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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Sado?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sado? 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's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Sado

Sado is a off-the-beaten-path, traditional, and cultural island. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Ao Nang and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Sado?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Sado, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Sado is more popular for its museums & sights, food, and hiking. Ao Nang is more touristy than Sado and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Sado is well known for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Ao Nang different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sado offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History 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 Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sado has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

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 Sado Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Ao Nang or Sado Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is notable for its resorts. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sado 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.

Sado is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Sado Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

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.

Sado is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Sado Better for Hiking?

Sado 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 Sado. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Sado?

Ao Nang is a popular place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Ao Nang or Sado Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Sado.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sado. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Ao Nang or Sado Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Sado make for a notable 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.

Sado is a nice destination for couples. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

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

Ao Nang is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Ao Nang or Sado a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable town. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Sado?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Sado 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 Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Sado, you'll find museums and food. 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 Sado has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Sado?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lively destination of Ao Nang. This town offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sado 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 Sado?

The beachfront town of Ao Nang offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sado. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Sado. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Japan, and The Best Luxury Tours to Japan.

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

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 Sado Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Ao Nang or Sado?

Sado 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 Sado in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Sado. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the summer, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ao Nang in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in July than Sado. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado 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, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 27°C (81°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Sado during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Sado. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 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 Sado in the Winter?

Both Sado 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sado in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. Ao Nang is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Sado. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Sado. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sado in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Sado. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.

In the spring, Ao Nang is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ao Nang in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Sado during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Sado. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sado and Ao Nang