Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)? 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.
Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)?
Ao Nang
If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
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 South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $116Busan (Pusan) $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $116, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ao Nang and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $56Busan (Pusan) $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $112Busan (Pusan) $82
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $61Busan (Pusan) $21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $19
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $19
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $24
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $24
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $26
- Krabi: Ao Nang To/From Phi Phi By Fast Speed Boat Transfer: $27
- One way Private transfer from Krabi airport to Ao Nang: $33
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $34
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $45
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $45
- Ko Lanta: Speed Boat Transfer Direct to Aonang: $56
- Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Private Transfer from Busan hotels to Busan Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $81
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan city hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $87
- Busan to Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Busan hotels to Busan Airport (PUS) - Departure Private Transfer: $123
- Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
- Busan Airport (PUS) to Busan Hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $123
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Ao Nang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAo Nang $26Busan (Pusan) $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $45
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $55
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $141
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
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McDonald's$4.62
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Carp Bread$0.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $50
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $65
- Vegan Friendly Korean Food Cooking Class: $70
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $95
- Busan big Barbecue dinner at the garden : $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Busan (Pusan) $20
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $17
- Krabi: Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure: $24
- Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $24
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $25
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $27
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $30
- Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $30
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $30
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $34
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $36
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $36
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- 1 Day Private Busan Guided Tour: $300
- A well-rounded small group Busan tour with a certified guide: $46
- Autumn Naejangsan National Park Day Tour from Busan: $49
- Busan City Tour - Haedong Yonggung Temple And Shopping in Lotte Premium Outlet: $289
- Busan City Tour Including Haedong Yonggungsa Temple And APEC House: $290
- Busan Glowing Panorama Private Night Tour for Max 6 Guests: $300
- Busan Hidden Gems Private Tour with a Certified Guide: $89
- Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour (Max 7): $68
- Busan Night Tour Including a Cruise w/ Fireworks: $110
- Busan ONE-DAY Highlights for PRIVATE CRUISE PASSENGER'S: $250
- Busan Pick up & Drop off (Anywhere) or Night View Tour: $65
- Busan Private Taxi Car Charter Tour: $239
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $16Busan (Pusan) $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and a T-Shirt: $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Busan (Pusan)
Also in Busan (Pusan), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Busan Pub Crawl: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan).
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 Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 460 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Busan (Pusan), 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 Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) 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 Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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 Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 166 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
Ao Nang is much warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) 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.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In Busan (Pusan), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Busan (Pusan) receives 200 hours of full sun.
Ao Nang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Busan (Pusan) during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Busan (Pusan) receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.