A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Singapore for Food, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ao Nang or Singapore?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Singapore? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Singapore

Singapore is a colorful, glitzy, and modern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Ao Nang and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling


Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Singapore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Singapore. Although Ao Nang and Singapore are popular destinations, Singapore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Singapore is very popular for its museums, food, music, resorts, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife and scuba diving & snorkeling. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Singapore is famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront.

How is Ao Nang different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ao Nang
Singapore

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

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

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 Singapore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Singapore is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Ao Nang is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Singapore is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Singapore. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Ao Nang or Singapore Better for Music?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Ao Nang is not a live music destination.

Singapore has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Ao Nang is not a live music destination.


Is Ao Nang or Singapore Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Singapore is a great choice. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ao Nang. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

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

Ao Nang
Singapore

Ao Nang is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Singapore is a mediocre city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Most people don't go snorkeling in Singapore. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Is Ao Nang or Singapore Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang
Singapore

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Singapore 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 Singapore to enjoy the beach. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.


Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Singapore?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Singapore specifically to go shopping. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

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 Singapore Better for Families?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Singapore is a very family-friendly destination. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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 Singapore Better for Couples?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Singapore makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Singapore, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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.

Is Ao Nang or Singapore Better for Students?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination 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.

Singapore has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over the city.

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 Singapore a more walkable city?

Ao Nang
Singapore

Singapore is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Singapore. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Singapore?

Both Ao Nang and Singapore have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Singapore than in Ao Nang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-7 days is enough time in Singapore.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Ao Nang or Singapore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ao Nang 2-3 
    Singapore 2-7

One day in Ao Nang or Singapore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Singapore?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beachfront destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Singapore 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. 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 Singapore has to offer.


Five days in Ao Nang or Singapore?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Ao Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Singapore?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Singapore. Because Singapore is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.


Which place is cheaper, Singapore or Ao Nang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $107, while the average daily cost in Singapore is $151. 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 Singapore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ao Nang $52
    Singapore $98
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ao Nang $104
    Singapore $196
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Singapore

Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Singapore? 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 Singapore


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ao Nang $56
    Singapore $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

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

  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
  • Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $24
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
  • Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
  • Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $107

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Singapore

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Singapore:


  • Taxi to Airport
    $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Singapore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Singapore:

  • Wondrous Wildlife @ Singapore Zoo + Roundtrip Transfers: $91
  • Wondrous Wildlife @ River Wonders + Roundtrip Transfers: $84
  • Wildlife River Wonders and Night Safari(Combo)+Roundtrip Transfer: $151
  • Universal Studios Singapore Admission Ticket with Transfer: $159
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore HTL-APT (SIN): $40
  • Try find better than us! Airport Transfer service in Singapore APT-HTL (SIN): $40
  • Starry Night Singapore Tour + Roundtrip Transfers: $69
  • Universal Studios 1-Day Pass with 1-Way Transfer: $95
  • Night Safari with Tram Ride and Hotel Transfer: $167
  • Night Safari Ticket, Tram Ride, & Return Transfer: $103
  • Marina Bay Sands & Gardens By The Bay & Transfer: $111
  • Half-Day City Tour with Hotel Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Singapore?

Prices for flights to both Singapore 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 $24
    Singapore $27

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: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
  • Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $41
  • Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $47
  • Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $51
  • Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $130

Typical Food Prices in Singapore

Some typical examples of dining costs in Singapore are as follows:


  • Breakfast
    $4.48
  • Sugarcane Juice
    $1.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Singapore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Singapore.

  • Singapore : Traditional Snacks Cooking Class: $36
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $46
  • Secrets of Singapore Kick Scooter Tour with Dinner: $48
  • Guided Hawker Culture & Street Food Tour at Night: $65
  • Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Marina Bay Sands Yacht Cruise with Dinner: $68
  • Singapore Bike and Bites Food Tour: $69
  • Eat Snap Tour - Katong Walking Food Tour: $73
  • Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour: $73
  • Private Korean Cooking Class in Balmoral Road: $75
  • Zebra Urban Safari Bicycle Tour with Local Dinner and Drinks: $76
  • Little India Hawker Street Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ao Nang $11
    Singapore $32

Tours and Activities in Ao Nang

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

  • Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $16
  • Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
  • Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $23
  • Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $25
  • ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
  • Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $28
  • Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $28
  • Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $32
  • Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $33
  • From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $33
  • Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $36
  • Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $36

Tours and Activities in Singapore

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Singapore are as follows:

  • SG Adventure Pass with Dukw Tour: $124
  • SG Explorer Pass with Dukw Tour: $67
  • Singapore : Axe Throwing Experience : $40
  • Singapore's Chinatown "Off The Beaten Track" Foodie Tour : $107
  • VIP private Night Tour + Light Show, Night market & more : $155
  • *16 Hrs Tailored Melaka Highlights Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $161
  • *17 or 19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $188
  • *19 Hrs Kuala Lumpur&Melaka Van Tour from Singapore w' Tour Guide: $185
  • 1-way Singapore hotel pickup (Batam private tour guests only): $120
  • 3 Ethnic Neighborhoods & UNESCO Street Food / Cultural Experience: $151
  • 3 Hour Private Sunset Tour in Singapore: $208
  • 3-Hour Marina Bay Best Spots Walking Tour: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ao Nang $15
    Singapore $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Singapore

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

  • Tour of Tiger Brewery in Singapore: $22
  • Little India Pub Crawl : $23
  • Singapore Pub Crawl - Party like a Local: $26
  • Little India Pub Crawl: $26
  • Singapore Pub Crawl (SG Pub Crawl): $27
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl:Wildest Nightlife Clubbing: $32
  • Halloween Horror Nightlife PartySingapore Bespoke Pub Crawl: $37
  • Party Singapore Bespoke Pub Crawl Wildest Nightlife Experience: $38
  • Enjoy Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting Flight and Singapore Sling Masterclass: $58
  • Tiger Brewery Tour, Swim & Sunset Photo Session at Raffles Marina: $99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Singapore, we can see that Singapore is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Singapore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Singapore 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 Singapore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Singapore, 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.