A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Mashiko for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Mashiko?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Mashiko? 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. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a charming, traditional, and rural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Mashiko travel costs.

Ao Nang and Mashiko: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Mashiko?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Mashiko are popular destinations, Ao Nang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Mashiko attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for the Island Boat Tours. Mashiko is famous for its local sake, rural farms, and longstanding tradition in pottery making.

How is Ao Nang different from Mashiko?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. There are a couple of museums around town that are focused on the local activities such as pottery. You can check out the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum, the Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, and the Entsuji Temple.

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 Mashiko? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ao Nang and Mashiko offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Mashiko offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants around town that serve udon, soba, and other Japanese favorites that use local ingredients.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Mashiko is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ao Nang has something for everybody. 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.

Most people don't head to Mashiko specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of bars and pubs around town, but not a huge nightlife scene.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Mashiko is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Mashiko is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Ao Nang to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Mashiko is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Mashiko is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko Better for Hiking?

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

Mashiko is a good destination for hiking. There are three mountains in the area with hiking trails that let you experience the Japanese countryside and natural beauty. These mountains are Mt. Amamakisan, Mt.Mitsudoyasan, and Mt. Takadateyama.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.

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 Mashiko More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Mashiko is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko Better for Families?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Pottery is the claim to fame in this small town, and kids will thoroughly enjoy taking a children's pottery class. Its the perfect way to immerse them in the local culture in a fun and hands-on way. Farm life, and fruit picking are also popular here.

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 Mashiko Better for Couples?

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

Mashiko makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with local farms, pottery, and sake. Many couples enjoy spending a few days soaking up the local atmosphere and enjoying the simple pleasures.

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 Mashiko Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Mashiko is not known 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.

Mashiko is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't venture to this community, but its seeped in quaint culture and small town atmosphere.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Mashiko.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

You'll find some public transit in Mashiko, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local trains that stop by the strawberry picking farms. There are also local buses in the area.

Is Ao Nang or Mashiko a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Mashiko 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.

Mashiko is very walkable. Many people choose to walk around town and the pottery area is about a 20 minute walk from Mashiko Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Mashiko or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Mashiko?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Mashiko to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Mashiko 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 1-2 days is enough time in Mashiko.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Mashiko has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko. Since Mashiko is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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 Mashiko Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Mashiko?

Mashiko has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

Mashiko 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 Mashiko in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Mashiko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Mashiko in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Mashiko fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun in the summer.

Mashiko 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 Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Mashiko. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Mashiko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Mashiko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Mashiko averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Mashiko. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 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.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Mashiko in the Winter?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Mashiko can be very cold. In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko 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. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Mashiko this time of year.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Mashiko in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun.

Mashiko 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Mashiko. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Ao Nang