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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Nanchang?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang?

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.

Nanchang

Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanchang 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 Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang


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
    Nanchang $11

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 Nanchang?

Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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
    Nanchang $32

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
    Nanchang $4.56

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
    Nanchang $6.31


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

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 Nanchang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Nanchang?

Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nanchang this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Nanchang during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun in the summer.

Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 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) 
    Nanchang 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanchang in the Autumn?

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

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Nanchang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nanchang fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 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) 
    Nanchang 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanchang in the Winter?

Both Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanchang averages at about 6°C (43°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 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) 
    Nanchang 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanchang in the Spring?

Both Nanchang 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 much warmer than Nanchang. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Nanchang fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun.

Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Nanchang 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Nanchang and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Nanchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 229 mm (9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 26°C (79°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)