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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi? 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 beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical, dramatic, and stunning 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 Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its museums and shopping. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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 Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Both Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi offer a number of good 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 Phi Phi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Koh Phi Phi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

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.

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

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

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 Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

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 Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Ao Nang offers lots of family activities. 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.

Koh Phi Phi is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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 Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Phi Phi is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Koh Phi Phi, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi.

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 Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats that you can hire.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

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

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable town. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

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

How long in Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Koh Phi Phi than Ao Nang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Phi Phi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than Ao Nang 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 Koh Phi Phi.

One day in Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. 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 Phi Phi?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the accessible destination of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Koh Phi Phi, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Phi Phi has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

The popular town of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Phi Phi. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Phi Phi. 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 Phi Phi, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi.

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 Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Koh Phi Phi?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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 Phi Phi in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Koh Phi Phi 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 around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. May to November in Koh Phi Phi is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. In January, Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Phi Phi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

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

Both Koh Phi Phi 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi 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 April as Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun.

In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang