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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kamakura? 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint, charming, and laid back coastal city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kamakura travel costs.

Ao Nang and Kamakura: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Kamakura?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kamakura than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kamakura is better known for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and hiking, while Ao Nang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Kamakura is well known for its historic temples and shrines as well as its popular beaches. Also, Kamakura is famous for the Great Buddha.

How is Ao Nang different from Kamakura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kamakura offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This ancient city is filled with historic landmarks such as the Great Buddha, Hokokuji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and Hachimangu Shrine, among many others.

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 Kamakura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kamakura has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Dining is part of the fun in this beautiful town. There are many great restaurants where you can sample luxury dishes, but there are also street food stalls with egg pancakes or noodle dishes.

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 Kamakura Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Kamakura.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Kamakura is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a diverse mix of bars and music venues. The nightlife scene is particularly active during the summer months when visitors head to the beach, but throughout the year you'll find tachinomiya standing bars, international style pubs, and jazz clubs where locals like to hang out.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Kamakura are notable choices.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Kamakura to enjoy the beach. Many locals from Tokyo or Yokohama head here during July and August to cool off at the beach, relax in the sun, and go surfing. The beaches can get crowded, but they're long and sandy and can make for a nice escape.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for its Old Town?

Kamakura is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Kamakura has an old town worth visiting. It's a quaint historic town with many shrines, temples, and historic landmarks that reflect its long running political past.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for Hiking?

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

Kamakura is a good destination for hiking. Just outside of town there are many hiking trails that crisscross through the wooded hills and connect the many temples. Many of the trails are relatively short and take just an hour or two to complete.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Kamakura?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Ao Nang and Kamakura.

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.

Kamakura is a great destination for shopping. While the city itself is ancient, you can head to Kamakura Komachi-dori Street to find trendy boutiques and modern shopping. This is a popular place to pick up a souvenir or check out the current fashions.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Kamakura 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.

Kamakura is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for Families?

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

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 Kamakura. It's a town that's filled with history and character, which isn't every kids cup of tea. If you're traveling with young kids you might want to head to beach for a bit. There are also ice cream and donut shops that you can use as well to break up the sightseeing.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura Better for Couples?

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

Kamakura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy visiting this quaint town as a day trip from Tokyo. There are impressive temples as well as restaurants and gardens.

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 Kamakura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Kamakura is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's an easy day trip from Tokyo, but there are also some affordable hostels that make it an easy place to spend the night.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ao Nang and Kamakura.

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

You'll find some public transit in Kamakura, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a city bus system, but for the more remote places you'll want to take a taxi.

Is Ao Nang or Kamakura a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Kamakura is not as famous, but is still a good coastal city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Kamakura is a somewhat walkable place. It's a small city, and most of the sights can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kamakura or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Kamakura?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Kamakura to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Kamakura because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kamakura.

Couples should spend more time in Kamakura than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kamakura 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 Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

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 Kamakura, you'll find nightlife and food. This coastal 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 Kamakura?

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 Kamakura, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Kamakura has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura?

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 Kamakura. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kamakura. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Kamakura, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Kamakura Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kamakura?

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

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Kamakura. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kamakura in the Autumn?

Both Kamakura 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. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kamakura. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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. Also, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 175 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kamakura in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Ao Nang is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Ao Nang