A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Bali for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Ao Nang or Bali?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Bali? 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Bali: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Bali?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bali. Although Ao Nang and Bali are both popular with visitors, Bali has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bali is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its museums. Bali is more touristy than Ao Nang and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. It is also home to Pura Lempuyang. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Bali?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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 Bali Better for Nightlife?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Bali Better for Resorts?

Bali is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

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.

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

Bali is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Bali Better for Beaches?

Bali is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

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 Bali Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Bali. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Bali?

Bali 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 Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali Better for Families?

Bali 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 Bali. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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 Bali Better for Couples?

Bali is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

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 Bali Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

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

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

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 Bali, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Ao Nang or Bali a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable town. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bali or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Bali?

Both Ao Nang and Bali have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than in Ao Nang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 5-7 days is enough time in Bali.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bali 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 Bali.

One day in Ao Nang or Bali?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bali, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island 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 Bali?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bali, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ao Nang or Bali?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beachfront destination of Ao Nang. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bali is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bali has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Bali?

The beachfront town of Ao Nang offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Bali. In Bali, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Bali, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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 Bali Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Bali?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Bali, 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 Bali?

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 Bali in the Summer?

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

August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Bali. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Bali in the Autumn?

Both Bali 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 Bali 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 rainy season in Bali is October to March. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Bali. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

It's quite sunny in Bali. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Bali during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Bali in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Bali in the Winter?

Both Bali 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 Bali year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Bali. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Bali averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Bali in the Spring?

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

April to September in Bali is the dry season. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Bali. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Typical Weather for Bali and Ao Nang