A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Krabi vs. Yaeyama Islands for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Krabi

Krabi is a local, vibrant, and colorful town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Krabi travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a luxurious, serene, and idyllic archipelago. Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Krabi and Yaeyama Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Krabi and Yaeyama Islands are both popular with visitors, Yaeyama Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yaeyama Islands is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Krabi is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and small town charm. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Krabi and is popular for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also home to Nishihama Beach. 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Krabi is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Krabi and Yaeyama Islands can be difficult as they are each good 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 Yaeyama Islands. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Krabi and Yaeyama Islands.

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.

Yaeyama Islands has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago 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, Yaeyama Islands is a perfect choice. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Krabi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for its beaches. However, Krabi is lacking in good options for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Yaeyama Islands is a very popular vacation destination. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

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.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Hiking?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Krabi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

Krabi is a well-known place for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Krabi is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Yaeyama Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Krabi is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Krabi or Yaeyama Islands.

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.

Yaeyama Islands is a very kid-friendly town. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is an amazing archipelago 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, Yaeyama Islands has plenty to offer. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

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 Yaeyama Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Krabi is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Krabi and Yaeyama Islands.

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 Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Krabi or Yaeyama Islands a more walkable city?

Krabi is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

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

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable town. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Yaeyama Islands or Krabi?

How long in Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

In either Krabi or Yaeyama Islands, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than Krabi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Krabi, and 3-5 days is enough time in Yaeyama Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Krabi than Yaeyama Islands 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.

One day in Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

The colorful destination of Krabi offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this luxurious destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This archipelago 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 Yaeyama Islands?

The town of Krabi offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Krabi is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Yaeyama Islands is a fun place to experience. In Yaeyama Islands, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Yaeyama Islands?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Krabi. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the luxurious destination of Yaeyama Islands. 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 beaches. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

When is the best time to visit Krabi or Yaeyama Islands?

Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Krabi as well as Yaeyama Islands. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Krabi is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In the summer, Krabi often gets less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Krabi receives a lot of rain in the summer. Krabi usually gets more rain in July than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Krabi is the rainy season.

Should I visit Krabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Krabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Krabi is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Krabi in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Krabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Yaeyama Islands during autumn. Krabi gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. It's quite rainy in Krabi. In October, Krabi usually receives more rain than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Krabi is December to March. The rainy season in Krabi is August to October.

Should I visit Krabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

Both Yaeyama Islands 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. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

In January, Krabi is generally much warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Krabi average around 28°C (82°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Krabi. In the winter, Krabi often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Krabi usually gets less rain in January than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Krabi.

Should I visit Krabi or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Krabi and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round. Also, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Krabi is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Krabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Krabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Krabi usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during spring. Krabi gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Krabi usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Krabi gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Krabi