi or Manila?

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

Where Should I go: Krabi or Manila?

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.

Manila

A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.

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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila 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 Manila is $106. 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 Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Manila $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Manila? 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 Manila


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 Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Manila $14
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 International Airport Arrival Shared Transfer To Ao Nang : $12
  • Krabi International Airport Departure Shared Transfer from Aonang: $12
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Krabi to Koh Lanta Transfer by Shared Air Conditioned Van: $13
  • Ferry Transfer to/from Phi Phi Tonsai or Laem Tong: $14
  • Ferry Transfer To or From Phi Phi Don Island: $14
  • Shared Van Transfer from Krabi to Koh Lanta with Hotel Drop Off: $15
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Krabi HTL-APT (KBV): $15
  • One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: $16
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
  • Private Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport Departure: $20
  • Private Departure Transfer : Krabi Hotel to Krabi Airport: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
  • Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila 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
    Manila $31
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:

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $68
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Manila $19
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:

  • DIY tour - Finest selection of Krabi Hidden Gems: $8.17
  • Railay Phra Nang and Diamond Cave Sunset tour: $21
  • Krabi 4 Islands Snorkeling and Thale Waek Full Day Tour : $21
  • ATV Adventure in Krabi Thailand: $22
  • Krabi ATV adventure tour 1 Hour : $23
  • Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night from Krabi: $24
  • Klong Root Kayaking and Swimming with ATV Tour From Krabi : $24
  • Ao Thalane Kayaking Mangrove Forests Adventure from Krabi : $24
  • 4 Islands Day Tour from Krabi: $25
  • Krabi 4 Islands Shared Tour with Lunch and Guide: $25
  • ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
  • Railay Beach and Caves Tour from Ao Nang - Half Day: $28

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
  • A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
  • Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
  • BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
  • BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
  • Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Manila $9.90
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 Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Manila, 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 Manila?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Krabi or Manila in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Manila. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

August to October in Krabi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In July, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Manila in the Autumn?

Both Manila and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Manila. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Krabi 27°C (81°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Manila in the Winter?

Both Manila 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the winter, Krabi is a little warmer than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Krabi 28°C (82°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Krabi or Manila in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives more rain than Manila. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In April, Krabi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Krabi 29°C (84°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Krabi

Krabi Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)