A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Ao Nang vs. Pattaya for Nightlife, Food, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Ao Nang or Pattaya?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Pattaya? 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.

Pattaya

Pattaya is a active, vibrant, and high energy resort city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Pattaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Pattaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pattaya. Although Ao Nang and Pattaya are both popular with visitors, Pattaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pattaya is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Ao Nang is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty. Pattaya is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its beautiful beaches, plethora of amusement parks, and its party town reputation. It is also home to the Sanctuary of Truth. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Pattaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pattaya. There are several cultural attractions near town such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Wat Yansangwararam, and Wat Phra Yai (the Big Buddha).

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 Pattaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Pattaya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Street food is what this city is all about. You'll find streets lined with restaurants, but you'll also find snacks and other culinary treats at every corner. Khao Gaeng (curried rice with meat or vegetables), Kai Jeow (omelet over rice), and Moo Ping (grilled pork) are among the favorites.

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 Pattaya Better for Nightlife?

Pattaya is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Pattaya is a world class party destination. Despite a promotional campaign to promote family vacations, this city still holds tight to its party hard reputation. You'll find live bands, international DJs, and rooftop parties any night of the week.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Pattaya Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang and Pattaya offer a relatively similar set of excellent luxury resort options.

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.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Pattaya. If you're looking for built-up, all-the-frills, beach resorts, then this is your place. It's a touristy beach city with hotels are resorts that line the waterfront.

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

Ao Nang is a great town for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Pattaya. There are snorkeling and dive excursions that leave from town, or you could throw on a mask and snorkel and look for marine life right off the beach.

Is Ao Nang or Pattaya Better for Beaches?

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

Pattaya is considered a top beach destination. There are countless white sand beaches in the area that range from party-focused, to romantic, to family-friendly. The blue waters and silky sand have long made this one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand.

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 the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Pattaya?

Pattaya 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 Pattaya. The city is filled with markets, malls, bazaars, and street vendors that sells everything from clothes and bathing suits, to Thai crafts or local foods.

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 Pattaya Better for Families?

Pattaya 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 Pattaya. Kids will love the amusement parks, water parks, and cultural parks. Highlights for families include Columbia Pictures Aquaverse, Ramayana Water Park, and Mini Siam. For something totally unique, check out the ice sculptures at Frost Magical Ice of Siam and for something cultural and fun you can head to Legend Siam Pattaya. Despite local efforts to promote family-friendly activities, it's important to remember that the city does still has a party town reputation. There are areas that you should avoid with kids.

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 Pattaya Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Pattaya make for a good 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.

Pattaya is a nice destination for couples. There are many beach-oriented activities around town like boat rides and water sports. You could also enjoy a spa day or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the sun for the day.

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

Ao Nang is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pattaya is not as popular, but is still a nice resort city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Pattaya. While it used to be a party town, these days Pattaya is more of a family destination that's filled with amusement parks and family-friendly resorts. Backpackers will still find hostels and budget accommodation, but that backpacker atmosphere isn't what it used to be.

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

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

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 Pattaya, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The baht bus (songthaew) is the cheapest way to get around town. These are colorful pickup trucks with seats in the back. There are also motorbike taxis as well as regular taxis.

Is Ao Nang or Pattaya a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great town for its high level of walkability. However, Pattaya is not known for its ease of walking around.

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

Pattaya is generally not very walkable. There's a walking street, as well as several walkable areas, but the city is relatively large and you'll likely want to catch a ride most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Pattaya or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Pattaya?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Pattaya. In our opinion, Pattaya has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pattaya than Ao Nang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Pattaya than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Pattaya, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This resort 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 Pattaya?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

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

Five days in Ao Nang or Pattaya?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Pattaya is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Pattaya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pattaya. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Pattaya. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.

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

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 Pattaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Pattaya?

Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Pattaya, 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 Pattaya?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Pattaya in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Pattaya. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Pattaya during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Pattaya in the Autumn?

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Pattaya. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 206 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Pattaya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Pattaya fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Pattaya in the Winter?

Both Pattaya 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. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

It's quite sunny in Pattaya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Pattaya receives 276 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Pattaya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Pattaya averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Should I visit Ao Nang or Pattaya in the Spring?

Both Pattaya 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.

December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Pattaya receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Pattaya, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pattaya. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pattaya receives 262 hours of full sun.

In April, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Pattaya. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Pattaya fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

Typical Weather for Pattaya and Ao Nang