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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Nanjing?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $136, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Nanjing $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Nanjing? 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 Nanjing


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $64
    Nanjing $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Krabi: Ao Nang To or From Phi Phi By Fast Speedboat Transfer: $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $49
    Nanjing $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $13
    Nanjing $9.41

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
  • 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $17
    Nanjing $9.61


When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Nanjing, we can see that Ao Nang 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 390 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?

Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?

Both Nanjing and Ao Nang during the summer 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 July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Nanjing 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 July than Nanjing. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanjing in the Autumn?

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

Ao Nang is much warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanjing in the Winter?

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

Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Ao Nang usually gets more rain in January than Nanjing. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Nanjing in the Spring?

Both Nanjing and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.

In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)