Comparison · Krabi vs Pattaya · Thailand
Krabi vs Pattaya
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 and Limestone karsts; choose Pattaya for Walking Street and Sanctuary of Truth. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 580 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 580 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Krabi
- December–March
- Best time for Pattaya
- November–February
Side by side
| Krabi | Pattaya | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Thailand | Thailand |
| Known for | Railay Beach, Limestone karsts and Island-hopping | Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth and Koh Larn |
| Best time to visit | December–March | November–February |
| Ideal stay | 5 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $70–$150 | $65–$140 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | March, 34°C (93°F) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | September, 31°C (88°F) | December, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Railay West | Jomtien Beach |
| Airports | KBV, HKT | UTP, BKK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Krabi for…
Railay Beach and Limestone karsts. 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 Pattaya for…
Walking Street and Sanctuary of Truth. Pattaya is a beach city on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, about 150 km south-east of Bangkok, that grew from a fishing village into a major resort from the 1960s. Its curving city beach and Beach Road are lined with hotels and high-rises, Walking Street…
Top sights compared
| # | Krabi | Pattaya |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Railay Beach | Sanctuary of Truth |
| 2 | Phra Nang Cave Beach | Koh Larn (Coral Island) |
| 3 | Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh | Walking Street |
| 4 | Four Islands tour | Pattaya Beach |
| 5 | Hong Islands | Jomtien Beach |
Food compared
| Krabi | Pattaya |
|---|---|
| Gaeng som | Steamed sea bass with lime |
| Gaeng tai pla | Grilled river prawns and crab |
| Khua kling | Tom yum goong |
| Khao mok gai | Oyster or mussel omelette |
Which is cheaper?
Krabi and Pattaya cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $70–$150 in Krabi and $65–$140 in Pattaya (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Pattaya on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Krabi and Pattaya are about 580 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 5 days in Krabi and 4 in Pattaya.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Krabi or Pattaya cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $70–$150 in Krabi and $65–$140 in Pattaya (estimates).
+Is Krabi or Pattaya better for a first trip?
Pick Krabi for Railay Beach and Limestone karsts, or Pattaya for Walking Street and Sanctuary of Truth.
+How far is Krabi from Pattaya?
About 580 km in a straight line.