Because Krabi and Hua Hin are both great travel destinations for a getaway trip filled with fun activities and lots to see, sometimes determining which is better can be difficult. In this article, we will try to help you make that decision by reviewing both Krabi and Hua Hin, hoping you be a good judge.
Is Krabi or Hua Hin Better?
To some who have been to both travel destinations, Hua Hin seems to be the most preferred because of its proximity to Bangkok, the country’s capital. Visiting Krabi will cost more expenses than visiting Hua Hin as it is further up on the west coast of southern Thailand. The distance between Krabi and Bangkok is 781.9 km, which is a 10 hr 36 min journey by bus, while that of Hua Hin to Bangkok is 199.0 km which is a 2 hr 47 min journey by bus from Bangkok.
When it comes to preference, the difference in distance is a huge factor as some may begin to entertain the question of “why travel to Krabi when I can visit Hua Hin for similar experiences and save cost?”
Aside from the difference in distance and travel cost, both Krabi and Hua Hin are good travel destinations and have lots to offer that guarantee good value for money. Telling them apart would be impossible.
Visiting Krabi
Krabi is among the highlights of Thailand and is popular amongst tourists for having the most breathtaking scenery ever imaginable. It boasts over 200 beautiful islands and a jungle just off the coast. Krabi has an area of 4,709 km² and as such it will require a moderate long distance traveling to the majority of its attraction areas, this is no hardship at all as everywhere around you will be beautiful as you travel, which will be worth it.
Between November and April is the best time to be in Krabi although this is usually the peak of the tourist period. Because of the high rainfall experienced in Krabi from June to October, there aren’t too many tourists around this time. To some, this could be a good opportunity to visit Krabi as transportation and accommodation costs will be a lot cheaper, with reservations being easily accessible. Below are insights into the seasons for each month to assist you in effectively planning your trip to Krabi if you happen to choose it over Hua Hin at the end of this article.
From November to mid-March
Heavy rainfall stops around this period, making it the coolest period in Krabi. Naturally, favorable weather around Krabi automatically makes it the busiest period as the majority of backpackers will begin to find their way to this part of the world. The most common sought-after activity around this period is chilling at the beach and enjoying water sports at the same time while staring at the calm sea.
From mid-March to May
The weather in Krabi is the hottest during these months just before Thailand experiences the monsoon. Irrespective of the weather condition, during this period people often travel from far and wide to witness certain festivities such as the Thai New Year, and the Songkran festival.
From June to October
The weather condition during this period is relatively humid as the monsoon’s season extends to October from May. This is the cheapest season for backpackers to visit Krabi as the cost of commodities will be at all-time lows. Furthermore, around this period is always quieter compared to other months as it is less crowded.
The months with the most rainfall are May, September, and October.
What Does Krabi Have to Offer?
In this section, we will highlight some of the most sought-after activities in Krabi and let you decide if the experiences will be worth the extra cost and distance. Have in mind that Hua Hin also does offer similar activities.
Go On a Boat Trip
Krabi is home to about 200 islands just sitting at the coastline waiting to be explored. Some of these islands are of small rocks protruding out of the sea, while some are really large islands that are home to the locals. If you are good at navigating your way with a boat you can rent a boat from Ao Nang or Krabi town to explore these places, better still you can hire a sailor. You can even go with boat rental services that come with a guide to make your experience easier. However, the best of the year for such experiences is from November to April.
Visit the Railay Caves and Beach
In all of Thailand, this is one of the most attractive beaches. Detached from the mainland as a result of large cliffs on the sides, it can only be accessible by boats. Breathtaking scenery with fantastic limestone cliffs and stunning white sand are among the highlights of the Railay Caves and Beach. Because of its location, on arrival there aren’t cars or roads, only a few boats and a handful of bars to chill in while enjoying the evenings. This is the perfect spot to distance yourself from the world.
Explore Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
The Thung Teao Forest Natural Park boasts of a crystal lagoon and other outstanding natural occurring sites worth exploring. Also, it is home to some unique plants and animals like the Pita Gurney which was once thought to be extinct. The crystal lagoon is fondly called the Emerald pool because it has crystal clear water which is also warm, here you can either go for a swim or admire the waterfall.
