A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Koh Tao for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Koh Tao? 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a beautiful, tropical, and popular island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Koh Tao: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Tao. Although Ao Nang and Koh Tao are both popular with visitors, Koh Tao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Tao is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its museums. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Koh Tao is popular for its affordable scuba diving courses, laid-back island vibe, popularity with backpackers, and stunning island hikes. It is also home to Mango Bay Viewpoint.

How is Ao Nang different from Koh Tao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Tao 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 Tao offers a few options for museum-goers. It's a small island that is all about beachfront beauty. Most visitors enjoy the island's outdoor paradise setting, but on those rainy afternoons, there really are very few indoor activities or temples to visit.

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

Koh Tao is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Koh Tao has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a huge ex-pat community on the island, and with them they bring a variety of international cuisines. There are also local establishments that sell the typical Thai dishes with lots of seafood, curries, and noodle dishes. It's fun to enjoy a beachside restaurant that lets you sit right by the water looking off into a tropical paradise.

Ao Nang offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Tao Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Koh Tao.

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 Tao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. While most people head for the island for its scuba diving, when the sun goes down everyone heads to the beach to party. The island has a very active nightlife scene with its own Full Moon Parties, dance clubs, beachside bars, and more. Head to Sairee Beach for the most active nightlife and entertainment options.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Tao Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Koh Tao 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 Tao. While it's mostly famous as a diving destination, there are also a diversity of resorts, from luxury to affordable, available on the island. The beaches are beautiful and many resorts offer scuba diving packages as well.

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

Koh Tao 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 Tao a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is Thailand's most famous scuba diving destination for it's affordable certifications and prolific dive shops. There are a variety of dive sites near the island, but with fame and popularity come challenges. The coral and sealife is feeling the pressure of the high number of tourists, and the reefs show their damage. But the training you receive here is affordable and well-established.

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 Tao Better for Beaches?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. The white sand beaches have a mellow vibe with beautiful blue waters. This is a true tropical paradise with beachside cafes, easy snorkeling, and warm water. The beaches range from quiet and isolated to high energy and vibrant.

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 Tao Better for Hiking?

Koh Tao 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 Tao. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the inland beauty of the island. There are paths that take you through the jungle covered land to viewpoints and remote areas. Many paths are rustic and not always well maintained so it's helpful to ask a local for directions beforehand.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Ao Nang and Koh Tao.

Ao Nang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Koh Tao is a great destination for shopping. The main beach areas of Mae Haad, Sairee, and Chalok Baan Kao have the highest concentration of clothing and dive equipment shops. Because it's an island with limited access, prices can be a bit high.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Tao Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Koh Tao.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tao. The island is popular for its affordable scuba diving certifications, so there are a number of options for families with older kids who'd like to get certified. It's also a more laid back and smaller island than some nearby places, so it's possible to find quiet beaches where your family can relax. Some of the quieter beaches include Sai Nuan and Ao Luek. You'll still find a large number of backpackers on the island, but there's a more chill atmosphere with most visitors focused on scuba diving and exploring.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Tao Better for Couples?

Koh Tao is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Tao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This laid back island offers a relaxing honeymoon destination for couples who want to learn to scuba dive and enjoy a bit of tropical paradise. There are beachside restaurants, beautiful blue waters, white sand, and everything you need for your own piece of paradise.

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 Tao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tao 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 Tao, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. The island is an oasis for backpackers who want to enjoy the mellow island life, learn to scuba dive cheaply, and have fun at a beachside party. There are plenty of affordable places to stay and countless opportunities to meet other backpackers. The island is also well connected to other nearby islands.

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 Tao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ao Nang is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tao is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Ao Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tao. You can rent a motorbike or bicycle to explore the island. There are also taxis and taxi boats available.

Is Ao Nang or Koh Tao a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Koh Tao are very good 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 Tao is very walkable. The island is smaller than many islands in Thailand, and the small towns are usually no more than 5 kilometers apart. It's also possible to walk around most of the small towns.

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

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

How long in Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tao 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 Tao.

One day in Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Koh Tao, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Tao?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

In Koh Tao, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Tao has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

Ao Nang 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.

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

A week in Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tao. In Koh Tao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 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.

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 Tao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Koh Tao?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Koh Tao, 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 Tao?

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 Tao in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Koh Tao 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 more rain than Koh Tao. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Tao during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

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

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. October and November in Koh Tao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Koh Tao. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Koh Tao. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 167 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

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

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao 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 Tao is February to June. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Koh Tao. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Koh Tao during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Tao receives 255 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).

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

Both Koh Tao 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 Tao year-round.

February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Koh Tao. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Koh Tao, 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 Tao. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Tao receives 239 hours of full sun.

In April, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Ao Nang