A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Shenzhen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ao Nang or Shenzhen?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $131, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $147. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $50
    Shenzhen $95
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $100
    Shenzhen $190
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Shenzhen? 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.

Hotels in Ao Nang


Hotels in Shenzhen


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 and Shenzhen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $62
    Shenzhen $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Phuket - Krabi, Aonang: $150
  • Railay : Ferry Transfer from Railay to Ko Lanta: $34
  • Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $46
  • Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $107
  • Krabi: Ao Nang To or From Phi Phi By Fast Speedboat Transfer: $30
  • Krabi: ATV Off-Road Adventure in Nature Paradise w/Transfer: $30
  • Krabi: 4-Island Deluxe Speedboat Tour with Lunch & Transfer: $31
  • Krabi: 4 Islands Speed Catamaran Tour with Lunch/Transfers: $75
  • Krabi ATV Jungle Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $37
  • Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $31
  • Krabi : Muay Thai Live Fight Experience with Transfer: $55
  • Koh Lanta :Speedboat Transfer from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
  • Venetian Macao and Macau Heritage Tour with 2-way ferry transfers from Hong Kong: $115
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Hong Kong APT-HTL (HKG): $79
  • Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
  • Shenzhen to Shenzhen Airport (SZX) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
  • Shenzhen Private transfer and Ongoing assistance: $39
  • Shenzhen Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
  • Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shenzhen - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
  • Shenzhen Elite Private Transfer & Executive Support: $89
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Macau via Zhuhai Bridge: $265
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Business Car: $124
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ao Nang $47
    Shenzhen $37

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: Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Local Chef: $37
  • Authentic Thai Local Cooking Class: $38
  • Half-Day Thai Cooking Class Krabi Province: $39
  • 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Dinner & Snorkeling: $40
  • Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour by Longtail Boat & BBQ Dinner: $43
  • Krabi: Hong Island Cruise with Thai Buffet Dinner: $45
  • From Ao Nang Hong Island Longtail Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $49
  • Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $51
  • Krabi: Romantic Beachfront Sunset Dinner: $64
  • Krabi: Ao Thalane Sunset Kayaking & BBQ Dinner: $110
  • Local Krabi: Cooking Demo, Market Walk, Bamboo Raft & Fruit: $133

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong: Fresh Produce Market and Cook-to-Order Food Tour: $39
  • Shenzhen Food Tour with Locals: $47
  • Hong Kong: 7-Course Hong Kong Street & Restaurant Food Tour: $59
  • Best Street Food Tour With a Local Guide in Hong Kong: $96
  • Hong Kong's Tin Hau Hidden Gems Food Tour with 7+ Local Tastings: $107
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour: $189
  • Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $197
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $239
  • Private Hong Kong Top Night Tour: Cruise, Aquarium Dinner, Peak: $248
  • Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food: $294

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $12
    Shenzhen $18

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 (30 min) and Archery (30 min): $39
  • ATV adventure 1hour drive: $45
  • ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $33
  • ATV adventure and shooting range: $79
  • Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
  • Ao Nang Night Tour – Swim with bioluminescent plankton: $28
  • 4 Island Awesomeness Adventure: $48
  • ATV Ride and Natural Swimming Experience: $54
  • Crystal Pool Kayaking, ATV, and Pineapple Farm Tour: $74
  • Hong Islands Full day Tour with Lunch and 360 view: $38
  • Horse Riding Tour and kayaking clongrood: $75
  • Hot Springs, Emerald Pool, and Tiger Cave Day Tour: $43

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $110
  • A Perfect Hong Kong Layover - 5h private tour: $300
  • Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $53
  • Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $103
  • Between Capitalism & Communism: Hong Kong History Tip Based Tour: $2.61
  • Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $56
  • Cheung Chau Island Tour: $105
  • Coach Tour: Hong Kong Heritage Discovery: $144
  • Comprehensive Shenzhen Tech Tour: A Deeper Look at the Future: $174
  • Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
  • Custom private tour of Kowloon Peninsula - Half day: $178
  • Dark Side of Hong Kong - Kowloon Caged Homes Walking Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $17
    Shenzhen $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:

  • K-Bunk Pub Crawl - The Best Bars in Ao Nang in One Night!: $1.20
  • Krabi: Summer Club Pub Crawl with Fire Show: $15
  • Krabi Pub Crawl - Join Nomads For The Best Night in Ao Nang!: $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $13


When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

Both Shenzhen 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 around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenzhen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Shenzhen during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

Both Shenzhen 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 around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 190 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Shenzhen in the Winter?

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

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Shenzhen during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Shenzhen receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Ao Nang or Shenzhen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Shenzhen. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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 Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenzhen receives 95 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets less rain in April than Shenzhen. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Ao Nang

Ao Nang Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)


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