A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Haifa vs. Ao Nang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Haifa or Ao Nang?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Haifa and Ao Nang. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Haifa or Ao Nang?

Haifa

Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Israel, Haifa is Israel's third largest city. It is also a beautiful and strategically located city near the border with Lebanon. The population of Haifa, which is approximately 300,000, is surprisingly diverse. There are Jews, Muslim, and Christian Arabs throughout the city. While Haifa is an industrial city with a strong work ethic and a good job base, it is also a beautiful city with many gardens and a stunning coastline. Today the job base has increasingly become technology based with some large companies such as Google and Microsoft offering employment in the area. Haifa University is also the country's top technology university.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Israel, The Best Cultural Tours in Israel, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, and The Best Budget Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ao Nang or Haifa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Haifa is $123, 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 Haifa and Ao Nang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Haifa $74
    Ao Nang $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Haifa $148
    Ao Nang $104
Compare Hotels in Haifa and Ao Nang

Looking for a hotel in Haifa 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.

Hotels in Haifa


Hotels in Ao Nang


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: Haifa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Haifa $4.93
    Ao Nang $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Haifa

Also for Haifa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers all over the Holyland: Haifa, TLV, Airport, JLM, Jordan: $195
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv City: $173
  • Private Transfer from Haifa Cruise Port to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV): $173

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 Haifa or Ao Nang?

Prices for flights to both Ao Nang and Haifa 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Haifa $44
    Ao Nang $24
Typical Food Prices in Haifa

For Haifa, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $27

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Haifa $5.68
    Ao Nang $11

Tours and Activities in Haifa

For Haifa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Romantic Walking Tour In Haifa for Couples: $290
  • Caesarea, Haifa, Acre, Rosh Hanikra Private Day Tour: $700
  • Christianity Day Tour: Haifa Port to Nazareth and Sea of Galilee : $295
  • From Tel Aviv: Caesarea, Haifa & Akko Guided Tour: $1,300
  • From Tel Aviv: Northern Israel Coast Private Tour: $999
  • Full Day Tour to Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee: $290
  • Haifa Port Shore Excursion: Nazareth and Sea of Galilee Day Tour from Haifa Port: $120
  • Haifa Port: Full-Day Christianity Cruise to Galilee: $388
  • Haifa Private Tour: $160
  • Haifa, Acre & Rosh Anikra Grottos Haifa Port FullDay Shared Tour: $231
  • Haifa, Acre and Rosh Anikra for Cruises with Licensed Guide: $405
  • Jerusalem & Bethlehem Tour from Haifa Port 2024 - Small Group: $255

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Haifa $13
    Ao Nang $15


When comparing the travel costs between Haifa and Ao Nang, we can see that Haifa 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 Haifa is in Middle East and Ao Nang is in Asia, 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 Haifa Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Haifa or Ao Nang?

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

Both Ao Nang and Haifa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Haifa 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, Haifa usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 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 Haifa. Haifa usually receives more sunshine than Ao Nang during summer. Haifa gets 364 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Haifa is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 27°C (81°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Haifa 27°C (81°F) 
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

Both Ao Nang and Haifa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Haifa 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. Haifa usually gets less rain in October than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Haifa. In the autumn, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 274 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun.

Haifa is cooler than Ao Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Haifa averages around 24°C (75°F) in October, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Haifa 24°C (75°F) 
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Ao Nang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Haifa and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Haifa 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. Haifa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Haifa usually receives more rain than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 100 mm (3.9 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. Haifa usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during winter. Haifa gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Haifa is much colder than Ao Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Haifa in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Haifa 14°C (57°F) 
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Haifa or Ao Nang in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Haifa as well as Ao Nang. Haifa 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. Haifa usually gets less rain in April than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 30 mm (1.2 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 Haifa this time of the year. In the spring, Haifa often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Haifa gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun.

In April, Haifa is generally much colder than Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Haifa average around 19°C (66°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Haifa 19°C (66°F) 
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Haifa

Haifa Ao Nang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)