A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 lively, accessible, and popular town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a world renowned, majestic, and dramatic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Ao Nang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are popular destinations, Ao Nang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for the Island Boat Tours. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is famous for its iconic peak, pristine lakes, rugged coastline, and timeless forests.

How is Ao Nang different from Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Due to its spiritual nature, there have been many shrines built at the base of Mount Fuji. You can visit the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, which is one of the most significant. Hakone also has many art museums as well as the fascinating Hakone Open-Air Museum.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. If you're planning to climb Mount Fuji, you'll want to make reservations for meals at the mountain huts. Dinner is typically a curry rice and a take away breakfast is usually available that has simple ingredients.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for the beach. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are hikes within each of the sections of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but the most famous section is the area around the iconic Mount Fuji. The climbing season is between July and mid September and there are four main trails that lead to the summit. You can take a bus to the Fifth Station and pick up any of the trails at that point. There are also mountain huts where you may take a rest or spend the night. In the Hakone area, you'll find hot springs and several popular trails such as the Hakone Ropeway and the Mount Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake Trail. The Izu Peninsula is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged cliffs, and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the Izu Islands are a string of islands that can be reached by ferry.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Families?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. As Japan's most visited national park, you'll find many trails and activities for families. There are a number of kid-friendly hiking trails, as well as nature courses and educational programs.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Couples?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The park is an iconic setting, and couples who enjoy nature will appreciate the forested setting with its waterfalls, lava caves, and stunning natural beauty. The park has beautiful sweeping views that will take your breath away.

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Because it's a popular tourist destination, transportation to and from the park is relatively easy. There are also a number of amenities and resources available that will help backpackers enjoy their trip.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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

You'll find some public transit in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are train and bus systems within the park that connect the different sections. In the Mount Fuji area, buses leave from the Kawaguchiko and Fujisan Stations. Transportation may take longer than you expect, so it's best to plan accordingly.

Is Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its walkability.

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

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is somewhat walkable. There are countless hiking trails throughout the park that give you access to the region's natural beauty.

For even more information, also check out Is Ao Nang Worth Visiting? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Couples should spend more time in Ao Nang than Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

The beachfront destination of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, you'll find museums. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

In Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beachfront town of Ao Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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. Also, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 less rain in April than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Ao Nang