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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Malang?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Malang? 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 beachfront, lively, and accessible town. Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Malang

Malang is a cultural, under-rated, and authentic city. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Malang travel costs.

Ao Nang and Malang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Malang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Malang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Malang is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and hiking. Ao Nang is more touristy than Malang and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Malang is well known for its many nearby natural attractions.

How is Ao Nang different from Malang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Malang 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 Malang. There are a handful of museums around town that provide information on the city's culture and history. There are also mosques, temples, and the famous Rainbow Village.

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 Malang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Malang 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, Malang is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. This is a top foodie destination and you'll find plenty of amazing street food. It's also the credited with being the birthplace of bakso (meatballs). Many of the dishes around town are sweet, spicy, and served with peanut sauce. It's been influenced by many different cuisines such as Chinese, Javanese, Madurese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian.

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 Malang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is well known for nightlife. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Malang has a few options to choose from. The universities around town mean that there's a youthful vibe to the nightlife scene. You'll also find a mix of cultural activities as well as modern and trendy venues. There are dance clubs, upscale lounges, and everything in between.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Malang is not a resort destination.

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.

Malang is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Malang is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Malang is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Malang is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Hiking?

Malang is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Malang is a good destination for hiking. Many visitors use this city as a base for hiking Mount Bromo. It's popular to hire a jeep tour from town, or you can hire a private driver or motorbike. Near town you'll also find one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Indonesia - Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. It's possible to hike to the base of the waterfall, but it's a very challenging route.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Malang?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Ao Nang and Malang.

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.

Malang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find places to pick up many local items. The region is known for its ceramics, wood, and rattan (palms).

Is Ao Nang or Malang More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Malang is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Malang.

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 Malang. If you're willing to head just outside of town, you'll find theme parks and waterparks. Some of the favorites are Batu Secret Zoo, Jatim Park, Selecta Park, and Batu Night Spectacular.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Malang make for a notable place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Malang is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy culture, museums, temples, and great food will have a good time visiting this city. It is also a bit cooler than much of Indonesia, which can make a nice escape from the heat.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is well known for backpackers. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Malang is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through town when they're headed to climb Mount Bromo. There are plenty of hostels and cheap places to stay as well as some sights that are worth checking out.

Is Ao Nang or Malang Better for Students?

Malang is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Malang. The university means that there's a large student population in town.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Malang is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Malang. Angkot or mikrolet are small buses or modified cars that carry passengers around town. Many visitors also hire a motor scooter or driver to get around.

Is Ao Nang or Malang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is well known for its walkability. Also, Malang is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Ao Nang is very walkable. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Malang is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Malang or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Malang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Malang. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ao Nang than Malang. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Malang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Malang 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Malang?

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 Malang, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Malang?

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 Malang, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malang has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Malang?

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.

Malang is a great place to explore. 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.

A week in Ao Nang or Malang?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beachfront 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 Malang. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Malang. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Budget Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia.

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

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 Malang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Malang?

Malang has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Malang, 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.