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

Should you visit Krabi or Ubud?

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

Krabi

Krabi is a colorful, stunning, and local town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Krabi travel costs.

Ubud

Ubud is a breathtaking, popular, and famous town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ubud travel costs.

Krabi and Ubud: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Not as many resort options
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Krabi or Ubud?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ubud than Krabi, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ubud is better known for its food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is more popular for its beaches. Ubud is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its cultural and religious sites, dramatic rice paddies, and local handicrafts. Also, Ubud is famous for Tegallalang rice terrace. 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 Ubud?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi
Ubud

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Krabi or Ubud.

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 Ubud can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with temples and cultural sights such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave), the Ubud Royal Palace, and the Blanco Renaissance Museum.


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

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud is an amazing town to visit for its restaurants. Also, Krabi is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Ubud has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. You'll find some of the best restaurants on Bali in this town. There is everything from family-owned eateries to award winning restaurants. Dishes range from vegan to meat-filled and you'll find both local favorites and western cuisine.

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 Ubud Better for Nightlife?

Krabi
Ubud

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

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.

Ubud has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is mostly focused on cultural activities and live music. Many people head here to escape the party scene that is so popular elsewhere on the island.

Is Krabi or Ubud Better for Resorts?

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud is an amazing town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Ubud is a perfect choice. You'll find beautiful luxury resorts with impressive pools and dramatic landscapes.

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.


Is Krabi or Ubud Better for Beaches?

Krabi
Ubud

Krabi is a town with a few options for the beach. However, Ubud 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.

Ubud is not a beach destination.

Is Krabi or Ubud Better for Hiking?

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud 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 Ubud. There are many stunning walks and hikes just outside of town. There are stunning views from Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Jalan Subak Sok Wayah Walk will take you through the rice paddies and Kajeng Rice Field Walk is close to town but tucked away from the crowds. One of the biggest draws of the area is the Tegallalang Rice Terraces Walk.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Ubud?

Krabi
Ubud

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Krabi and Ubud.

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.

Ubud is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the Ubud shopping street for boutiques, markets, and local items. The town has grown into a shopper's paradise with many Balinese handicrafts around.


Is Krabi or Ubud More Beautiful?

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ubud is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a stunning setting, which makes it appealing to tourists, but to truly enjoy the beauty you'll want to get a bit outside of town.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Ubud Better for Families?

Krabi
Ubud

Krabi is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ubud is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Krabi is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ubud offers lots of family activities. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the jungles and rice paddies. There are also many great restaurants that are family-friend. Ubud is a bit cooler than the beach towns of Bali, so kids will enjoy an escape from the hotter temperatures.

Is Krabi or Ubud Better for Couples?

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud 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, Ubud has plenty to offer. Honeymooners flock to this small town for its stunning scenery and beautiful temples. There are luxury hotels, spas, massages, and poolside escapes that will make for the perfect honeymoon. You'll also find world class restaurants and breathtaking hikes in the area.

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 Ubud Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi
Ubud

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

Ubud is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If you need a break from the party scene on Bali, then you'll enjoy the reprieve of this small town. There are still plenty of backpackers and hostels, but the town itself offers a more relaxed setting.

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

Krabi
Ubud

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Krabi and Ubud.

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 Ubud. Many people hire a vehicle or driver to explore the area. There are also tourist shuttles around with Perama Shuttle being one of the most established.

Is Krabi or Ubud a more walkable city?

Krabi
Ubud

Ubud 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.

Ubud is very walkable. The town is generally walkable and easy to explore on foot, but you'll need other transportation if you want to get outside of town.

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 Ubud Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ubud or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Ubud?

Both Krabi and Ubud have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ubud than in Krabi. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 4-7 days is enough time in Ubud.

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

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


  • How many days in Krabi or Ubud? Ideal Length of Stay
    Krabi 2-3 
    Ubud 4-7

One day in Krabi or Ubud?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Krabi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Ubud, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this popular destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Ubud?

