A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Lombok for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Lombok?

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

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

Lombok

Lombok is a peaceful, laid back, and cultural island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ao Nang and Lombok: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Lombok?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lombok. Although Ao Nang and Lombok are both popular with visitors, Lombok has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lombok is more popular for its museums & sights, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its nightlife. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Lombok is popular for its striking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and local culture. It is also home to Mount Rinjani.

How is Ao Nang different from Lombok?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lombok is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lombok. The island has many traditional villages that let you glimpse the fascinating Sasak Tribe's culture. This is the largest tribe on the island and it makes up about 85% of the island's population. Sasak Sade Village is large and popular to visit. A visit offers a unique experience and helps you understand more about the island's culture.

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 Lombok? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Lombok has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The island is considered world renowned for its Halal cuisine, and there are many popular local dishes that you should try. Ayam Taliwang is a grilled chicken dish, Satay Rembiga is grilled meat served over rice, and Bebalung is a soup that's made with goat or cow ribs.

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 Lombok Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lombok is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Ao Nang for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lombok. While the island is quieter than nearby Bali, it does still have an active nightlife scene. In particular, head to the areas around Senggigi Beach and Kuta Lombok for the most active bars and live music. With the more populated tourist areas and hotels come the more active clubs, bars, and evening entertainment.

Is Ao Nang or Lombok Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Lombok offer a relatively similar set of superb 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 Lombok. The island is filled with luxury resorts, villas, and hotels. You'll want to think about your priorities before booking your hotel. There areas that are better for beaches, hiking, culture or sightseeing, and each has its own personality and style.

Is Ao Nang or Lombok Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lombok 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 Lombok a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The island is surrounded by clear waters and colorful coral, making it a superb snorkeling and diving destination. For some of the best dive spots head to the Gili Islands. Around the island you'll find places where you can see turtles, colorful fish, and possibly even Hammerhead 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 Lombok Better for Beaches?

Lombok 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 Lombok. Kuta, Senggigi, and the Gili Islands offer some of the area's best beaches. Many beaches have white sand, clear water, beautiful snorkeling, or fun surfing. Mawun Beach and Pandanan Beach are among the most beautiful beaches, while Selong Belanak Beach is very photogenic with its water buffalo. Tanjung Aan Beach has surfing and Kuta Beach Lombok is the most popular beach, but not among the best.

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 Lombok Better for Hiking?

Lombok 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 Lombok. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but the most well known is the three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. This is the large and active volcano on the island. The hike is truly beautiful and spectacular, but it's also a challenging climb and the difficulty level should not be underestimated.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Lombok?

Lombok is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lombok. There are many traditional markets and villages around the island where you can buy Sasak crafts. These items are characterized by bright colors and elaborate patterns. You'll find pottery, fabrics, clothing, and hand-woven baskets.

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 Lombok Better for Families?

Lombok 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 Lombok. The island is filled with natural beauty, waterfalls, beaches, swimming spots, traditional villages and wildlife. This makes it an idyllic destination for families, whether you're traveling with toddlers or older kids.

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 Lombok Better for Couples?

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

Lombok makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The island has grown into a world renowned honeymoon destination. It has a more laid back vibe than nearby Bali, and you'll find pristine beaches and a tropical paradise. There are luxury hotels, stunning natural settings, and plenty of romantic or adventurous activities.

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 Lombok Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lombok 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 Lombok, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. This island is often compared to Bali 30 years ago. It's a much quieter island, but there are still bars and towns that attract a crowd. If you're looking for a party, then you'll likely still be able to find one, but if you want a laid back retreat, that's available as well.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Lombok 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 Lombok. The island is spread out, so many visitors prefer to hire a car of motorbike. There are also public buses, minibuses, and taxis available.

Is Ao Nang or Lombok a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is great for its high level of walkability. However, Lombok is not a good destination 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.

Lombok is generally not very walkable. There are towns on the island that are relatively walkable and there are hiking and walking paths in different places.

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

Should I spend more time in Lombok or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Lombok?

Ao Nang and Lombok both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lombok than Ao Nang because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 10-14 days is enough time in Lombok.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lombok 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 Lombok.

One day in Ao Nang or Lombok?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Lombok, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Lombok?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Lombok, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Lombok?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lombok is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, five days is probably not enough for all of it. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Lombok?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Ao Nang. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Lombok. In Lombok, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one week is probably not enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia.

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

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 Lombok Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Lombok?

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 Lombok in the Summer?

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

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. May to September in Lombok is the dry season. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Lombok. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Lombok in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. November to April in Lombok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Lombok. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Lombok. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Lombok in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Lombok in the Winter?

Both Lombok 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 Lombok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Lombok. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Lombok during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Lombok receives 188 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Lombok in the Spring?

Both Lombok 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 Lombok year-round.

May to September is the dry season in Lombok. November to April is the rainy season in Lombok. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Lombok. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Lombok receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Lombok. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Lombok fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Lombok and Ao Nang