A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Hangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ao Nang or Hangzhou?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

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


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $136, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $80. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Hangzhou $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Hangzhou $48
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Hangzhou? 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.

Hotels in Ao Nang


Hotels in Hangzhou


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $64
    Hangzhou $8.24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi: Ao Nang To or From Phi Phi By Fast Speedboat Transfer: $31

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
  • Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $75
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $72
  • Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou: $88
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Private Transfer to Mogan Mountian from Hangzhou: $85
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ao Nang $49
    Hangzhou $31

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.38
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $13
    Hangzhou $20

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
  • 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $113
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $188
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
  • 7 hours Hangzhou Tour Itinerary: $219
  • All Inclusive Tour of Lingyin Temple and Pagoda of Six Harmonies: $199
  • Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
  • Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $17
    Hangzhou $10


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

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 Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

Both Hangzhou 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 July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hangzhou in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hangzhou. In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou 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 April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)