Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Guilin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Guilin? 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $107Guilin $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $67. 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $52Guilin $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $104Guilin $68
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Guilin? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $56Guilin $5.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Guilin hotel: $92
- Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Xingping hotel: $64
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80
- Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
- Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Yangshuo: $49
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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
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Food Meals for one dayAo Nang $24Guilin $22
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: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $11Guilin $28
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $16
- Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $22
- Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $24
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
- Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $27
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
- Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
- From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $35
- Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
- Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
- 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
- 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
- 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
- 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Cycling and Yulong bamboo boat Private Tour: $94
- 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Hiking along the Yulong river Private Tour: $103
- 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
- 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204
- 1 day Li River cruise & Yangshuo countryside private day tour : $120
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $45
- 1-Day Guilin Tour to Reed Flute Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat and Night Show: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $15Guilin $5.72
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Guilin, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
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 Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin and Ao Nang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Guilin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Guilin 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 July than Guilin. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Guilin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
In October, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Guilin. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Guilin. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ao Nang is much warmer than Guilin in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Guilin in the Spring?
Both Guilin and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.
In the spring, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Guilin averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Guilin. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.