Which place is cheaper, Ao Nang or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Ao Nang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Ao Nang, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Ao Nang?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Aqaba Prices
Jordan PricesAo Nang Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $157Ao Nang $129
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ao Nang is $129. 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 Aqaba and Ao Nang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Ao Nang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Ao Nang $98
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ao Nang
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ao Nang? 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Ao Nang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Ao Nang $61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Wadi Rum: Private Transfer to Aqaba through Hotel Pickup: $69
- Wadi Rum: One-Way Transfer to/from Aqaba by Private Car: $80
- Wadi Araba Border Private Transfer To Petra: $105
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border: $153
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Wadi rum: $120
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Petra: $59
- Transfer from Aqaba City Or TalaBay to Amman Airport: $101
- Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Petra: $60
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Wadi rum: $140
- Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
- Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $51
- Private Transfers from Wadi Rum Inside Jordan and Vice Versa: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $34
- Ferry Transfer from Aonang To Phuket (Rassada Pier): $39
- Ferry Transfer from Koh PhiPhi to Ao Nang: $28
- From Ao Nang (Krabi): Private To Phuket (Phuket) Transfer: $86
- From Kayaking at Klong Rud with Hotel Transfers: $27
- From Krabi: Private Taxi Transfer to Phuket: $120
- Klong Rud Kayaking with Hotel Transfer: $29
- Koh Lanta :Speedboat Transfer from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi: $30
- Krabi : Muay Thai Live Fight Experience with Transfer: $55
- Krabi ATV Extreme Experience with Transfer and Adventure: $31
- Krabi ATV Jungle Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $37
- Krabi: 4 Islands Speed Catamaran Tour with Lunch/Transfers: $75
Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ao Nang?
Prices for flights to both Ao Nang and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $73Ao Nang $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Sunset Cruise with BBQ Dinner and Drinks: $54
- Overnight in Bedouin Camp. Dinner and breakfast included.: $56
- "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $82
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $100
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $109
- 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- Wadi Rum Private Tour with Jeep Safari and Dinner: $220
- Half Day Sunset Tour + Dinner & overnight stay in luxury tents: $286
- Petra & Wadi Rum Private Tour with Dinner one day: $425
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: Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Local Chef: $37
- Authentic Thai Local Cooking Class: $38
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class Krabi Province: $39
- 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Dinner & Snorkeling: $40
- Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour by Longtail Boat & BBQ Dinner: $43
- Krabi: Hong Island Cruise with Thai Buffet Dinner: $45
- From Ao Nang Hong Island Longtail Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $49
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $51
- Krabi: Romantic Beachfront Sunset Dinner: $64
- Krabi: Ao Thalane Sunset Kayaking & BBQ Dinner: $110
- Local Krabi: Cooking Demo, Market Walk, Bamboo Raft & Fruit: $133
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Ao Nang $12
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 03 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $61
- 04 Hrs Jeep tour in Wadi Rum: $73
- 2 Days & 1 Night | Jeep & Hike Tour in Wadi Rum Desert | Magic Bedouin Star: $258
- 2 Days Tour | Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea From Amman.: $190
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hour Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $20
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 To 5 Hours Glass Bottom Boat Private Tour At Read Sea: $90
- 2-day Hiking Adventure and Jeep Tour from Wadi Rum: $198
- 3 Hours Private Stargazing Experience in Wadi Rum: $49
- 3Days private Tour Petra Wadi Rum from Aqaba: $254
- 4 Hour Jeep Tour (morning or sunset) - Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $47
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- From Phi Phi : Splash & Explore – Half-Day Tour By longtail: $17
- Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $17
- Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $21
- Krabi: On The Hill Off-Road ATV Adventure 30 Minute: $22
- Krabi: 4 Island Snorkeling Tour: $24
- From Krabi: Blue Dragon Cabaret Ticket Dazzling Night: $24
- Krabi: 4 Islands One-Day Premium Speedboat Tour lunch: $25
- FERRY TICKET PHUKET - AONANG - PHIPHI: $25
- Krabi: Iconic 4 Islands Day Tour by Longtail Boat with Lunch: $27
- Ao Nang Kayak Adventure: Explore the Stunning Flooded Forest: $27
- Krabi: Saitai Mountain Tail ATV Adventure: $27
- Krabi: Jurassic Trails ATV Ride & Kayaking Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAqaba $9.07Ao Nang $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ao Nang
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ao Nang:
- K-Bunk Pub Crawl - The Best Bars in Ao Nang in One Night!: $1.20
- Krabi: Summer Club Pub Crawl with Fire Show: $15
- Krabi Pub Crawl - Join Nomads For The Best Night in Ao Nang!: $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Ao Nang, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba is in Middle East and Ao Nang is in Asia, 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 Ao Nang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ao Nang 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba than you might in Ao Nang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ao Nang?
Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ao Nang, 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 Aqaba or Ao Nang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Aqaba or Ao Nang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Ao Nang. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.
August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun.
The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Ao Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ao Nang in the Autumn?
Both Ao Nang and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Ao Nang is December to March. The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ao Nang during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Ao Nang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ao Nang in the Winter?
Both Ao Nang and Aqaba during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the winter, Aqaba often gets less sunshine than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun.
Aqaba is much colder than Ao Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Ao Nang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Ao Nang during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Ao Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Ao Nang 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Ao Nang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
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.