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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Sydney?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sydney? 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 beachfront, lively, and accessible town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Sydney

Sydney is a outdoorsy, adventurous, and glamorous 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ao Nang and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Sydney?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Ao Nang and Sydney are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Ao Nang different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sydney is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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 Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a world class party destination. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is well known for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Ao Nang to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Ao Nang or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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, Sydney is a very family-friendly destination. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

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

Sydney makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage 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 Sydney Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Sydney are very good 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.

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Sydney?

Both Ao Nang and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Sydney?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Because Sydney 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. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Ao Nang. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Sydney. Because Sydney is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Sydney is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney 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 Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Ao Nang during the summer 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 visitors come to Sydney in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Sydney in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F)in January.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the summer, Ao Nang often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin January. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

Sydney 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 July than Sydneyin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 19°C (65°F)in April.

Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during autumn. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Sydneyin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Sydney. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sydney because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Sydneyin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the winter, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Sydneyin July. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Sydney in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during spring. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In April, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Ao Nang