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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Rockhampton? 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 popular, beachfront, and lively town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a charming, cultural, and natural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rockhampton. Although Ao Nang and Rockhampton are popular destinations, Rockhampton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rockhampton is very popular for its museums & sights, food, 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. Rockhampton is famous for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also well known for the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

How is Ao Nang different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rockhampton offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway 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 Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Rockhampton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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.

Rockhampton is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Rockhampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Rockhampton are nice choices.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

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

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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

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

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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 Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Rockhampton is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Rockhampton. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Ao Nang or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the popular 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.

In Rockhampton, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the accessible 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.

In Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

The beachfront 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.

Rockhampton is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rockhampton. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Rockhampton 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 Ao Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ao Nang 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton than you might in Ao Nang.

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 Rockhampton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Rockhampton?

Rockhampton has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton 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. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Rockhampton in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Rockhampton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Rockhamptonin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 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.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Rockhampton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Rockhamptonin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In January, Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rockhamptonin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Rockhampton. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Rockhampton in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in October.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Rockhamptonin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Ao Nang