Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ao Nang or Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Dalian? 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 Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $121Dalian $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $121, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $106. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $58Dalian $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $116Dalian $112
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Dalian? 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.
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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $63Dalian $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Phuket - Krabi, Aonang: $150
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $117
- Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $113
- Ko Lanta: Speed Boat Transfer Direct to Aonang: $56
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $45
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $45
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $34
- One way Private transfer from Krabi airport to Ao Nang: $33
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $28
- Krabi: Ao Nang To/From Phi Phi By Fast Speed Boat Transfer: $27
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $26
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 dayAo Nang $28Dalian $28
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: 7-Island Sunset & Dinner - Join tour by Longtail boat: $42
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $45
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $52
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $56
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $142
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Dalian $4.91
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV adventure 1hour drive: $44
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $30
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $36
- ATV adventure and shooting range: $63
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat: $39
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $30
- Rafting, Zipline, and Waterfall Trek Adventure Tour: $46
- From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $51
- From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $66
- From Krabi: 4 Islands Sunset Tour+Plankton by Speedboat: $51
- From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $137
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $17Dalian $6.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and a T-Shirt: $20
When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Dalian, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Dalian?
Dalian has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
Ao Nang is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Dalian 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 Dalian. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Dalian in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Dalian. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Dalian. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian 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.
Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Dalian. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Dalian in the Spring?
Both Dalian 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.
Ao Nang is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Dalian. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.