A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Can Tho for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ao Nang or Can Tho?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Can Tho? 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 is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Can Tho

Can Tho is a fascinating, vibrant, and friendly city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Can Tho travel costs.

Ao Nang and Can Tho: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Can Tho?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Can Tho. Although Ao Nang and Can Tho are both popular with visitors, Can Tho has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Can Tho is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Can Tho is popular for its colorful floating markets, fresh produce, friendly people, and intricate waterways. It is also home to Cai Rang Floating Market.

How is Ao Nang different from Can Tho?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Can Tho offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main attraction nearby is Cai Rang Floating Market, but visitors also enjoy seeing Binh Thuy Ancient House, the Can Tho Rice Noodle Factory, Ong pagoda, and Nam Nha Pagoda.

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 Can Tho? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Can Tho has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's the largest city in the Mekong Delta, and there are many restaurants with rooftop views and lively atmospheres. The food is local and fresh. Grilled meats, noodle soup, and local produce are all popular. Many visitors come to Cantho specifically to experience the nearby floating markets. You really must sample the many dishes available at the markets, which are unique to the area and offer a whole new approach to street food.

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 Can Tho Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Ao Nang for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Can Tho. The city is very beautiful at night with many colorful lights. There are a number of bars and places for tourists to hang out and socialize.

Is Ao Nang or Can Tho Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Can Tho 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.

Can Tho is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Can Tho Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Can Tho is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Can Tho Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is very good for the beach. However, Can Tho is not a beach destination.

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.

Can Tho is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Can Tho?

Can Tho is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Can Tho specifically to go shopping. The city is large with malls and a central market, but most visitors come specifically for the nearby floating markets. These unique markets are best visited by boat. Goods and food are sold out of vendor boats and popular food dishes include noodle soup and local fruits. Each boat has a tall bamboo stick displaying the items that it sells.

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 Can Tho More Beautiful?

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

Ao Nang is a beautiful place to visit, too. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Can Tho is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Can Tho Better for Families?

Can Tho 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 Can Tho. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the floating markets and the beautiful Mekong Delta. Most visitors use this growing city as a base for exploring the area, which has a fascinating culture and interesting sights.

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 Can Tho Better for Couples?

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

Can Tho makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can take a romantic evening boat ride on the Mekong Delta. During the morning hours, the floating markets are one of Vietnam's most interesting destinations. You can sample local dishes and experience a completely different way of life.

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 Can Tho Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Can Tho 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 Can Tho. This is a large city with a number of hostels and many backpackers who pass through during their trip to the floating markets and through the Mekong Delta.

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

Ao Nang is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Can Tho is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Ao Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Can Tho. There are local buses, but many visitors come to this area as part of an organized tour because transportation can be a bit a tricky.

Is Ao Nang or Can Tho a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Can Tho is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Can Tho is a somewhat walkable town. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Can Tho or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Can Tho?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Can Tho to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Can Tho 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 Can Tho.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Can Tho 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 Can Tho?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Can Tho, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Can Tho?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

In Can Tho, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Can Tho has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Can Tho?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Can Tho is a great place to explore. 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 Can Tho?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Can Tho. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Can Tho. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Hanoi.

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

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 Can Tho Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Can Tho?

Can Tho has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Can Tho, 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 Can Tho?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Can Tho in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Can Tho 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 less rain than Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 313 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 168 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Can Tho in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Can Tho is the dry season. May to November in Can Tho is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Can Tho. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in October than Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 343 mm (13.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 158 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Can Tho in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Can Tho fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Can Tho in the Winter?

Both Can Tho 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. Plenty of visitors come to Can Tho because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Can Tho. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Can Tho during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Can Tho receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Can Tho. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Can Tho averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Can Tho in the Spring?

Both Can Tho 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Can Tho year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Can Tho. May to November is the rainy season in Can Tho. Can Tho 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 April than Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Can Tho receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Can Tho, 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 Can Tho. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Can Tho receives 235 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Can Tho and Ao Nang