A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Nightlife, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Ao Nang or Brisbane?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Brisbane? 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 lively, accessible, and popular town. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Brisbane travel costs.

Ao Nang and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Brisbane?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane. Although Ao Nang and Brisbane are popular destinations, Brisbane has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brisbane is very popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre.

How is Ao Nang different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Brisbane offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ao Nang and Brisbane offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Brisbane is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

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

Brisbane is considered a top beach destination. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

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 Brisbane Better for Hiking?

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

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

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 Brisbane More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane Better for Families?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Brisbane make for a nice 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Ao Nang and Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane Better for Students?

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

Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Brisbane.

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 Brisbane, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Ao Nang or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Brisbane are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Brisbane?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Brisbane?

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.

In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Brisbane?

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.

In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Brisbane has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ao Nang is in Asia and Brisbane is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Brisbane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Brisbanein January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Brisbane. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Ao Nang during the spring 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, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Ao Nang