Sign Up for Thai Cooking Lessons
Thai cooking lessons are famous and being offered throughout the country and Krabi is no exception. You can find effective Thai cooking lessons all around Krabi Island and the mainland. The locals are spectacular in preparing Thai dishes which is as expected, and there’s no better way to learn than from the locals themselves. These schools are equipped with professionals with lots of experience and all the ingredients needed.
At the end of the lessons, their exams involve sampling your cooking in front of jurors.
Visit the Cave at Wat Tham Sua
Wat Tham Sua is home to one of the natural wonders of Thailand which are the caves situated within the jungle, there you will find monks who worship and live in these caves. There are lots to see when exploring these caves, things like legendary relics, icons, and others. This review would incomplete without the mention of the famous Buddha’s footprint at the top of a rock with about 1,237 steps. Walking up these steps seems like an impossible task, however, it would be worth it as the top of the rock gives you a 360-degree view of the Andaman Sea and its surrounding islands.
What’s the Cost of Visiting Krabi?
Based on the expenses of other travelers, one should expect to spend an average of around $41 per day which is the equivalent of 1,489 Thai Baht. On average, travelers spend around $10 (363 Thai Baht) per day for food and 3.66 (133 Thai Baht) for getting around Krabi on local transportation systems. Accommodation in Krabi is quite affordable as an average hotel price goes for $51 per night for a couple, which is an equivalent of 1,851 Thai Baht. With that being said, a one-week trip to Krabi for two persons costs an average of $568 (20,612 Thai Baht).
Visiting Hua Hin, Thailand
Among the eight districts of Khiri Khan province is the city of Hua Hin situated in the northern part of Thailand. Just like Krabi, Hua Hin also has a handful of stunning beaches with breathtaking scenery, really good restaurants, clubs, and bars, including seaside resorts and active nightlife. Aside from the difference in distance, what sets Hua Hin aside is the fact that it is a family-oriented city and also associated with the royal family in the early 1920s, so there are some royal structures and temples to see.
Between November to February is the best time to visit Hua Hin when the weather is favorable and graced with lots of dry and shiny days.
Just as it is with Krabi, around this time is usually the busiest, and as such booking hotels and tickets in advance will shield you from the rise in prices during this period as they will be at their all-time high.
Furthermore, chilling at the beach during this period will require you to go with sunscreen irrespective of the temperature of the day.
From March to May
From March to May is considered the hottest period of the year and as such outdoor activities tend to be a bit uncomfortable, however, this barely has an effect on the number of backpackers that visit Hua Hin throughout the year. Most of them have made it a habit of bringing along their hats and sunglasses for protection, you should too if you settle for Hua Hin instead of Krabi.
From June to October
Light to heavy rainfall is expected from June to October. Due to the heavy rainfall around this time, the majority of backpackers cease to visit Hua Hin although the cost of flights, hotels, etc are usually at their all-time lows during this time. If you still insist on visiting Hua Hin during this time, be sure to bring along sturdy pair of shoes to protect your feet from puddles.
What Does Hua Hin Have to Offer?
Being a beachside resort town, Hua Hin has some of the most common beachside activities. It features a handful of seaside seafood restaurants, a lively nightlife with night markets, and also entertaining inland activities which includes golfing at some of the most exotic golf courses in all of Thailand. Below are some of the most sought-after experiences in Thailand.
Explore the Nightlife
Compared to other beach cities such as Pattaya or Phuket, the Hua Hin nightlife is tamer but still very much enjoyable. Café restaurants, sidewalk bars offering both cheap and exotic drinks, a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, and a lot more are features of Hua Hin nightlife and are more concentrated in Central Hua Hin.
Near Hilton Hua Hin Resort at Soi Bintabat is where you can find most of the beer bars and sports bars with TVs. Other alternative locations are Khao Takiap, soi 88, and 94 where you can find upcoming restaurants and bar selling superb dishes, and drinks such as cocktails, wine, beers, etc.
