A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Fiordland National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park? 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Ao Nang and Fiordland National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Fiordland National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fiordland National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Fiordland National Park is well known for its world renowned hiking trails and stunning natural environments.

How is Ao Nang different from Fiordland National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Ao Nang is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Fiordland National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang is very good for its restaurants. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Fiordland National Park. Te Anau is a town that serves as the basecamp for the park, and there are a range of restaurants and cafes there. Once you're in the park the dining options are limited, so it's best to come prepared with your own food supplies.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Fiordland National Park. There are few amenities in the park, so bring your own drinks and supplies.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is very good for its beaches. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Hiking?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Fiordland National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park has world class hiking, and this is the main activity for most visitors. There are three main trails in the park, as well as many shorter hikes that you can do. Milford Track is probably the most famous hike, and it is often considered one of the best hikes in the world. Routeburn Track is a multi-day trek that passes through a variety of environments and landscapes. Other popular trails include Kepler Track, Hollyford Track, and Dusky Track.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

Ao Nang is very good for shopping. However, Fiordland National Park 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.

Fiordland National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park Better for Families?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Fiordland National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's the largest national park in New Zealand, and it makes a great playground for the whole family. It's the perfect place to go for a hike or learn about the natural world. There are dolphins and seals, waterfalls, and glowworm caves. There are also fun adventures like kayaking and jet skiing.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Couples?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fiordland National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who love the great outdoors will be in heaven in this stunning national park. There's gorgeous scenery, romantic boat trips, and world class hikes that are not to be missed.

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 Fiordland National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fiordland National Park is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fiordland National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. As the largest national park in New Zealand, this is a world class backpackers destination and it is filled with amazing multi-day treks and once in a lifetime experiences.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park 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, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good 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 limited or non-existant in Fiordland National Park. Public transit is basically nonexistent in the park and there are few roads as well. Even so, having your own car is important as it gives you the flexibility to reach the sections that you want to visit.

Is Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Fiordland National Park is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

Ao Nang is very walkable. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Fiordland National Park is generally not very walkable. There are trails throughout the park and it's possible to access it on foot via Routeburn Track from Mt. Aspiring National Park.

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

Should I spend more time in Fiordland National Park or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

Ao Nang and Fiordland National Park both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fiordland National Park than Ao Nang 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 3-6 days is enough time in Fiordland National Park.

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park. 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 Fiordland National Park 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 Fiordland National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the popular town of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This national park 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 Fiordland National Park?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Fiordland National Park, you'll find . The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Fiordland National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fiordland National Park has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Fiordland National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fiordland National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Fiordland National Park. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

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 Fiordland National Park Expensive?.