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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Wollongong? 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Ao Nang and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Ao Nang and Wollongong are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Ao Nang different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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 Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

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 Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Wollongong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Is Ao Nang or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

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

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

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 Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Wollongong?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Ao Nang and Wollongong.

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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Ao Nang or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Ao Nang or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Wollongong?

With shopping and nightlife around the beachfront 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 Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong, 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 Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?

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

Ao Nang is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ao Nang usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Ao Nang gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Ao Nang usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Ao Nang gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 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 Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ao Nang as well as Wollongong. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin April. Ao Nang gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Ao Nang gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 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 Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ao Nang is generally much warmer than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Ao Nang average around 28°C (82°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Ao Nang gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ao Nang usually receives less rain than Wollongongin July. Ao Nang gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 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 Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong 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 Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Ao Nang is much warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Ao Nang averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. In the spring, Ao Nang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin October. Ao Nang gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. Ao Nang usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Ao Nang gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Ao Nang