A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur? 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums & sights, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Ao Nang different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

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).

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Kuala Lumpur.

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.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

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

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

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 Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Kuala Lumpur are both superb 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 Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Kuala Lumpur are superb 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.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

In Ao Nang, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beachfront town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Ao Nang is a popular place to visit. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. 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 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia.

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

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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Kuala Lumpur, 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 Kuala Lumpur?

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 Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. 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 Kuala Lumpur during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

Both Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur year-round.

December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur 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 Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

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

December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

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

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.

In the spring, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Ao Nang