A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Kao-hsiung for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung? 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.

Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung?

Ao Nang

If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.

Kao-hsiung

Kaohsiung is the second-most populated city and also the largest port city in the country, located in the south of Taiwan. Compared to Taipei, the lifestyle in Kaohsiung is laid-back and noticeably slower, populated with friendly locals. However, with Taipei in the spotlight, Kaohsiung is often overlooked, though it offers so much in the way of art and culture, history, and delicious food.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in Taiwan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Taiwan.


Which place is cheaper, Kao-hsiung or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $136, while the average daily cost in Kao-hsiung is $134. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ao Nang and Kao-hsiung in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Kao-hsiung $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Kao-hsiung $120
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Kao-hsiung

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ao Nang


Hotels in Kao-hsiung


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices and Kao-hsiung Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $64
    Kao-hsiung $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi: Ao Nang To or From Phi Phi By Fast Speedboat Transfer: $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kao-hsiung

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kao-hsiung:

  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport to Kenting: $138
  • Private Transfer from Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Kaohsiung Port : $75
  • Private Kaohsiung Airport to Taitung Resorts Arrival Transfer: $192
  • Kaohsiung Airport Chauffeur service , Kaohsiung Airport Transfer : $50
  • Kaohsiung Airport -> Kaohsiung Hotel Private Transfer (Large room for luggage) : $35
  • Kaohsiung Airport (KHH) to Guanziling Resorts - Arrival Transfer: $134
  • Guanziling Resorts to Kaohsiung Airport KHH Departure Transfer: $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung?

Prices for flights to both Kao-hsiung and Ao Nang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ao Nang $49
    Kao-hsiung $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kao-hsiung

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kao-hsiung.

  • Sunset Dinner on Monkey Mountain : $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $13
    Kao-hsiung $22

Tours and Activities in Kao-hsiung

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kao-hsiung are as follows:

  • 1 day tour - Kaohsiung: $200
  • Alishan Day Tour from Kaohsiung (Incl. Park Entrance): $90
  • Buddha Museum- Half Day Tour : $90
  • Classic Northern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Classic Southern Kaohsiung Day Tour: $60
  • Food and Culture Walking Tour in Tainan: $78
  • Kaohsiung Area Classic Tour: $255
  • Kaohsiung City Walking Day Tour: $70
  • Kaohsiung Departure - Tainan City Day Tour: $220
  • Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $48
  • Kaohsiung Private Tour with Transportation : $249
  • Kaohsiung Suburbs Full-Day Tour: $220

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $17
    Kao-hsiung $11


When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Kao-hsiung, 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 Kao-hsiung Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kao-hsiung?

Kao-hsiung has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Kao-hsiung, 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.