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

Should you visit Krabi or Rotorua?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a vibrant, colorful, and stunning town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Krabi travel costs.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a cultural, natural, and world-renowned town. Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rotorua travel costs.

Krabi and Rotorua: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Rotorua?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rotorua than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rotorua is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Rotorua is more touristy than Krabi and is known for its geothermal activity, Maori cultural influence, and its role in the famous Lord of the Rings movies. Also, Rotorua is famous for Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Krabi is well known for its easy access to inland adventures and nearby island hopping as well as its lively night market.

How is Krabi different from Rotorua?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rotorua 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 Rotorua?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Krabi or Rotorua.

Many visitors head to Krabi specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Rotorua can be an interesting and educational experience. The area is filled with opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. The Maori village of Whakarewarewa is a highlight and you should also visit Te Wairoa. Fans of Lord of the Rings won't want to miss Hobbiton either. Finally, Rotorua Museum well worth a visit.

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

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. There's a wide selection of culinary options in the area that include steambox (food prepared with the geothermal heat), and hāngī, which is a traditional Maori cooking technique. Many restaurants also make use of the local fruit, vegetables, and meats.

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 Rotorua Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Rotorua.

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.

Rotorua has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the best concentration of bars and restaurants around Tutankei Street, which is often referred to as "Eat Street".

Is Krabi or Rotorua Better for Resorts?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rotorua is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Krabi as a resort destination, but it has a few places. There's no real beach in town, so the better resorts are found at nearby beach towns.

Rotorua is not a resort destination.

Is Krabi or Rotorua Better for Beaches?

Krabi is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Rotorua is not a beach destination.

The beach in Krabi is worth checking out. The town itself has no beach, so you'll need to take a day trip to nearby Railay Beach or Ao Nang.

Rotorua is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Rotorua Better for Hiking?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua. The area is filled with beautiful walking trails that take you by lakes, volcanoes, and geothermal hot springs. A favorite route in the area is Tarawera Trail, which is 15 kilometers long and ends at a natural hot water beach.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Rotorua?

Krabi is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Rotorua is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Rotorua is a great destination for shopping. You'll find stores and galleries selling art and crafts around the main town center.

Is Krabi or Rotorua More Beautiful?

Rotorua is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Rotorua is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's surrounded by striking volcanoes, beautiful lakes, and surreal geothermal springs, giving it an exotic and beautiful atmosphere.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Rotorua Better for Families?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rotorua is one of the most popular family destinations. The geothermal activity is fascinating for kids and adults alike. There are also many activities that will teach kids about the Maori culture and for animal lovers, there are farms and wildlife tours. Lord of the Rings fans won't want to miss Hobbiton, and there are many thrilling activities in the area such as white water rafting.

Krabi is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Is Krabi or Rotorua Better for Couples?

Rotorua 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, Rotorua has plenty to offer. The unique environment and beautiful natural setting make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. Couples will appreciate the geothermal activity, beautiful walking trails, and diverse outdoor activities. There's also horseback riding, hot springs, and helicopter rides.

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 Rotorua Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rotorua is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rotorua. Well established on the backpacker trail, there are plenty of hostels in the area and tons of activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

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

Rotorua has some public transit options. There are buses and shuttles that travel around town and through 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 Rotorua a more walkable city?

Krabi and Rotorua are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Rotorua is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is fairly walkable but if you want to get into the surrounding areas, having a vehicle provides the most flexibility.

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

Should I spend more time in Rotorua or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Rotorua?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Krabi and Rotorua. In our opinion, Rotorua has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rotorua than Krabi. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Krabi or Rotorua?

In Krabi, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Rotorua, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this natural 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Krabi or Rotorua?

In Krabi, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Krabi has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

Krabi is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Rotorua is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Rotorua. 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 Rotorua?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Krabi. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the natural destination of Rotorua. 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, The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Krabi or Rotorua?

Rotorua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Krabi. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Rotorua, 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 Rotorua?

Rotorua 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 Rotorua in the Summer?

Both Rotorua and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Rotorua in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Krabi is generally much warmer than Rotoruain January. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Krabi. In July, Krabi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain January. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.

Should I visit Krabi or Rotorua in the Autumn?

Both Rotorua 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotorua for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Krabi is much warmer than Rotorua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rotorua fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. Krabi usually gets more rain in October than Rotoruain April. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 34 mm (1.3 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.

Should I visit Krabi or Rotorua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Rotorua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rotorua because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Krabi is around the same temperature as Rotorua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Krabi in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Rotorua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

In January, Krabi usually receives more rain than Rotoruain July. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Krabi is the dry season.

Should I visit Krabi or Rotorua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Rotorua. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Rotorua this time of year.

In April, Krabi is generally much warmer than Rotoruain October. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 29°C (84°F), and Rotorua fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Krabi receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi usually gets more rain in April than Rotoruain October. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rotorua receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rotorua and Krabi