A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Longsheng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ao Nang or Longsheng?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Longsheng? 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.

Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Longsheng?

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.

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Longsheng is $78. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ao Nang and Longsheng in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Longsheng $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Longsheng $40
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Longsheng

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Longsheng? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ao Nang


Hotels in Longsheng


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $56
    Longsheng $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105
  • Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
  • Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
  • Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Longsheng?

Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ao Nang $24
    Longsheng $35

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:

  • Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
  • Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
  • Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $11
    Longsheng $8.38

Tours and Activities in Ao Nang

For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV adventure 1hour drive: $43
  • ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
  • ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $35
  • ATV adventure and shooting range: $57
  • Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
  • From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
  • From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $46
  • From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $59
  • From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $123
  • Half-Day Krabi Four Islands Tour with Amazing long-tail Boat: $88
  • James Bond Island: Sightseeing Tour by Longtail Boat & Kayak: $42
  • Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $15
    Longsheng $7.89


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

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 Longsheng Expensive?.



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

Longsheng has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Ao Nang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Longsheng in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Longsheng 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 Longsheng. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Longsheng 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Longsheng in the Autumn?

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

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Longsheng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Longsheng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Longsheng. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F) 
    Longsheng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Longsheng in the Winter?

Both Longsheng 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.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Longsheng averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Longsheng 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Longsheng in the Spring?

Both Longsheng 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.

In April, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Longsheng 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 less rain in April than Longsheng. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Longsheng 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Longsheng and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Longsheng
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)