How Much Does Krabi Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Krabi is an accessible tropical paradise that caters to a wide range of budgets, from backpacker haunts in Krabi Town to secluded luxury pavilions on Railay. Daily costs for a solo traveler can range from a modest $22 / ฿699 for budget-conscious stays to over $1,098 / ฿34,268 for those seeking a high-end resort experience. While the mainland offers exceptional value, travelers should prepare for costs to rise when incorporating speedboat transfers, rock climbing courses, or island-hopping tours. Generally more affordable than neighboring Phuket or Koh Samui, Krabi's unique landscape of limestone karsts and emerald waters remains reachable for most, provided one balances street food meals with organized excursions. Expect higher prices in Ao Nang compared to the local atmosphere of Krabi Town, where dorm beds and night market snacks keep daily spending low.
Is Krabi expensive to visit?
Krabi is highly affordable for budget travelers but scales into a premium destination for luxury seekers, with daily costs ranging from $22 / ฿699 to $1,098 / ฿34,268 depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Krabi
$22
per person /day
$163
per person /day
$1,098
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $67 | $487 | $3,296 |
| 5-Day Trip | $112 | $813 | $5,492 |
| 7-Day Trip | $157 | $1,138 | $7,689 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15% budget buffer is recommended to cover the $6.94 / ฿217 flat fee for ATM withdrawals and mandatory National Park fees, such as the $6.31 / ฿197 charge for Phi Phi Islands or the $9.47 / ฿296 fee for Hong Islands tours. Additionally, upscale resorts often add a 10% service charge and 7% VAT (known as 'plus-plus') to restaurant bills that may not be reflected in the menu price.
How Does It Compare?
See how Krabi stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Krabi
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Meal (Street Food Pad Thai) A quick street food meal typically costs ~$1.89 / ฿59. Night markets offer the best variety. | $1.89 ฿59 |
| Mid-Range Restaurant Dinner (Per Person) A 3-course meal with a drink at a beachfront restaurant costs ~$14 / ฿443 per person. | $14 ฿443 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Shared Airport Bus (Krabi Airport to Ao Nang) The cheapest way to reach Ao Nang from the airport; takes ~45 min. Costs ~$4.73 / ฿148. | $4.73 ฿148 |
| Private Airport Taxi (Krabi Airport to Ao Nang) Fixed price at the airport counter. Saves time if traveling as a group for ~$19 / ฿591. | $19 ฿591 |
| Longtail Boat (Ao Nang to Railay Beach) Standard daytime fare; increases to ~$4.73 / ฿148 after 18:00. Boats depart once 8 passengers board. | $3.15 ฿98 |
| Scooter Rental (Daily) Best for exploring Krabi Town and Tiger Cave Temple for ~$7.89 / ฿246/day. Passport or deposit required. | $7.89 ฿246 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pak-Up Hostel (Krabi Town) - Dorm Bed Vibrant hostel in Krabi Town with a bar; dorm beds start around $9.49 / ฿296 per night. | $9.49 ฿296 |
| Ban Sainai Resort (Ao Nang) - Tropical Cottage Highly rated mid-range eco-resort nestled in limestone cliffs. Standard rooms ~$101 / ฿3,151. | $101 ฿3,151 |
| Rayavadee Krabi - Deluxe Pavilion Ultra-luxury resort accessible only by boat. Prices can exceed ~$836 / ฿26,095 per night in peak season. | $836 ฿26,095 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Phi Phi Islands National Park Entrance Fee Mandatory fee for international visitors (~$6.31 / ฿197). Children pay ~$3.15 / ฿98. Thai citizens pay significantly less. | $6.31 ฿197 |
| 4 Islands Tour (Shared Longtail Boat) Includes hotel transfer and lunch (~$32 / ฿985). Excludes the mandatory ~$6.31 / ฿197 National Park fee. | $32 ฿985 |
| Rock Climbing (Half Day Course) Price includes gear and instructor at Railay Beach for ~$47 / ฿1,477. | $47 ฿1,477 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| AIS Tourist eSIM (8 Days) Provides 15GB of 5G data plus unlimited local calls for ~$13 / ฿393. Valid for 8 days. | $13 ฿393 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Thailand Tourist Entry Fee (Land/Air) Mandatory arrival tax (~$9.47 / ฿296) used for tourism insurance and site maintenance. | $9.47 ฿296 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is divided between vibrant night markets and scenic beachfront restaurants. Street food remains the best value, with a Pad Thai costing approximately $1.89 / ฿59, while a mid-range three-course dinner at a restaurant typically averages around $14 / ฿443 per person. Areas like Ao Nang offer a mix of international and local cuisine, whereas Krabi Town is the go-to for authentic, low-cost southern Thai specialties.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
$1.89–$4.73 / ฿59–฿148Ao Nang · Night market
Arrive after 18:00 for the best selection of fresh seafood and local snacks for ~$2.53 / ฿79.
Jungle Kitchen
$3.79–$11 / ฿118–฿345Ao Nang · Local chain
Famous for authentic Thai food; book a day in advance as it's always full. Main dishes ~$5.65 / ฿176.
Kodam Kitchen
$4.73–$13 / ฿148–฿394Ao Nang · Local chain
Tucked away from the beach, it offers better value than beachfront spots. Try the Massaman Curry for ~$5.3 / ฿165.
Family Restaurant
$2.53–$7.89 / ฿79–฿246Ao Nang · Local chain
Simple, no-frills setting with generous portions and prices around ~$3.77 / ฿118 per meal.
