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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Wellington?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Wellington? 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Wellington

Wellington is a laid-back, funky, and compact city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Wellington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wellington. Although Ao Nang and Wellington are both popular with visitors, Wellington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wellington is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Ao Nang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Wellington is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. It is also home to Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

How is Ao Nang different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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 Wellington? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Wellington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Wellington.

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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Ao Nang or Wellington Better for Resorts?

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

Wellington is not a resort destination.

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

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

Wellington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Wellington is considered a top beach destination. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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 Wellington Better for Hiking?

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

Wellington is a good destination for hiking. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Wellington?

Wellington is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local 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 Wellington Better for Families?

Wellington is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

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 Wellington Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Wellington make for a good place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Wellington is a nice destination for couples. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Ao Nang or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang and Wellington are both high quality 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 Wellington. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Ao Nang or Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Wellington. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Wellington is a very popular place 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Wellington. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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 Wellington a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Wellington are high quality 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.

Wellington is very walkable. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Wellington?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ao Nang and Wellington. In our opinion, Wellington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wellington than Ao Nang. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Wellington?

With shopping and nightlife around the popular town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Wellington, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Wellington, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wellington has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Wellington?

Ao Nang, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wellington. 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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington 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, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In July, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Wellington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington 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, many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 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 Wellington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ao Nang and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Ao Nang is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ao Nang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season.

Should I visit Ao Nang or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Wellington. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months.

In April, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 29°C (84°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Ao Nang