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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Sapporo?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sapporo? 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 lively, accessible, and popular town. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sapporo travel costs.

Ao Nang and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sapporo. Although Ao Nang and Sapporo are popular destinations, Sapporo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sapporo is very popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival. It is also well known for Odori Park.

How is Ao Nang different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sapporo and Ao Nang. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

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

Sapporo offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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 Sapporo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sapporo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

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 Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Sapporo.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sapporo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Sapporo is not a resort destination.

In Ao Nang, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Sapporo is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a great town for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Ao Nang is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Sapporo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beach. However, Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ao Nang. 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.

Sapporo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

Sapporo is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its scenery and beauty. However, Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Sapporo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Sapporo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Sapporo are both excellent 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 Sapporo. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo Better for Students?

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

Sapporo is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Sapporo is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Is Ao Nang or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Sapporo are excellent 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.

Sapporo is very walkable. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

In Ao Nang, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Sapporo?

In Ao Nang, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ao Nang has to offer.

Because Sapporo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Sapporo?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Sapporo is a great place to explore. 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 Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sapporo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Sapporo. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Sapporo in the winter. In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Ao Nang during the spring 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 Sapporo for the activities around the city.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Ao Nang