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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Noosa Heads? 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 lively, accessible, and popular town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a charming, laid back, and relaxed coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ao Nang and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Noosa Heads. Although Ao Nang and Noosa Heads are both popular with visitors, Noosa Heads has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Noosa Heads is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Noosa Heads is popular for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. It is also home to Noosa Main Beach.

How is Ao Nang different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Noosa Heads and Ao Nang.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Noosa Heads has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great town for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Ao Nang has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a great town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Noosa Heads. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Ao Nang and Noosa Heads.

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.

Noosa Heads is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Noosa Heads. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Noosa Heads makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Noosa Heads are both excellent destinations 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Noosa Heads. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ao Nang and Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Ao Nang or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Noosa Heads are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Noosa Heads is very walkable. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.

Families should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Ao Nang. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Noosa Heads, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Ao Nang 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 Noosa Heads.

One day in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal town 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Noosa Heads has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

The lively town of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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. Even though Ao Nang is in Asia and Noosa Heads is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Noosa Headsin January. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Headsin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Noosa Heads. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Headsin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 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.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 7°C (44°F)in July.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads 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. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin October. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Headsin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Ao Nang