Which place is cheaper, Krabi or Pai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Pai or Krabi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Pai and Krabi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Pai or Krabi?
Pai
As the lush green mountains adorn the blue horizon amidst its creamy clouds, Pai, in northern Thailand, works as one of the many hubs for some of the world's most exciting cultural adventures and natural wonders. Within this small town just north of the Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, Pai lays on the Pai River and holds a population of no more than 2,500. Despite its geographical insignificance, this town attracts a wide array of tourists. From breathtaking waterfalls to relaxing hot springs, you will find yourself astonished at how much this little city holds within its borders.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best 3-Day Tours from Bangkok, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Chiang Mai.
-
Pai Prices
Thailand PricesKrabi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPai $91Krabi $74
The average daily cost (per person) in Pai is $91, while the average daily cost in Krabi is $74. 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 Pai and Krabi in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPai $16Krabi $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPai $32Krabi $84
Compare Hotels in Pai and Krabi
Looking for a hotel in Pai or Krabi? 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.
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: Pai Hotel Prices and Krabi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pai $42Krabi $4.37
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:
- Van Phuket Airport Transfer to Patong Beach Area (SHA Plus): $43
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to TRI TRANG BEACH: $39
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to SURIN BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to ROYAL YACHT HAVEN: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to RASSADA PIER: $42
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to PATONG BEACH: $48
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAITHON BEACH: $30
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to NAIHARN BEACH: $45
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to MAI KHAO BEACH: $32
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to LAYAN BEACH: $27
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KURABURI: $109
- VAN PHUKET AIRPORT TRANSFER to KRABI AIRPORT: $124
Is it cheaper to fly into Pai or Krabi?
Prices for flights to both Krabi and Pai 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 dayPai $42Krabi $25
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pai $46Krabi $12
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:
- ATV Adventure in Thrills Await: $28
- Tiger Cave and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour from Krabi: $73
- 2-Hour Clear Kayak Illuminated Night Tour in Krabi: $70
- 2-Hour The best of Krabi Private Walking Tour : $174
- 2D1N Khao Sok National Park Tour from Krabi: $277
- 4 Island Early Bird Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi: $48
- 4 Island Full Day Krabi Tour: Longtail Boat & Lunch: $34
- 4 Island Joint Tour by Speed Boat from Krabi: $53
- 4 Island Snorkeling Tour on a LongTail Boat from Krabi: $35
- 4 Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi: $33
- 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi: $32
- 4 Island tour by SPEEDBOAT from Krabi + Lunch + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $33
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPai $15Krabi $5.00
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 Pai and Krabi, we can see that Pai 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 Pai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pai 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 Pai Expensive? and Is Krabi Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pai or Krabi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Pai or Krabi in the Summer?
Both Krabi and Pai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Krabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Krabi is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Krabi. It's quite rainy in Pai. In July, Pai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Pai gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Krabi. Pai usually receives less sunshine than Krabi during summer. Pai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
Pai is around the same temperature as Krabi in the summer. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPai 29°C (85°F)Krabi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Krabi in the Autumn?
Both Krabi and Pai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Krabi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Krabi. August to October is the rainy season in Krabi. Krabi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pai. Pai usually gets less rain in October than Krabi. Pai gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Pai. In the autumn, Pai often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Pai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Pai is around the same temperature as Krabi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Krabi averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPai 29°C (84°F)Krabi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Pai or Krabi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pai and Krabi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pai year-round. Krabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Krabi is the dry season. In January, Pai usually receives less rain than Krabi. Pai gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Krabi this time of the year. In Pai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Krabi during winter. Pai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Krabi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Pai is generally cooler than Krabi. Daily temperatures in Pai average around 24°C (74°F), and Krabi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPai 24°C (74°F)Krabi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Pai or Krabi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pai as well as Krabi. Pai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Krabi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Krabi. Pai usually gets less rain in April than Krabi. Pai gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Krabi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Krabi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pai this time of the year. In the spring, Pai often gets more sunshine than Krabi. Pai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Krabi receives 249 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Pai this time of the year. Pai is around the same temperature as Krabi in the spring. The daily temperature in Pai averages around 32°C (89°F) in April, and Krabi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPai 32°C (89°F)Krabi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Krabi and Pai
| Pai | Krabi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 32°C (89°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 207 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.