Which place is cheaper, Xi'an or Ao Nang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ao Nang or Xi'an?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Ao Nang or Xi'an? 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.
Where Should I go: Ao Nang or Xi'an?
Ao Nang
If you're looking for a relaxing beach on the coast of Thailand, it might be time to make a trip to Ao Nang. This developed and "westernized" beach was once the place to be for backpackers, but is now quite popular with package tourist crowds, too, as prices have risen in recent decades. Here you'll find nice hotels, restaurants, and plenty of fun activities at the beach and nearby, too.
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAo Nang $121Xi'an $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Ao Nang is $121, while the average daily cost in Xi'an is $97. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ao Nang and Xi'an in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAo Nang $58Xi'an $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAo Nang $116Xi'an $124
Compare Hotels in Ao Nang and Xi'an
Looking for a hotel in Ao Nang or Xi'an? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ao Nang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ao Nang $63Xi'an $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $25
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $27
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $35
- Ko Lanta: Speed Boat Transfer Direct to Aonang: $58
- Krabi: Ao Nang To/From Phi Phi By Fast Speed Boat Transfer: $28
- Krabi: Private Transfer Between Ao Nang Area and Ko Lanta: $116
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $46
- One way Private transfer from Krabi airport to Ao Nang: $34
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $46
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $20
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $20
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xian Xianyang International Airport (XIY) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour with Airport Transfer: $176
- Xian Terracotta Warriors Museum Tour with Airport Transfer: $184
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Xian Best Day Tour with Airport / Railway Station Transfer: $132
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Xian Airport transfer, Pickup: $53
- Xi'an Xianyang Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Xian Airport transfer, Pickup: $61
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $30
- Xi'an Silk Road: Legend of Camel Bell Show Ticket with Transfer: $49
- Xi'an Private Transfer: Airport or Train Stations to Hotel Roundtrip: $101
- Xi'an Private Round Trip Transfer to Mount Huashan: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Ao Nang or Xi'an?
Prices for flights to both Xi'an and Ao Nang change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAo Nang $28Xi'an $13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Krabi: 7-Island Sunset & Dinner - Join tour by Longtail boat: $43
- Krabi: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $44
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $46
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $53
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $57
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $146
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- Private Old Xi'an Authentic Local Beer Dinner Tour: $68
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72
- Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
- Half-day Xi'an Steamed Buns(Baozi) Cooking Class with Market Visit: $78
- Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Experience: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ao Nang $12Xi'an $36
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $18
- Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $25
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $25
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $28
- Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $28
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $31
- Krabi: Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure: $31
- Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $31
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $36
- Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $37
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $37
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Terracotta Army Group Tour: $110
- Group Tour to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum & Lunch : $65
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Big Wild Goose Pagoda&City Wall:: $185
- #1 Bestselling Private Terracotta Army Tours + Customized Xian Tours: $82
- 1 Day Xian City Highlights Private Tour: $148
- 1 Day Xian Group Tour: Terracotta Warriors & City Wall: $138
- 1-Day Private Tour: Mount Huashan With the Lunch from Xi'an: $190
- 1-Day Xi'an City Highlights and Hanyangling Museum Private Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Museum and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum Tour: $100
- 1-Day Xi'an Tour with the Terracotta Warriors, Cave Dwelling and City Wall : $236
- 2 Days Classic Xian Group Tour: $234
- 2 Days Xian Customized Tour for Terracotta Warriors and More: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAo Nang $17Xi'an $7.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- Guided Bar Crawl with Shots and a T-Shirt: $20
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Xi'an, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Xi'an much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Xi'an would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Xi'an 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 Xi'an.
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 Xi'an Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Xi'an?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 400 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Xi'an, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.