Should you visit Ao Nang or Koh Tao?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Tao? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
Which city is cheaper, Koh Tao or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $96, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $33. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Ao Nang and Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $92 in Ao Nang For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
The prices for places to stay in Koh Tao can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is $13, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around $26.
Food
Ao Nang food costs typically run travelers around $22 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
In Koh Tao travelers spend around $8.31 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Ao Nang $22
Koh Tao $8.31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Yanui Cape Sunset Catamaran Tour in Phuket with Dinner by We Love Andaman:
$31
Typical Food prices in Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
-
Sit Down Lunch (for One)
$6.12
-
Breakfast
$4.59
-
Casual Breakfast (for Two)
$3.67
-
Fancy Dinner (for Two)
$15
-
Pancake
$2.14
-
American Breakfast (for Two)
$8.56
-
Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)
$8.26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking Class & Local Market Tour:
$23
-
Tom Yum Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$23
-
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking Class:
$25
-
Siamese Cookery House Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok:
$26
-
InFusion Cooking Classes in Koh Samui:
$26
-
Sompong Thai Cooking Class:
$27
-
Galangal Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai:
$28
-
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai:
$29
-
Pum Thai Cooking Class in Patong Beach:
$31
-
Chocolate Cooking Class at SO Sofitel Bangkok:
$31
-
Thai Cooking Course Hua Hin:
$31
-
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy:
$31
Local Transportation
Ao Nang's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend $50 per person, per day on transportation in Ao Nang.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Koh Tao than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $7.78 on transportation in Koh Tao on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Kata Rocks Resort & Residences (8D7N) with free COE Application and Airport Transfers:
$2,321
-
Phuket Airport to Krabi City or Hotel Private Transfer:
$119
-
Krabi Transfer to Khao Lak:
$117
-
Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer:
$111
-
Aonang any hotel to Khao Lak Private transfer:
$110
-
Aonang any hotel to Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer:
$107
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Transfer Arranged by TTD):
$105
-
Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer:
$99
-
Ao Nang Krabi Thai Boxing Stadium Admission Ticket with Return Transfer:
$99
-
Private Transfer Ao Nang Beach Krabi To Phuket Airport:
$90
-
Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang:
$78
-
Private City Transfers between Hua Hin and Bangkok by TTS:
$76
Typical Local Transportation prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental
$5.81
-
Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry
$20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Tao
Also for Koh Tao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test by Nabon Inter Medical Clinic in Phuket (Transfer arranged by TTD):
$21
-
[Next Day Result] COVID-19 RT-PCR Test by Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Transfer Arranged by TTD):
$105
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Phuket with Transfers:
$22
-
Tiger Kingdom Ticket in Chiang Mai with Transfers:
$5.59
-
Shared Airport Bus Transfer Phuket :
$3.09
-
Samui Airport Transfers (USM) for Koh Samui and More:
$15
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya, and More by Oriental Holiday:
$17
-
Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
-
Private Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket and Nearby Areas by TTD:
$22
-
Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More by TTD:
$15
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya:
$18
-
Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok Areas by TTD:
$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Ao Nang can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around $9.79 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Sightseeing expenses in Koh Tao, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $24 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
4 Island Day Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat from Lanta Island:
$31
-
ATV Half Day Adventure in Pattaya:
$28
-
Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel:
$33
-
Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa In and Night Market Visit by TTD:
$31
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Market Visit:
$35
-
Bangkok Floating Markets Day Tour from Siam Paragon by TTD:
$28
-
Dii Wellness Med Spa Experience by Divana at Central Embassy BTS Ploenchit:
$62
-
Go Bangkok e-Scooter Tour:
$46
-
Indoor Go Karting Experience by EasyKart Bangkok:
$13
-
Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD:
$74
-
Krabi Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Kayaking at Klong Nam Sai:
$33
Typical Entertainment prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Kayak Rental (One Hour)
$7.64
-
Snorkel Rental
$3.06
-
Kayak and Snorkel (2)
$3.06
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
-
4 Island Day Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat from Lanta Island:
$31
-
ATV Half Day Adventure in Pattaya:
$28
-
Ancient Ayutthaya Tour: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace & More by AK Travel:
$33
-
Aquaria Phuket Ticket:
$4.95
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa In and Night Market Visit by TTD:
$31
-
Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok with Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Market Visit:
$35
-
Bangkok Floating Markets Day Tour from Siam Paragon by TTD:
$28
-
Dii Wellness Med Spa Experience by Divana at Central Embassy BTS Ploenchit:
$62
-
Go Bangkok e-Scooter Tour:
$46
-
Indoor Go Karting Experience by EasyKart Bangkok:
$13
-
Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD:
$74
-
Krabi Sunrise Tour with Breakfast and Kayaking at Klong Nam Sai:
$33
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Ao Nang spend on average $13 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Koh Tao, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is $6.41.
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
-
PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
Typical Alcohol prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer
$1.99
-
Bottle of Wine
$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Koh Tao
Also in Koh Tao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
PB Valley Vineyard and Wine Tasting Tour in Khao Yai:
$22
-
Bangkok Pub Crawl by Pub Crawls Thailand:
$22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Koh Tao, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Tao.
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