A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Koh Chang for Beaches, Couples, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang? 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 popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a serene, tranquil, and scenic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Koh Chang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Koh Chang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its museums & sights, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Koh Chang is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Koh Chang and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Koh Chang is well known for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches.

How is Ao Nang different from Koh Chang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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).

Koh Chang offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

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

Both Ao Nang and Koh Chang offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Chang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Koh Chang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Koh Chang has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Koh Chang offer a relatively similar set of very good luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Chang. The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Ao Nang to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Koh Chang has a few snorkeling spots. You can book a snorkeling or dive trip to the nearby islands for the best experience. The beaches on Koh Chang are sandy with very few rocks and coral, so walk in snorkeling is limited.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang Better for Beaches?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Chang. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.

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 Koh Chang Better for Hiking?

Koh Chang is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Koh Chang. Very few people actually head inland to go hiking, but if you do it can be a rewarding experience. It's a challenge to hike on the island though, as there are no marked trails. You'll need to hire a guide for any trekking that you wish to do.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

Ao Nang is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Chang has some nice offerings. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang Better for Families?

Koh Chang is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Koh Chang. The laid back vibe is perfect for families who want to get away from the party scene and overdevelopment that's found at many Thai islands. The island has kid-friendly beaches, great hiking, and resorts with pools and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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 Koh Chang Better for Couples?

Koh Chang is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Chang makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island is a perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are beautiful resorts that have the charm and character that is lost at many of the more developed parts of Thailand. There are also beaches that cater to every travel style, including upscale and idyllic gems.

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 Koh Chang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Koh Chang are both very good 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 Koh Chang. Most of the backpackers hang out around Lonely Beach, which also has a bit of a party vibe.

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

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

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 Koh Chang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Chang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Koh Chang is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

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

Koh Chang is generally not very walkable. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Chang or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

In either Ao Nang or Koh Chang, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Chang than Ao Nang because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 3-5 days is enough time in Koh Chang.

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

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Koh Chang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This island 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 Koh Chang?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beachfront destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Koh Chang, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Ao Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Koh Chang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Chang has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Chang. Many people enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting Koh Chang. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

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 Koh Chang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang in the Summer?

Both Koh Chang and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Chang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 440 mm (17.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Koh Chang during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 143 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang in the Autumn?

Both Koh Chang and Ao Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Chang year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. November to February is the dry season in Koh Chang. June to October is the rainy season in Koh Chang. Koh Chang 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 more rain in October than Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 193 hours of full sun.

In October, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Chang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Koh Chang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Koh Chang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. November to February in Koh Chang is the dry season. In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Chang this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Chang receives 282 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Chang in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Chang fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Chang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Koh Chang. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Chang throughout the year.

June to October in Koh Chang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Chang. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Chang receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Chang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Chang. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Chang receives 247 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Chang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Chang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Chang and Ao Nang