A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise? 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Ao Nang and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Ao Nang different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise is a world class party destination. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

Ao Nang is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's very good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise.

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.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Is Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Surfers Paradise is a good destination for hiking. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise.

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

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the accessible town of Ao Nang. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise, 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. Even though Ao Nang is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise, 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

Both Surfers Paradise 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, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradisein January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise 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. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradisein April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradisein April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 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 Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Surfers Paradise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Surfers Paradisein July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradisein July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Surfers Paradise. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Surfers Paradise in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradisein October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Surfers Paradisein October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Ao Nang