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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kaikoura? 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. Ao Nang is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a nature-oriented, biologically diverse, and unique town. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Kaikoura travel costs.

Ao Nang and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kaikoura. Although Ao Nang and Kaikoura are both popular with visitors, Kaikoura has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kaikoura is more popular for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Ao Nang is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Kaikoura is popular for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes. It is also home to its whale watching trips.

How is Ao Nang different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Kaikoura and Ao Nang.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Kaikoura offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kaikoura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

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 Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Ao Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Kaikoura. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Kaikoura is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Kaikoura is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Kaikoura is considered a top beach destination. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Ao Nang and Kaikoura.

Ao Nang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Kaikoura is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Kaikoura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Kaikoura is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Kaikoura is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Kaikoura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. 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.

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

Ao Nang and Kaikoura are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Ao Nang. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kaikoura. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town 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 quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Ao Nang or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable town. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kaikoura due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kaikoura than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kaikoura that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Kaikoura 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 Kaikoura?

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kaikoura, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Kaikoura, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kaikoura has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Kaikoura?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Kaikoura. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Kaikoura is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Ao Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ao Nang 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 Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Ao Nang.

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 Kaikoura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kaikoura?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Kaikoura, 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.