A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Cromwell for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Cromwell? 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife.

Ao Nang and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, museums, hiking, and small town charm. Ao Nang is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Ao Nang different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cromwell and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Cromwell?

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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 Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ao Nang and Cromwell offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Cromwell offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Ao Nang has something for everybody. 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 Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a great town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beache. However, Cromwell 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.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell 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 Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Cromwell?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Ao Nang and Cromwell.

Ao Nang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Cromwell is a great destination for shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell Better for Families?

Cromwell 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 Cromwell. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

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 Cromwell Better for Couples?

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

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

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 Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell 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, Cromwell is not known 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 Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Ao Nang or Cromwell a more walkable city?

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

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Cromwell?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cromwell than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cromwell 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Cromwell, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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 Cromwell?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Cromwell, you'll find museums and skiing. 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 Cromwell has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Cromwell?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell 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 Cromwell?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cromwell. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Cromwell. 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 Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Cromwell Expensive?.