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

Should you visit Krabi or Nikko?

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 Nikko 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Krabi travel costs.

Nikko

Nikko is a cultural, tranquil, and relaxing town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Nikko travel costs.

Krabi and Nikko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Nikko?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nikko. Although Krabi and Nikko are both popular with visitors, Nikko has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nikko is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Nikko is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its Shinto and Buddhist mountain temples, its tranquil hot spring baths, and its peaceful natural setting. It is also home to the Toshogu Shrine. Krabi is popular for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Nikko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Nikko from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The town sits on the edge of Nikko National Park, where you'll find shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine is lavishly designed. Other notable temples in the area are Taiyuin, Rinnoji Temple, and Futarasan Temple.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Krabi can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Nikko 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 Nikko. There are many traditional dishes in the area, but one of the most famous is yuba. Yuba is made from a part of soy milk, and you'll find it in places all over town. You'll also find sushi, tofu, and tea everywhere.

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 Nikko Better for Nightlife?

Krabi is a town with good options for nightlife. However, Nikko is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

If you're looking for night time activities Krabi has a few options to choose from. There's a decent live music scene, but in general the town is quiet at night. There's also a good night market.

People don't go to Nikko for the nightlife. The town is about relaxing in a tranquil setting and soaking up nature, so you won't find much in the form of nightlife.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for Resorts?

Krabi is adequate for its luxury resorts. However, Nikko is not a resort destination.

Krabi has a few resort options worth checking out. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Nikko is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for Beaches?

Krabi is adequate for its beaches. However, Nikko is not a beach destination.

Krabi is a good spot to see the beach. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Nikko is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for its Old Town?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town. However, Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Nikko offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The ancient town is filled with giant cedar trees that line walking paths that take you to the many shrines and temples in the area.

Krabi does not have a historic old town.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for Hiking?

Nikko 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 Nikko. The town is surrounded by beautiful nature that you can explore on the many walking paths. The forests are well-preserved and they're filled with large cedar trees, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful hikes. The area embraces the Japanese practice of "forest bathing" where you "bath" yourself in a beautiful natural environment.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Nikko?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Krabi. 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.

Nikko offers some nice shopping areas. There are places in town where you can pick up local handicrafts and traditional items.

Is Krabi or Nikko More Beautiful?

Nikko is an amazing town to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nikko is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. There are striking temples, dramatic waterfalls, and beautiful nature that offers the perfect setting for losing yourself.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for Families?

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

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.

Nikko is a very kid-friendly town. The area offers a unique way for kids to experience Japanese culture. A highlight for the little ones is a ninja show at Grand Ninja Theatre and the Mizugei-za water magic show. Kids will also enjoy staying in a traditional ryokan and floating in the hot spring baths.

Is Krabi or Nikko Better for Couples?

Nikko 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, Nikko has plenty to offer. While many visitors come to see the shrines and temples, they often end up falling in love with the area's natural beauty, waterfalls, and "forest bathing" (surrounding yourself with nature). Couples will also enjoy dining on the local food and relaxing in a pool fed by a natural hot spring.

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 Nikko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nikko is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Nikko is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area that combine affordability with traditional Japanese customs.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nikko. There are buses that run from the main train station to the many tourist sights in the area.

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 Nikko a more walkable city?

Nikko is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Nikko is very walkable. While the town is relatively walkable and there are walking paths through the forest and to most of the temples and shrines, if you want to get further into the region, it's helpful to have a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nikko or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Nikko?

It's fun to spend time in either Krabi or Nikko. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nikko due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 1-4 days is enough time in Nikko.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Nikko?

In Krabi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful 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.

Even though Nikko is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Nikko?

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 Nikko. 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 Nikko?

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.

Nikko is a fun place to experience. Nikko is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Krabi or Nikko?

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.

Nikko is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Nikko?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Nikko, 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 Nikko?

Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nikko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Krabi is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nikko 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 Nikko. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Nikko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Nikko. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Krabi is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nikko. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Nikko. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 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.

Should I visit Krabi or Nikko in the Winter?

Both Nikko and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nikko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nikko can be very cold. In January, Krabi is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Nikko. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during winter. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Krabi usually receives more rain than Nikko. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Krabi is December to March.

Should I visit Krabi or Nikko in the Spring?

Both Nikko 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. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.

Krabi is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the spring, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.

Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Nikko. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nikko and Krabi