Which place is cheaper, Ao Nang or Eilat?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Eilat or Ao Nang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Eilat or Ao Nang? 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: Eilat or Ao Nang?
Eilat
Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.
Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.
Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.
Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayEilat $140Ao Nang $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Ao Nang is $107. 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 Eilat and Ao Nang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personEilat $93Ao Nang $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomEilat $186Ao Nang $104
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Ao Nang
Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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: Eilat Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Eilat $13Ao Nang $56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:
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Local Bus$3.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat
Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70
- From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang
Also for Ao Nang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
- Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
- Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
- Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
- Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
- Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
- Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Ao Nang?
Prices for flights to both Ao Nang and Eilat 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 dayEilat $35Ao Nang $24
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: Ya's Cookery Late Afternoon Thai Cooking Class: $39
- Krabi : Authentic Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour: $40
- Krabi: Morning/Afternoon Thai Cooking Class at Ya's Cookery: $46
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang, Krabi: $50
- Krabi 7 Island Sunset by Luxury Vintage Boat With BBQ Dinner: $127
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Eilat $16Ao Nang $11
Tours and Activities in Eilat
For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
- 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
- Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
- From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
- Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
- Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
- Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
- Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
- Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
- Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
- Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
- Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299
Tours and Activities in Ao Nang
For Ao Nang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV adventure 1hour drive: $43
- ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
- ATV adventure and achery (1้hour ): $35
- ATV adventure and shooting range: $57
- Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
- From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
- From Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $46
- From Private Gondola Cruise with Lunch and Picnic: $59
- From Krabi: James Bond Island One-Day Tour by Speedboat: $123
- Half-Day Krabi Four Islands Tour with Amazing long-tail Boat: $88
- James Bond Island: Sightseeing Tour by Longtail Boat & Kayak: $42
- Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayEilat $27Ao Nang $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Eilat and Ao Nang, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. And not only is Ao Nang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Eilat 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 Eilat would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Eilat 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 Eilat Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Eilat or Ao Nang?
Eilat has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Ao Nang?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Eilat or Ao Nang in the Summer?
Both Ao Nang and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Ao Nang is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. In July, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Ao Nang during summer. Eilat gets 384 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is a little warmer than Ao Nang in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyEilat 33°C (91°F)Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ao Nang in the Autumn?
Both Ao Nang and Eilat during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat 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. August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the autumn, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Eilat is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberEilat 26°C (79°F)Ao Nang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ao Nang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ao Nang this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Eilat is generally much colder than Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryEilat 14°C (57°F)Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Eilat or Ao Nang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Ao Nang. Eilat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 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 Eilat this time of the year. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun.
Eilat is cooler than Ao Nang in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilEilat 24°C (75°F)Ao Nang 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Eilat
| Eilat | Ao Nang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 2 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) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 0 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) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.