A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Jakarta for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Jakarta?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Jakarta? 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. Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a diverse, genuine, and sprawling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Jakarta travel costs.

Ao Nang and Jakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Jakarta?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jakarta than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Jakarta is well known for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls. Also, Jakarta is famous for Istiqlal Mosque.

How is Ao Nang different from Jakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

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 Jakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Jakarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

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 Jakarta Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great town for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Ao Nang has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Jakarta is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Jakarta is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a great town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Jakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its beaches. However, Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Jakarta is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Jakarta?

Jakarta 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 Jakarta. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

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 Jakarta More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Jakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Jakarta.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jakarta. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Jakarta make for a notable place to visit.

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.

Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Ao Nang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

While Ao Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.

Is Ao Nang or Jakarta a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great town for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Jakarta or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Jakarta?

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

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Jakarta. 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 Jakarta. 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 Jakarta 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 Jakarta?

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.

Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Jakarta?

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.

Because Jakarta is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Jakarta has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Jakarta?

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.

Jakarta 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 Jakarta?

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 Jakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Jakarta. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia.

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

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 Jakarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Jakarta?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 1070 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Jakarta, 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.