A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Ayutthaya for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya? 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 accessible, popular, and beachfront town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is a historical, cultural, and famous city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Ayutthaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ayutthaya than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ayutthaya is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ayutthaya is more touristy than Ao Nang and is popular for its impressive archeological ruins, history as the second capital of Siam, and its easy accessibility from Bangkok. Also, Ayutthaya is famous for Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya Historical Park. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Ayutthaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya?

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

Ayutthaya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. These large and impressive ruins are among the most visited in Thailand. This is in large part because of their easy access from Bangkok. Highlights of the historical park include Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the Royal Chapel, Wat Ratchaburana, and Vihara Phra Mongkol Bophi.

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 Ayutthaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Ayutthaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine makes use of the area's freshwater fish, green vegetables, and river prawns. Dishes often include rice noodles and a spicy sauce. There are many restaurants that cater to the tourist crowds but still serve high quality dishes.

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 Ayutthaya Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is notable for nightlife. Also, Ayutthaya is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ayutthaya. There are a number of bars and nightclubs that keep things lively well into the evening.

Is Ao Nang or Ayutthaya Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is notable for its resorts. However, Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Ayutthaya is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Ayutthaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Ayutthaya Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Ayutthaya is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Ayutthaya Better for its Old Town?

Ayutthaya is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya Historical Park includes 425 archaeological sites that are both inside the city walls, as well as outside.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya 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 Ayutthaya. There are some great shopping areas around the town that specialize in local handicrafts such as pottery, wicker weaving, and stone masonry. Some of the most interesting places include the Ayutthaya Floating Market and the Ayutthaya Night Market.

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 Ayutthaya Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Ayutthaya.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ayutthaya. Families will appreciate how easy it is to reach Ayutthaya from Bangkok. The historical ruins are fun for both kids and adults, but the sites are very spread out and you'll need to hire a tuk tuk to see everything. The roads can be crowded and distances far, so biking isn't recommended with kids.

Is Ao Nang or Ayutthaya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Ayutthaya make for a notable place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Ayutthaya is a nice destination for couples. The historical ruins make an easy day trip from Bangkok, so couples who appreciate history and iconic temples will appreciate a visit here.

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

Ao Nang and Ayutthaya are both high quality 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 Ayutthaya. The historic temples are popular with all tourists, including backpackers who often visit as a day trip from Bangkok.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Ayutthaya. There are organized tours and private tuk tuks for hire that will take you to the various temples. There are also bicycles available for rent, but roads can be crowded.

Is Ao Nang or Ayutthaya a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is notable for its walkability. However, Ayutthaya is a mediocre city for its high level of walkability.

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

Ayutthaya is not a very walkable town. The historic sites are spread out over a vast area and you must have some form of transportation to reach everything. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phutthai Sawan are the furthest apart. Everywhere else can be accessed on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ayutthaya or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Ayutthaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ayutthaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Ayutthaya 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ayutthaya, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lively destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Ayutthaya, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ayutthaya has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beachfront town of Ao Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ayutthaya is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Ayutthaya?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ayutthaya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ayutthaya. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Ayutthaya, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Ayutthaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ayutthaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ayutthaya 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang than you might in Ayutthaya.

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 Ayutthaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Ayutthaya?

Ayutthaya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Ayutthaya, 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 Ayutthaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Ayutthaya. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ayutthaya throughout the year.

August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ayutthaya. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 176 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya in the Autumn?

Both Ayutthaya and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ayutthaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. The dry season in Ayutthaya is October to April. The rainy season in Ayutthaya is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ayutthaya. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 180 mm (7.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Ayutthaya. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Ayutthaya during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya in the Winter?

Both Ayutthaya and Ao Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ayutthaya year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in January than Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ayutthaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ayutthaya receives 276 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Ayutthaya fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Ayutthaya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Ayutthaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Ayutthaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

October to April in Ayutthaya is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Ayutthaya. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Ayutthaya receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ayutthaya this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ayutthaya during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Ayutthaya receives 262 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ayutthaya can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Ayutthaya. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Ayutthaya averages at about 31°C (88°F).

Typical Weather for Ayutthaya and Ao Nang