Budget — Krabi

Krabi is slightly more accessible than Phuket, with an average budget of €50/day/person in comfort mode. The main difference comes from generally cheaper accommodation and a more developed street-food offering.

A backpacker can live on €25-35 a day: a dorm bed in an Ao Nang or Krabi Town hostel (300-500 THB, €8-13), meals at local markets (60-150 THB, €1.50-4), shared boat excursions and group kayaking. The mid-range traveller — double room in a charming hotel in Ao Nang or bungalow on Railay (900-2,500 THB/night, €24-66), mid-range restaurants, daily group excursions — sits between €50 and €90 per day. The luxury traveller or honeymooning couple staying in the boutique resorts facing Railay (2,500-8,000 THB/night, €66-210) and enjoying private excursions counts €120-250 per day in Krabi.

By spending category, here are realistic ranges. Accommodation: dorm 300-500 THB (€8-13), basic double in Ao Nang 600-1,200 THB (€16-32), charming bungalow on Railay 1,200-3,000 THB (€32-79). Food: Krabi Town night market 60-120 THB (€1.50-3), local restaurant 100-250 THB (€2.60-6.50), beachfront restaurant 250-600 THB (€6.50-16). Transport: long-tail boat to Railay 100-200 THB, songthaew Krabi-Ao Nang 40-60 THB, Grab in Krabi 100-300 THB. Activities: four-islands tour group 600-900 THB (€16-24), guided Phang Nga Bay kayak 800-1,200 THB (€21-32), speedboat Phi Phi excursion 700-1,000 THB (€18-26), climbing introduction 800-1,200 THB (€21-32), guided dive 1,500-2,500 THB (€39-66)/2 dives.

Budget tips: accommodation on Railay is systematically more expensive than on the mainland (30-50% supplement) because everything must be brought in by boat. If you want to stay on Railay for the atmosphere, build an extra night into your budget. For excursions, book directly with the Ao Nang agencies or Krabi pier rather than through your hotel — save 15-20%. Long-tail boats to Railay are at posted fixed rates; no negotiation possible but no scams either.