A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.

Hotels in Ao Nang


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $56
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
  • Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
  • Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ao Nang $24
    Cheju (Jeju) $17

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: $39
  • Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
  • Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $11
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49

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: $16
  • Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
  • Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $22
  • Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $24
  • ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
  • Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $27
  • Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
  • Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
  • Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
  • From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
  • Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $35
  • Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $35

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private 2days Jumbo Taxi Experienced Driver Tour in jeju island : $80
  • West Jeju Full Day Tour Package By Taxi: $184
  • 2 Day Private pictures of Nature Tour in jeju island: $150
  • 2 Days Private Taxi Tour - West and South of Jeju Island: $300
  • 2-Days JUMBO/MINI-VAN Tour in Jeju Island : $110
  • 3days Private Free Schedule Tour a lot of Experience Driver : $170
  • 9 hours tour with a taxi driver in jeju island: $70
  • Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju: $112
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $80
  • East of Jeju island Tour in Sky Water Circus -Package Tour: $140
  • East of jeju private Jumbo taxi tour with Mr.Ko (Suhong): $80
  • Full Day Essential Jeju Island Private tour for West Course: $270

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $15
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


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

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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Ao Nang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) 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 July than Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.

In October, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.

In the spring, Ao Nang is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)