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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Newcastle?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Newcastle? 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 accessible, popular, and beachfront town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle. Although Ao Nang and Newcastle are popular destinations, Newcastle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle is very popular for its museums & sights, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way.

How is Ao Nang different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Newcastle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Newcastle is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Newcastle is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Newcastle?

Newcastle is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle Better for Families?

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

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 Newcastle. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ao Nang is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Newcastle.

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

You'll find some public transit in Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Ao Nang or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Newcastle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Couples should spend more time in Newcastle than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Newcastle that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Newcastle 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 Newcastle?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Newcastle, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Newcastle, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Newcastle has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Ao Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Newcastle is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newcastle?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Newcastle, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Newcastle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Newcastle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newcastle 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 Newcastle.

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 Newcastle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Newcastle, 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 Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Newcastle. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Newcastlein January. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Newcastle during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Ao Nang during the winter 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 visitors come to Newcastle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Newcastlein July. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastle during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Ao Nang