Which place is cheaper, Penang or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Penang? 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $107Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $52Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $104Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Penang? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $56Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $106
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $115
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $24Penang $33
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: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $47
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $128
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $11Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $16
- Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $22
- Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $24
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
- Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $27
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
- Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
- From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $33
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $35
- Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $50
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
- Entopia Butterfly Farm And Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $15Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Penang, 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 Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Penang?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Penang, 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 Penang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Ao Nang or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Penang 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 Penang. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Penang. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Penang in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Penang. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Penang. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang 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. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Penang. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Penang in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.