A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Auckland for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ao Nang or Auckland?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Ao Nang or Auckland? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Auckland. Although Ao Nang and Auckland are both popular with visitors, Auckland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Auckland is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Auckland is popular for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also home to the Sky Tower.

How is Ao Nang different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Auckland and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Auckland is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Auckland offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Ao Nang offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most of the fun of this town is the beach setting and easy access to natural beauty. If you're looking for a temple, you can check out nearby Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cavee Temple).

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Auckland? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Auckland is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Auckland has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of restaurants that are vying for your business. The food is the typical Thai cuisine as well as international options like pizza and burgers.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Auckland.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. It has some of the best nightlife in the province of Krabi. There are many bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink and enjoy a fun night out.

Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Auckland is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ao Nang. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Auckland is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Auckland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Auckland is considered a top beach destination. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach near town. It is lined with longtail boats and there's often a crowd that keeps things busy and chaotic. Noppharat Thara Beach is popular with the locals and sees less tourists than Ao Nang Beach. It has golden sand and a beautiful setting.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Auckland is a good destination for hiking. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Auckland is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Families?

Auckland is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Auckland. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. The sandy beaches are great for kids. This is also a nice base if you want to take day trips to Railay Beach and other nearby areas.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Couples?

Auckland is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Auckland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. The area is filled with amazing natural beauty and stunning beaches. You can use Ao Nang as a base for exploring the many impressive areas that aren't far away.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Auckland are both great destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ao Nang. There are hostels and budget accommodation in abundance in the area. Ao Nang also has some of the best nightlife in Krabi, which attracts a younger crowd.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Auckland. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Students?

Auckland is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Auckland is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ao Nang and Auckland.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Ao Nang or Auckland a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Auckland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Auckland. In our opinion, Auckland has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Auckland than Ao Nang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Auckland than Ao Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Auckland, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Auckland than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Auckland that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Auckland than Ao Nang if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Auckland.

One day in Ao Nang or Auckland?

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Auckland is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auckland has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Auckland is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Auckland?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auckland. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Auckland. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Auckland, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Auckland is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ao Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ao Nang and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland than you might in Ao Nang.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ao Nang Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Auckland?

Auckland has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Auckland, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Auckland?

Auckland has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ao Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Ao Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Auckland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Aucklandin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Auckland. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Aucklandin October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Ao Nang