A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Chichibu-Tama-Kai for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a natural, beautiful, and peaceful national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Ao Nang and Chichibu-Tama-Kai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Chichibu-Tama-Kai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Chichibu-Tama-Kai and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Chichibu-Tama-Kai is well known for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo.

How is Ao Nang different from Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Ao Nang. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is great for nightlife. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ao Nang. 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Hiking?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for shopping. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Families?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This national park offers educational programs, hiking, and outdoor adventures that the entire family can enjoy. If you kids need a break from history and cities, then this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature for a few days.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Couples?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Hiking, natural beauty, and adrenaline-filled adventures all make this a wonderful couples destination for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of town.

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chichibu-Tama-Kai is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for backpackers.

Ao Nang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's less than two hours from Tokyo, so backpackers can enjoy easy access to an accessible natural area.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. It's recommended that you have a car to efficiently explore the park. There are some bus options within the park, such as the Nishi Tokyo Bus that runs to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas and the Yamanashi Kotsu bus service that goes to trails in Yamanashi.

Is Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Chichibu-Tama-Kai are excellent 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.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is very walkable. There are hiking trails that cater to every level, from beginner to more experienced.

For even more information, also check out Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chichibu-Tama-Kai or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

With shopping and nightlife around the popular town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Chichibu-Tama-Kai, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chichibu-Tama-Kai has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Chichibu-Tama-Kai is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many people enjoy the when visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.

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

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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai?

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai averages at about 25°C (78°F).

Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 135 mm (5.3 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chichibu-Tama-Kai because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 116 mm (4.6 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 Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Winter?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chichibu-Tama-Kai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. Ao Nang is much warmer than Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Chichibu-Tama-Kai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Chichibu-Tama-Kai in the Spring?

Both Chichibu-Tama-Kai 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, many travelers come to Chichibu-Tama-Kai for the natural beauty.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Chichibu-Tama-Kai receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chichibu-Tama-Kai and Ao Nang