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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nagasaki? 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a authentic, welcoming, and interesting city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Nagasaki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nagasaki. Although Ao Nang and Nagasaki are popular destinations, Nagasaki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagasaki is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Nagasaki is famous for its history, hot spring spas, and local cuisine. It is also well known for the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

How is Ao Nang different from Nagasaki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nagasaki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

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 Nagasaki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Nagasaki has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

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 Nagasaki Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Nagasaki.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Nagasaki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

Is Ao Nang or Nagasaki Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Nagasaki Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for the beach. However, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Ao Nang and Nagasaki.

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.

Nagasaki is a great destination for shopping. Head to the waterfront for the best shopping opportunities. You'll find everything from malls to souvenir shops around town. You'll also find traditional market streets which are known as shōtengai.

Is Ao Nang or Nagasaki Better for Families?

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

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 Nagasaki. Check out Agiruno Oka Park, which has a small farm and other recreational activities. There are also several kid-friendly museums like the Nagasaki City Science Museum and the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. There are also many parks and playgrounds as well as the Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Is Ao Nang or Nagasaki Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Nagasaki make for a nice 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.

Nagasaki is a nice destination for couples. There's a unique cuisine with good restaurants. There are also many parks where couples can take a stroll, as well as relaxing hot springs nearby.

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

Ao Nang is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagasaki 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.

Nagasaki is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels in the city, but you really should make reservations in advance as they tend to fill up.

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

Nagasaki is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nagasaki. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Nagasaki a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nagasaki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Nagasaki is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city can be explored by foot. The downtown is about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station and the Peace Park is several kilometers in the other direction from the station.

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

Should I spend more time in Nagasaki or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

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

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Nagasaki, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Nagasaki?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Nagasaki, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Nagasaki has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. 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. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagasaki. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nagasaki. 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 Nagasaki, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Nagasaki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nagasaki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki.

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 Nagasaki Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Nagasaki?

Nagasaki has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Nagasaki, 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 Nagasaki?

Nagasaki 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 Nagasaki in the Summer?

Both Nagasaki and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagasaki this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 197 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagasaki. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 334 mm (13.1 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nagasaki in the Autumn?

Both Nagasaki and Ao Nang during the autumn 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, many travelers come to Nagasaki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Nagasaki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nagasaki averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 189 hours of full sun.

Nagasaki 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 more rain in October than Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nagasaki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Nagasaki. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Nagasaki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Nagasaki. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nagasaki fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Nagasaki during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nagasaki receives 112 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nagasaki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Nagasaki. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Nagasaki for the activities around the city during these months.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Nagasaki in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Nagasaki fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagasaki receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nagasaki. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in April than Nagasaki. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nagasaki receives 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nagasaki and Ao Nang