Comparison · Krabi vs Palawan · Thailand / Philippines
Krabi vs Palawan
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au
Quick answer
Choose Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife; choose Palawan for El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping. Krabi is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,187 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,187 km
- Less expensive
- Krabi
- Best time for Krabi
- December–March
- Best time for Palawan
- January–April
Side by side
| Krabi | Palawan | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Philippines |
| Known for | Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and Island-hopping | El Nido lagoons, Island-hopping and Coron wreck diving |
| Best time to visit | December–March | January–April |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 9 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $70–$150 | $90–$200 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | March, 34°C (93°F) | April, 33°C (91°F) |
| Coldest month | September, 31°C (88°F) | January, 31°C (88°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Beaches | Railay West | Nacpan Beach |
| Airports | KBV, HKT | PPS, USU, ENI |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Krabi for…
Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife. Krabi province on Thailand's Andaman coast is a landscape of sheer limestone karsts rising from turquoise water, mangroves and more than 100 islands. Most visitors base themselves at Ao Nang, the main beach resort, or on the car-free Railay peninsula…
Choose Palawan for…
El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping. Palawan is a long, narrow island province of about 1,700 islands between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa, the capital, for the UNESCO-listed underground river, then head north by road to Port Barton and El Nido…
Top sights compared
| # | Krabi | Palawan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Railay Beach | Puerto Princesa Subterranean River |
| 2 | Phra Nang Cave Beach | Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon |
| 3 | Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh | Hidden Beach and Matinloc Shrine |
| 4 | Four Islands tour | Snake Island and Tour B |
| 5 | Hong Islands | Nacpan Beach |
Food compared
| Krabi | Palawan |
|---|---|
| Gaeng som | Chao long |
| Gaeng tai pla | Kinilaw |
| Khua kling | Tamilok |
| Khao mok gai | Crocodile sisig |
Which is cheaper?
Krabi is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 per person there, against $90–$200 in Palawan (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Krabi on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,187 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 15 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Krabi or Palawan cheaper?
Krabi is usually less expensive: about $70–$150 a day mid-range against $90–$200 (estimates).
+Is Krabi or Palawan better for a first trip?
Pick Krabi for Railay Beach, Limestone karsts, lower day-to-day costs and nightlife, or Palawan for El Nido lagoons and Island-hopping.
+How far is Krabi from Palawan?
About 2,187 km in a straight line.