Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ao Nang or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Harbin? 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $121Harbin $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $121, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $56. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $58Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $116Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Harbin? 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.
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 $63Harbin $1.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Phuket - Krabi, Aonang: $150
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $117
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $24
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $20
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $20
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $45
- One way Private transfer from Krabi airport to Ao Nang: $33
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $45
- Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $113
- Krabi: Ao Nang To/From Phi Phi By Fast Speed Boat Transfer: $27
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $28
- Ko Lanta: Speed Boat Transfer Direct to Aonang: $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private Transfer to China's Snow Town from Yabuli Ski Resort: $107
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $117
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $117
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 dayAo Nang $28Harbin $14
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: 7-Island Sunset & Dinner - Join tour by Longtail boat: $42
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $43
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $45
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $52
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $56
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $142
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Private City and Food Tour: $200
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Harbin $54
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV adventure 1hour drive: $44
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $30
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $36
- ATV adventure and shooting range: $63
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat: $39
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $30
- Rafting, Zipline, and Waterfall Trek Adventure Tour: $46
- From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $51
- From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $66
- From Krabi: 4 Islands Sunset Tour+Plankton by Speedboat: $51
- From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $137
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- 4Hour Tour Heilongjiang Museum to Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral: $250
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Harbin Ice Festival /Harbin Ice and Snow World Entrance Ticket: $100
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $17Harbin $8.05
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and a T-Shirt: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Harbin, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.
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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
Harbin 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 Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.
In July, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Ao Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Ao Nang is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Harbin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Harbin. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.