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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cairns? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Cairns?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cairns. Although Ao Nang and Cairns are popular destinations, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Cairns and Ao Nang.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

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

Cairns has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

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 Cairns Better for Nightlife?

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

Cairns is a world class party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Cairns Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Cairns offer a relatively similar set of high quality luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cairns. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

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

Cairns 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 Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

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 Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns 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 Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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 Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Ao Nang or Cairns a more walkable city?

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

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Cairns?

In either Ao Nang or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Ao Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairns, 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 Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns 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 Cairns has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lively destination of Ao Nang. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairns. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Cairns. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

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 Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Cairns?

Cairns has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Cairns, 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 Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns 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, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns 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 travelers come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Cairnsin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 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. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Cairnsin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Cairnsin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Cairns. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches during these months.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in October.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Ao Nang