A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Dewa Sanzan for Backpackers, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan? 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 popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a sacred, remote, and traditional religious site. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Ao Nang and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its museums & sights and hiking. Ao Nang is more touristy than Dewa Sanzan and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Dewa Sanzan is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges.

How is Ao Nang different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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 Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Ao Nang has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is very good for the beache. However, Dewa Sanzan 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

Ao Nang is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Ao Nang is very good for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly town. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Dewa Sanzan make for a good place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is a nice destination for couples. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Dewa Sanzan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan 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, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its public transit.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Dewa Sanzan. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ao Nang than Dewa Sanzan. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ao Nang than Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular town of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This religious site offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Dewa Sanzan, you'll find museums. 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 Dewa Sanzan has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

The lively town of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dewa Sanzan. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Dewa Sanzan. 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 Historical Tours in Japan, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan.

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

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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

In July, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Ao Nang during the autumn 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 visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun.

Dewa Sanzan 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 October than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Dewa Sanzan receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dewa Sanzan receives 188 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Ao Nang