A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Milford Sound? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Ao Nang and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Ao Nang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for the Island Boat Tours. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Ao Nang different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Ao Nang is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound 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, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Ao Nang or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Ao Nang and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound 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 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Milford Sound, you'll find skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible destination of Ao Nang. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milford Sound has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Ao Nang is in Asia and Milford Sound is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Milford Sound?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Milford Sound, 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.