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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Tokyo? 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 lively, accessible, and popular town. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a eclectic, cutting edge, and high tech city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Tokyo travel costs.

Ao Nang and Tokyo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Tokyo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo. Although Ao Nang and Tokyo are popular destinations, Tokyo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tokyo is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Ao Nang is famous for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Tokyo is famous for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also well known for The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Ao Nang different from Tokyo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Tokyo 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, Tokyo has many famous sights for visitors. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo Better for Nightlife?

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

Tokyo is a world class party destination. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

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 Tokyo Better for Music?

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

Tokyo has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Ao Nang is not a live music destination.

Is Ao Nang or Tokyo Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Tokyo Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

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 Tokyo More Beautiful?

Tokyo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Tokyo attracts visitors from all around. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Is Ao Nang or Tokyo Better for Families?

Tokyo 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, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo Better for Couples?

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

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Tokyo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Is Ao Nang or Tokyo Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo a more walkable city?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Tokyo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Tokyo?

In Ao Nang, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this popular destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Tokyo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ao Nang. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Tokyo 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. 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 Tokyo?

Ao Nang is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Tokyo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tokyo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Tokyo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Tokyo?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

Ao Nang is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Tokyo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Tokyo. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ao Nang is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ao Nang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Ao Nang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Tokyo in the Spring?

Both Tokyo and Ao Nang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun.

Tokyo 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Tokyo. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Ao Nang