Not to mention Hua Hin night markets. The most popular of these night markets are Tamarind Night market, Hua Hin Night Market, Hua Hin Night Bazaar, Chatsila Night Market, the Grand Night Market, and the Cicada market. All of these markets greatly contribute to the liveliness of Hua Hin nightlife, here you can find the best souvenirs, restaurants, home, and fashion décor, and also live performances.
Experience Royalty at Maruekhathaiyawan Palace
Maruekhathaiyawan Palace was built in the 1920s for king Vajiravudha (VI) as a summer retreat. It is made of teak wood and situated on the beach. This palace is a frequent tourist destination as the environment is serene and good for taking insta-worthy photos. Visitors can explore this palace to see the queen’s former bathing pavilion, the king’s living chambers well furnished with a few of his possessions, and his study where he often wrote poetry while facing the ocean. You can also find his writing materials and beloved desk.
This palace is situated at 1281 Phetkasem Rd. The environment is surrounded by well-manicured gardens perfect for observing picnics with loved ones and taking memorable photos.
Explore the Khao Takiab Hill and Beach
Fondly called the “Monkey Mountain” by the locals, it offers quite an impressive view of Hua Hin which is also quiet and perfect for self-reflection. Furthermore, around here is where you can find some of the best seafood restaurants, including some colorful Buddhist temples.
The “Monkey Mountain” is also home to lots of macaques, seeing them can be a fun experience, however, do thread carefully as some of them are good at stealing the belongings of tourists.
Go shopping at Cicada Market
Cicada Market is an open-air night market that holds during weekends and is focused on selling arts and crafts. This is a very popular market among the locals and also tourists because of its liveliness at sundown which also contributes to the nightlife.
The market is made of four parts, each assigned to a different classification such as home décor items and fashion, an art gallery, an alfresco food court, and lastly an entire area for live music performances and shows which includes dance groups, bands, live DJs and pantomime shows.
What separates Cicada Market from others is its style. Cheap souvenirs aren’t found here, instead, there are hand-made items, original sculptures, and paintings, art displays, and also you get to watch artists work live on sketches and glass blowing.
Explore the Black Mountain Water Park
Exploring the Black Mountain Water Park is a must-have experience when visiting Hua Hin, that’s if you love the waters and know how to swim. This park is also great for kids as it has about 9 slides which include a vertical slide tower that is 17 meters high and a terrifying straight double-drop. It also features 6 pools. Here you can find a thing or two for everybody.
You can either engage in water games at the giant pool, swim in the largest wave pool in the country, or chill at the lounge and relax.
What is the Cost of Visiting Hua Hin?
A 3-day weekend visit will cost an average of $234 (8,501 Thai Baht) per person, $398 (14,459 Thai Baht) for couples, and $515 (18,709 Thai Baht) for a family of four. These costs include feeding, accommodation, and transportation. Most accommodation establishment prices begin from $16 (581 Thai Baht) to $125 (4,541 Thai Baht) per night, depending on taste and affordability there’s something for everyone. Lodging at Hua Hin city center could cost you around $50 (1,816 Thai Baht) to $150 (5,449 Thai Baht) per night, while some Airbnb establishments charge around $16 (581 Thai Baht) per night for a whole apartment. For public transportation, taxi, and eating out at local restaurants, you can budget $25 (908 Thai Baht) per person.
Conclusion
At this point we can all agree on one thing, both Krabi and Hua Hin are exceptionally great travel destinations. However, in a situation where a traveler on a budget has to choose between both destinations, the probability of choosing Hua Hin is high, the reason being that the cost of transportation is favorable as it has the closest proximity to the country’s capital, Bangkok, making it easily accessible. Furthermore, Hua Hin also has similar experiences as Krabi such as hiking, eating at a really good restaurant, chilling at the beach, visiting parks, or even engaging in the nightlife.
For travelers who don’t mind and can afford the extra expenses, deciding to go to Krabi would still be worth it as you can still get to experience the feel of being in a different society while enjoying your stay as you engage in different tourist-like activities.
