A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Railay Beach for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Railay Beach? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a cultural, historical, and colorful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a dramatic, spectacular, and fun-filled beach area. Railay Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Railay Beach travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Railay Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Yogyakarta and Railay Beach are popular destinations, Yogyakarta has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yogyakarta is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Railay Beach attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also well known for Borobudur Temple. Railay Beach is famous for its beautiful limestone cliffs and its world famous rock climbing.

How is Yogyakarta different from Railay Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Yogyakarta that are not to be missed. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Railay Beach. This is an adventure sport destination that is popular for rock climbing and its scenic beauty. Therefore, there are no real museums or temples in the area.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Yogyakarta makes for a great culinary experience. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Railay Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Railay Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach area to visit for nightlife and partying.

Yogyakarta offers plenty to do in the evening. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Railay Beach. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Resorts?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Railay Beach is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of beachside resorts and budget hotels, as well as a number of hostels in the area.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Railay Beach. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Beaches?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Railay Beach is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Railay Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Yogyakarta is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Railay Beach is not a good beach area for its shopping opportunities.

Yogyakarta is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

If you're looking to go shopping, Railay Beach has some nice offerings. The Walking Street has shops that sell bathing suits or anything you may have forgotten.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach More Beautiful?

Railay Beach is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Railay Beach is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches make this a stunning place to visit.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Railay Beach.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Railay Beach. This is a favorite beach area for many visitors to Thailand. It's only accessible by water and it offers adventure sports and calm waters that are nice for kids.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Couples?

Railay Beach is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Railay Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rock climbing is a favorite activity here, and couples who have an adventurous spirit will enjoy this dramatic location.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Railay Beach are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Railay Beach is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable accommodation that attracts budget travelers and backpackers. The area's world class rock climbing also appeals to the young and adventurous crowd.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is very good for students. However, Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is a good city to visit for students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Railay Beach is not popular with students.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Yogyakarta and Railay Beach.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Public transit is generally limited in Railay Beach. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.

Is Yogyakarta or Railay Beach a more walkable city?

Railay Beach is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Railay Beach. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Railay Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Railay Beach or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

It's fun to spend time in either Yogyakarta or Railay Beach. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Railay Beach 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the fun-filled beach area of Railay Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Yogyakarta is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Railay Beach, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach area.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Railay Beach, a popular beach area, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Railay Beach?

Yogyakarta is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Railay Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach than you might in Yogyakarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Railay Beach Expensive?.