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.
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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.
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Ao Nang Prices
Thailand PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $131Nanjing $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $131, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $124. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $50Nanjing $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $100Nanjing $98
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.
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 and Nanjing Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $62Nanjing $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $34
- Ferry Transfer from Aonang To Phuket (Rassada Pier): $39
- Ferry Transfer from Koh PhiPhi to Ao Nang: $28
- From Ao Nang (Krabi): Private To Phuket (Phuket) Transfer: $86
- From Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfers: $27
- From Krabi: Private Taxi Transfer to Phuket: $120
- Klong Rud Kayaking with Hotel Transfer: $29
- Koh Lanta :Speedboat Transfer from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi: $30
- Krabi : Muay Thai Live Fight Experience with Transfer: $55
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $31
- Krabi ATV Jungle Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $37
- Krabi: 4 Islands Speed Catamaran Tour with Lunch/Transfers: $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport: $78
- 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 Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport: $49
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from City Hotels: $33
- Private Transfer to Gaochun City from Nanjing: $88
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
- 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
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
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
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Food Meals for one dayAo Nang $47Nanjing $52
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: Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Local Chef: $37
- Authentic Thai Local Cooking Class: $38
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class Krabi Province: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Dinner & Snorkeling: $40
- Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour by Longtail Boat & BBQ Dinner: $43
- Krabi: Hong Island Cruise with Thai Buffet Dinner: $45
- From Ao Nang Hong Island Longtail Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $49
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $51
- Krabi: Romantic Beachfront Sunset Dinner: $64
- Krabi: Ao Thalane Sunset Kayaking & BBQ Dinner: $110
- Local Krabi: Cooking Demo, Market Walk, Bamboo Raft & Fruit: $133
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- Shanghai Tang Dynasty Immersive Dinner Show: $86
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option: $112
- Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Nanjing $9.88
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Phi Phi : Splash & Explore – Half-Day Tour By longtail: $17
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $17
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $21
- Krabi: On The Hill Off-Road ATV Adventure 30 Minute: $22
- Krabi: 4 Island Snorkeling Tour: $24
- From Krabi: Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night: $24
- Krabi: 4 Islands One-Day Premium Speedboat Tour lunch: $25
- FERRY TICKET PHUKET - AONANG - PHIPHI: $25
- Krabi: Iconic 4 Islands Day Tour by Longtail Boat with Lunch: $27
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Krabi: Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure: $27
- Krabi: Jurassic Trails ATV Ride & Kayaking Tour: $27
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Nanjing Private Flexible Customized 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: $144
- All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $218
- All-Inclusive Nanjing Purple Mountain Scenic Area Private Day Tour: $187
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $150
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour: $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $17Nanjing $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- K-Bunk Pub Crawl - The Best Bars in Ao Nang in One Night!: $1.20
- Krabi: Summer Club Pub Crawl with Fire Show: $15
- Krabi Pub Crawl - Join Nomads For The Best Night in Ao Nang!: $27
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.