Which place is cheaper, Qingdao or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Qingdao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Qingdao? 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 Qingdao?
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.
Qingdao
Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $116Qingdao $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $116, while the average daily cost in Qingdao is $59. 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 Qingdao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $56Qingdao $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $112Qingdao $54
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Qingdao
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Qingdao? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $61Qingdao $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Phuket - Krabi, Aonang: $148
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $116
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $24
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $19
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $19
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $44
- One way Private transfer from Krabi airport to Ao Nang: $33
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $44
- Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $111
- Krabi: Ao Nang To/From Phi Phi By Fast Speed Boat Transfer: $27
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $34
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao
Also for Qingdao, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
- Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $86
- Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $86
- Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
- Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
- Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Qingdao?
Prices for flights to both Qingdao 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 $26Qingdao $20
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: 7 Island Sunset & Dinner - Join tour by Longtail boat: $41
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $42
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $44
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $51
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $55
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $140
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Qingdao $21
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV adventure 1hour drive: $43
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $29
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $36
- ATV adventure and shooting range: $62
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat: $39
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $30
- From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $50
- From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $65
- From Krabi: 4 Islands Sunset Tour+Plankton by Speedboat: $50
- From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $135
- James Bond Island: Sightseeing Tour by Longtail Boat & Kayak: $47
Tours and Activities in Qingdao
For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
- All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285
- Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
- Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $245
- Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
- Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $199
- Private Qingdao city tour with Qingdao beer and Lunch: $240
- Private Qingdao highlights city tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
- Private tour Qingdao laoshan with round way cable car lunch: $190
- Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
- Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
- Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $16Qingdao $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and a T-Shirt: $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Qingdao, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Qingdao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Qingdao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Qingdao 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 Qingdao.
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 Qingdao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Qingdao?
Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Qingdao, 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 Qingdao?
Qingdao 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 Qingdao in the Summer?
Both Qingdao and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.
Ao Nang is a little warmer than Qingdao in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Qingdao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Qingdao 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Qingdao in the Autumn?
Both Qingdao and Ao Nang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Qingdao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Qingdao averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In Qingdao, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 220 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAo Nang 27°C (81°F)Qingdao 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Qingdao in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Qingdao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
The weather in Qingdao can be very cold. In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Qingdao. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Qingdao fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).
In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Qingdao during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Qingdao receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAo Nang 28°C (82°F)Qingdao -0°C (32°F)
Should I visit Ao Nang or Qingdao in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Qingdao. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ao Nang is much warmer than Qingdao in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Qingdao fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Qingdao. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Qingdao receives 224 hours of full sun.
Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Qingdao. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Qingdao receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAo Nang 29°C (84°F)Qingdao 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Qingdao and Ao Nang
| Ao Nang | Qingdao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.