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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kanazawa? 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. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a well-preserved, historic, and cultural city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Kanazawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Kanazawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Kanazawa is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Kanazawa is well known for its history, preserved architecture, and classically landscaped gardens.

How is Ao Nang different from Kanazawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kanazawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history and you can visit the Kanazawa Castle, the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses, and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area. There are also museums such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.

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 Kanazawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Kanazawa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a long history to the city's cuisine and you'll find many diverse dishes that combine traditional ingredients with international fusion. The cuisine uses a lot of seafood, but you'll also find the one pot meal of Hanton Rice, Oden (hot pot), and Jibu-ni (made with duck and vegetables).

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 Kanazawa Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Ao Nang for the nightlife scene. 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 Kanazawa. The town has everything from international style bars to local theaters that let you experience the traditional Japanese culture.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ao Nang. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Kanazawa is not a resort destination.

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

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

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Kanazawa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Kanazawa is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa Better for its Old Town?

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

Kanazawa has an old town worth visiting. It's fascinating to visit both the Higashi Chaya Area with preserved Geisha houses and the Nagamachi Samurai House Area which has preserved samurai houses that line two canals. You can enter a few of the houses to see the traditional way of life.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa. The city has many shopping districts that include department stores, traditional stores, and large markets. This is a great place to do some souvenir shopping.

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 Kanazawa Better for Families?

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

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 Kanazawa. Myouryuji Temple is a fun temple for kids where they can play ninja and discover the hidden spaces. When the kids are burned out of history, head to Tedori Fish Land which is a theme park in the area or check out the slides at Kenmin Seaside Park. There's also the Dolls Museum and the beautiful coastline.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Kanazawa 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.

Kanazawa is a nice destination for couples. The city has markets, museums, and gardens that are fun to explore as a couple. You can visit the Kanazawa Castle or sample one of the many restaurants around town.

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

Ao Nang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kanazawa 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kanazawa. There are a handful of hostels and affordable accommodation options that backpackers can choose from.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa Better for Students?

Kanazawa is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Kanazawa. It has a good educational environment with high quality educational institutions that appeal to international students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Kanazawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are two main buses that tourists use in town. The Kenrokuen Shuttle goes between the Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Gardens and the Kanazawa Loop Bus runs from Kanazawa Station via the Teramachi area, the Higashi Chaya District, and Omicho Market.

Is Ao Nang or Kanazawa a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Kanazawa are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Kanazawa is very walkable. The city is relatively walkable with some rolling hills. It's possible to walk to Kanazawa Castle from Kanazawa Station in about 35 minutes.

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

Should I spend more time in Kanazawa or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Kanazawa to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa.

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

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 Kanazawa, you'll find nightlife and 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 Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kanazawa. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kanazawa?

Kanazawa has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Kanazawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kanazawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Kanazawa. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Kanazawa in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kanazawa in the Winter?

Both Kanazawa and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kanazawa can be very cold during winter. Ao Nang is much warmer than Kanazawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kanazawa in the Spring?

Both Kanazawa and Ao Nang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Ao Nang is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Ao Nang