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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Yogyakarta? 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. Ao Nang is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Ao Nang and Yogyakarta: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Yogyakarta. Although Ao Nang and Yogyakarta are both popular with visitors, Yogyakarta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Ao Nang is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also home to Borobudur Temple.

How is Ao Nang different from Yogyakarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Yogyakarta 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, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

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 Yogyakarta? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Yogyakarta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

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 Yogyakarta Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Yogyakarta is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for Resorts?

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

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

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

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

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

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

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for Families?

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

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 Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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

Ao Nang and Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Ao Nang or Yogyakarta a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Ao Nang is a very walkable town. It's a small town, so most places can be reached on foot.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable town. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Yogyakarta or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

It's fun to spend time in either Ao Nang or Yogyakarta. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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

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

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

One day in Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yogyakarta has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

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.

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Yogyakarta?

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 Yogyakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, and The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Yogyakarta, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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 Yogyakarta Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Yogyakarta, 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.