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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Picton?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Picton? 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Picton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Picton. Although Ao Nang and Picton are popular destinations, Picton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Picton is very popular for its museums & sights, food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Picton is famous for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also well known for the Queen Charlotte Track.

How is Ao Nang different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Picton 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 Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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 Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Picton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

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 Picton Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

Ao Nang offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Ao Nang or Picton Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Picton is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Picton is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Picton Better for Beaches?

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

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

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 Picton Better for Hiking?

Picton 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 Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Picton?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Ao Nang and Picton.

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.

Picton is a great destination for shopping. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Ao Nang or Picton Better for Families?

Picton 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 Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

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 Picton Better for Couples?

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

Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Picton are both superb 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 Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

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

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 Picton, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Ao Nang or Picton a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Picton are superb 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.

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Picton or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton 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 Picton.

One day in Ao Nang or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Picton, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Picton?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Picton, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Picton has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Ao Nang. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Picton. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Picton. 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 Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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 Picton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Picton?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Picton, 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 Picton?

Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Picton. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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 travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Picton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Ao Nang