Krabi Town Weekend Night Market
$0.94–$3.79 / ฿29–฿118Krabi Town · Night market
Open Fri–Sun; the cheapest place to eat in the province with snacks for ~$0.94 / ฿29.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around the mainland is most cost-effective via scooter rental at $7.89 / ฿246 per day, which allows for easy access to inland temples. Water transport is a necessity for coastal exploration; a daytime longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach costs $3.15 / ฿98 per person. For arrivals, the shared Airport Bus is a bargain at $4.73 / ฿148, while private taxis offer a fixed-price convenience for $19 / ฿591.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options are diverse, ranging from social hubs like Pak-Up Hostel at $9.49 / ฿296 per night to eco-conscious mid-range stays like Ban Sainai Resort for approximately $101 / ฿3,151. Ultra-luxury seekers can find secluded sanctuary at Rayavadee Krabi, where pavilions can exceed $836 / ฿26,095 per night during the peak season. Staying in Krabi Town or Klong Muang often provides better value than the central tourist hub of Ao Nang.
Accommodation Budget in Krabi
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Dine at the Krabi Town Weekend Night Market for authentic dishes at street-food prices around $1.89 / ฿59.
- 2 Use the Shared Airport Bus to reach Ao Nang for $4.73 / ฿148 instead of paying $19 / ฿591 for a private taxi.
- 3 Wait for the full 8-passenger quota on longtail boats to Railay to ensure the daytime fare stays at $3.15 / ฿98.
- 4 Rent a scooter for $7.89 / ฿246 per day to avoid the high costs of private "Songthaew" taxis for inland trips.
- 5 Book a group 4 Islands Tour for $32 / ฿985 rather than hiring a private boat, which can cost four times as much.
- 6 Avoid the evening price hike by taking the longtail boat to Railay before 18:00 to save the $1.58 / ฿49 surcharge.
- 7 Stay in Krabi Town for cheaper accommodation like Pak-Up Hostel ($9.49 / ฿296) and take the local bus to the beach.
- 8 Purchase a local AIS Tourist eSIM for $13 / ฿393 to avoid high data roaming charges during your 8-day stay.
- 9 Carry your own reusable water bottle; many hostels provide free filtered water refills to save on daily costs.
- 10 Plan your trip for May or October to find mid-range hotel rooms for as low as $47–$71 / ฿1,469–฿2,203 per night.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
+40-60%
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
-30-50%
Mar, Apr, Oct
Peak season offers clear skies but doubled hotel prices. Visit in May or October for massive savings (~$47–$71 / ฿1,469–฿2,203/night), though sea crossings may be rougher due to monsoon.
Events to Watch
- ● Songkran (April 13–15): +30% hotels
- ● Christmas/New Year (Dec 20–Jan 5): +100% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Climb the 1,260 steps to the summit of Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) for 360-degree views.
- 2 Hike the Monkey Trail at the southern end of Ao Nang Beach to reach the secluded Pai Plong Bay.
- 3 Relax on the public sands of Noppharat Thara Beach, ideal for sunset watching.
- 4 Visit the Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) on Railay Beach to see the local fertility offerings.
- 5 Explore the 'Mud Crabs' sculpture and the riverside boardwalk in Krabi Town.
- 6 Visit Wat Kaew Korawaram, the stunning white temple located in the heart of Krabi Town.
- 7 Walk through the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market to enjoy the atmosphere and live music for free.
- 8 Relax on Klong Muang Beach, a quieter alternative to the busier Ao Nang shores.
- 9 Explore the mangroves and limestone cliffs of Khao Khanab Nam from the Krabi Town pier.
- 10 Wander the trails of the Railay peninsula to find the hidden Diamond Cave entrance (beach access is free).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Dinner at The Grotto (Rayavadee)
Unforgettable dining experience inside a limestone cave on Phra Nang Beach. Set menus around ~$120 / ฿3,742.
Private Speedboat Charter (Phi Phi Islands)
Avoid the crowds at Maya Bay by arriving at sunrise. Fits up to 6 people for ~$568 / ฿17,725 total.
Krabi Elephant Sanctuary Visit
An ethical way to interact with elephants in their natural habitat (~$79 / ฿2,462).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Krabi
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Krabi and what they cost
Koh Lanta
$32 / ฿985 by ferry
$6.31 / ฿197
$79 / ฿2,462
Hong Islands
$38 / ฿1,182 by speedboat/longtail
$9.47 / ฿296
$63 / ฿1,969
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Thai Baht (THB)
1 $ ≈ 31 ฿
Yes
High in hotels and upscale restaurants; cash only for longtail boats, night markets, and street vendors.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Round up for taxis/tours or leave ~$0.59–$1.18 / ฿18–฿37 for good service. Upscale venues usually include a 10% service charge.
Always choose 'No Conversion' to get the bank's exchange rate. Use Aeon ATMs if available as they sometimes have lower fees (~$4.71 / ฿147).
Expected at local markets and when hiring private longtail boats. Expect to save ~$2.35–$5.89 / ฿73–฿184 with polite negotiation. Fixed prices apply at convenience stores and pharmacies.
Connectivity
eSIM: $12–$18 for 15GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $12–$14 / ฿367–฿441 at Krabi Airport
WiFi: Excellent in hotels and cafés in Ao Nang; spotty on Railay Beach and islands.
Buy an AIS Tourist eSIM online before arrival for the best 5G coverage throughout the islands.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Krabi.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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