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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Te Anau?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Te Anau? 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Te Anau

Te Anau is a stunning, pristine, and breathtaking town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Ao Nang and Te Anau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Te Anau are both popular with visitors, Ao Nang has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ao Nang is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Te Anau is known for its food, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to the Island Boat Tours. Te Anau is popular for being the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

How is Ao Nang different from Te Anau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of decent museums and attractions in both Te Anau and Ao Nang.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Te Anau offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The town is about the surrounding outdoor activities but you will find the Te Anau Vintage Machinery Museum and the Te Anau Trout Observatory in town.

Is the Food Better in Ao Nang or Te Anau? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Te Anau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town makes a great spot to refuel after all of your hiking and outdoor adventures. There are plenty of cafes and food trucks around town where you can enjoy local dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

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 Te Anau Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

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.

Te Anau is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. This is a small town that's focused on outdoor activities, but it does receive a number of tourists, so you'll find a few bars around town where you can hang out.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for the beache. However, Te Anau 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.

Te Anau is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau Better for Hiking?

Te Anau is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Te Anau specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The town serves as basecamp for Fiordland National Park so there are many amazing hikes and walks in the area. Many of the hikes begin at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre and range in length and the required skill level.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Te Anau has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are shops where you can pick up any outdoor supplies and food items that you may need.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau Better for Families?

Te Anau 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, Te Anau is a very family-friendly destination. The town's proximity to the Milford Sound make it a nice base for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Kayaking or exploring the Te Anau Glowworm Caves are favorite activities in the area. There's also the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and many hikes nearby.

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 Te Anau Better for Couples?

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

Te Anau makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The stunning scenery in the area, combined with small town charm, make this is a top couple's destination and a wonderful honeymoon spot. Couples who appreciate nature and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this amazing area.

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 Te Anau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Te Anau 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 Te Anau. For such a small town, there are a decent number of hostels and budget accommodation options in the area. The town makes a good base for exploring the region's stunning scenery.

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

Ao Nang is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Te Anau. Public transit in the area is limited and most visitors have their own car or join one of the many tours in the area.

Is Ao Nang or Te Anau a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Te Anau is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Te Anau is generally not very walkable. Exploring the area requires a vehicle and, while there are many hikes in the area, it's not easy to walk to many places. There are tours available for those that don't have a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Te Anau or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Te Anau. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ao Nang than Te Anau. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-3 days is enough time in Te Anau.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Te Anau 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Te Anau has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Te Anau?

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.

Te Anau is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Te Anau?

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 Te Anau. Since Te Anau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Te Anau?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Te Anau. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Te Anau, 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.