Krabi is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ubud. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Krabi or Ubud?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Krabi. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ubud is a fun place to experience. In Ubud, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Krabi or Ubud?

The local town of Krabi offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

In Ubud, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Ubud 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 Ubud is $153. 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 Ubud in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Krabi $42
    Ubud $128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Krabi $84
    Ubud $256
Compare Hotels in Krabi and Ubud

Looking for a hotel in Krabi or Ubud? 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 Ubud


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 Ubud Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Krabi $4.37
    Ubud $1.75
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:

  • ATV Jungle Adventure in Krabi with Roundtrip Transfer: $38
  • Ao Nang Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfer: $26
  • Ao Nang to Krabi Private Transfer: $30
  • Aonang any hotel to Donsak Pier Private transfer: $135
  • Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $101
  • From Khaolak : One Way Private Transfer Phuket,Krabi and More: $87
  • Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers: $83
  • Private Van (3-8 Pers) R/T Transfer Airport-Krabi-Airport: $60
  • KRABI:Private Car Round Trip Transfer Krabi Airport-Ao-nang Beach-Krabi Airport: $60
  • Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $33
  • Krabi Airport (KBV) Private Transfer: $13
  • Krabi Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:

  • White Water Rafting Ubud Bali With Hotel Transfer: $30
  • Waterbom Bali Day Pass with Hotel Transfer: $76
  • Water Rafting With Private Transfer And Lunch: $85
  • Vip Airport Transfer : $32
  • Ayung River Rafting & Jungle Swing Ticket with Transfer: $69
  • Ubud White Water Rafting with Private Transfer & Lunch: $33
  • Ubud Cultural and Historical Guided Tour with Transfer: $46
  • Ubud Countryside Cycling Tour (Included Private Transfer & Lunch): $69
  • Ubud Bali Private Airport Transfers – Seamless & Stress-Free: $13
  • Ubud Airport transfer and pick up: $20
  • Ubud -Airport Private Transfer: $7.00
  • Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in Denpasar APT-HTL(DPS) : $8.88

Is it cheaper to fly into Krabi or Ubud?

Prices for flights to both Ubud 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
    Ubud $20
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 Ubud

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

  • Ubud Mystic Dinner at Oracle of Spice Lemuria The Lost City: $17
  • Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
  • Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
  • Ubud Cooking Class by Lemon Grass Cooking Class: $26
  • Afternoon Cooking Class & Making Bali Offering with Dinner: $29
  • Uluwatu Sunset Trip with Kecak Dance Show and Jimbaran Dinner: $30
  • Amazing Half-Day Uluwatu Sunset Tour with Jimbaran Seafood Dinner: $30
  • Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
  • Private Traditional Bali Cooking Class in Sidemen: $31
  • Cultural Evening Dinner: $31
  • Uluwatu Sunset Experience: Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $34
  • Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Krabi $12
    Ubud $9.84
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 Ubud

Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Balaji Adventure Bali Quad Bike 350cc and Ayung Rafting: $48
  • Bali Rafting and ATV Private Tour Adventure: $105
  • Barong Dance and Waterfall tour in Bali: $35
  • Best Ubud Tours -All inclusive with private driver: $35
  • Explore Bali with Private ATV Ride + Tour with VW Car: $80
  • Full Day Private Tour from Tegenungan Waterfall to Tanah Lot: $55
  • Full Day Ubud Tour: $95
  • Lembongan Snorkeling Swim With Manta Rays and Island Tour: $55
  • Mount Batur Jeep Tour and Hot Spring: $24
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep Tour & Natural Hot Spring: $40
  • Nusa Penida Island West Tour - All Inclusive: $37
  • One Day Tour Nusa Penida East & West Part : $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Krabi $5.00
    Ubud $6.62
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 Ubud, we can see that Ubud 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 Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud 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 Ubud Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Krabi or Ubud?

Krabi has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Krabi and Ubud, 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.