A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Gold Coast? 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ao Nang and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gold Coast. Although Ao Nang and Gold Coast are popular destinations, Gold Coast has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gold Coast is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also well known for the long sandy beaches. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?

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

Gold Coast offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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 Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Gold Coast has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Gold Coast is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's high quality scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ao Nang and Gold Coast.

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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast 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, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

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

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast, as it is a very popular coastline for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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 Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Gold Coast. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Is Ao Nang or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great town for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.

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

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

Both Ao Nang and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Ao Nang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

Couples should spend more time in Gold Coast than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gold Coast that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Ao Nang 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

With shopping and nightlife around the beachfront town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Gold Coast, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastline 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 Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Gold Coast, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. 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 Gold Coast?

Ao Nang, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gold Coast has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. In Gold Coast, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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 Gold Coast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coastin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 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 Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Gold Coast. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Gold Coastin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 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 Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Gold Coast during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast 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 April than Gold Coastin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Ao Nang