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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Torquay?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Torquay? 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. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Torquay

Torquay is a laid back, hip, and thriving surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Torquay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Torquay. Although Ao Nang and Torquay are both popular with visitors, Torquay has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Torquay is more popular for its museums & sights, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Ao Nang is known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Ao Nang is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also home to Bells Beach.

How is Ao Nang different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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 Torquay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Ao Nang and Torquay offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Torquay offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Ao Nang for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is great for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

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

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

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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay 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 Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Torquay?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Ao Nang and Torquay.

Ao Nang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Torquay is a great destination for shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ao Nang or Torquay.

Ao Nang is a family-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Torquay. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Torquay is a good town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ao Nang and Torquay.

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 Torquay, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Ao Nang or Torquay a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Torquay 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.

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Torquay. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Torquay 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 Torquay?

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.

In Torquay, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This surf town 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 Torquay?

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.

In Torquay, you'll find food and shopping. 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Torquay has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Torquay?

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.

Torquay is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Torquay, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Torquay 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 Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Ao Nang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ao Nang than you might in Torquay.

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 Torquay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ao Nang is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Torquay 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 Torquayin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 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 Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Torquay. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Torquayin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 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 Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay 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, the winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Torquayin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay 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, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In April, Ao Nang is generally a little warmer than Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Torquayin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Ao Nang