A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Hat Yai for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai? 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 accessible, popular, and beachfront town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a cultural, lively, and festive city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Hat Yai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hat Yai. Although Ao Nang and Hat Yai are popular destinations, Hat Yai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hat Yai is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Hat Yai and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Hat Yai is famous for its local markets, its traditional restaurants, and its colorful temples. It is also well known for Wat Hat Yai Nai.

How is Ao Nang different from Hat Yai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai?

Hat Yai is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hat Yai. The city has many temples to explore such as Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol and Wat Hat Yai Nai.

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 Hat Yai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hat Yai is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Hat Yai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Eating is really what you do in this city. There is amazing street food, impressive floating restaurants, and authentic cuisine that locals and visitors alike enjoy. The dishes include lots of seafood and some Chinese influences.

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 Hat Yai Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Hat Yai is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Ao Nang has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hat Yai. It's a big city, so there are plenty of clubs and bars where you can party late into the night.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is notable for its resorts. However, Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Hat Yai is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Hat Yai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beach. However, Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ao Nang. 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.

Hat Yai is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai. It's a large commercial hub in southern Thailand and many visitors come specifically for the shopping. There are many markets in town and places to buy everything from local products to trendy clothes.

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 Hat Yai Better for Families?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some play places for the kids and kid-friendly meals are available in many places. There are also some animal farms and parks near town where kids and adults can enjoy a natural setting.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Couples?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for couples. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for romance.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Hat Yai is not the best destination for a couple to visit. Most people pass through the city on their way to other places, but if you chose to linger you'll enjoy amazing food and some interesting activities around town.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is notable for backpackers. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ao Nang is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Hat Yai is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are hostels in the city, as well as cheap hotels, but the backpacker vibe isn't the same as what you get in other Thai cities. If you want more authenticity, then this is your place.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Hat Yai. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by tuk tuk or motorbike taxi.

Is Ao Nang or Hat Yai a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Hat Yai is a mediocre city for its walkability.

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

Hat Yai is generally not a very walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Hat Yai or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Hat Yai. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ao Nang than Hat Yai. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Hat Yai.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ao Nang than Hat Yai. 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 Hat Yai 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 Hat Yai?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Hat Yai, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

In Hat Yai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hat Yai has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Hat Yai is a great place to explore. 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 Hat Yai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hat Yai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hat Yai. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

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 Hat Yai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Hat Yai?

Hat Yai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Hat Yai, 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 Hat Yai?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Hat Yai. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hat Yai throughout the year.

August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Hat Yai. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 206 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai in the Autumn?

Both Hat Yai and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Hat Yai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. The rainy season in Hat Yai is May to December. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hat Yai. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 182 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hat Yai averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai in the Winter?

Both Hat Yai and Ao Nang during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hat Yai year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. January to April is the dry season in Hat Yai. Hat Yai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Hat Yai, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hat Yai receives 221 hours of full sun.

In January, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Hat Yai. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Hat Yai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Hat Yai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Hat Yai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Hat Yai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

January to April in Hat Yai is the dry season. Also, May to December is the rainy season in Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Hat Yai. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Hat Yai receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hat Yai this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hat Yai during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Hat Yai receives 265 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Hat Yai in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Hat Yai fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Hat Yai and Ao Nang