A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Koh Lipe for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Resorts

Should you visit Ao Nang or Koh Lipe?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Lipe? 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 beachfront, lively, and accessible town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Ao Nang and Koh Lipe: Pros and Cons

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

Both Koh Lipe and Ao Nang have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ao Nang is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Koh Lipe is well known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Ao Nang different from Koh Lipe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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).

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

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

Both Ao Nang and Koh Lipe 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 Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Lipe Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Ao Nang know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Lipe Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Koh Lipe offer a relatively similar set of great 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 Lipe. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

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

Koh Lipe is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Lipe Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

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 Lipe Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Koh Lipe?

Ao Nang is very good for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Lipe Better for Families?

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

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 Lipe Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

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 Lipe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

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

Ao Nang is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Lipe a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Koh Lipe 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.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

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

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

How long in Ao Nang or Koh Lipe?

Both Ao Nang and Koh Lipe have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe than in Ao Nang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 3-7 days is enough time in Koh Lipe.

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

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

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 Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Lipe?

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 Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Lipe?

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.

Koh Lipe 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 Lipe has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Koh Lipe?

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 Koh Lipe. In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Lipe, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lipe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lipe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lipe 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 Lipe.

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 Lipe Expensive?.

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

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

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

Both Koh Lipe and Ao Nang during the summer 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 Lipe year-round.

August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Koh Lipe 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Koh Lipe. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Lipe averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

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

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Koh Lipe. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

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

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Koh Lipe. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Koh Lipe fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

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

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

The dry season in Koh Lipe is December to April. The rainy season in Koh Lipe is May to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Lipe. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Lipe receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Lipe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Lipe averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Lipe and Ao Nang