A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Khao Lak vs. Ao Nang for Beaches, Couples, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Ao Nang can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a laid back, relaxed, and friendly area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a beachfront, lively, and accessible town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Khao Lak and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Both Ao Nang and Khao Lak have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Khao Lak is better known for its beaches and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Khao Lak is well known for its undersea marine life, white sand beaches, and mellow coastal vibe. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Khao Lak different from Ao Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ao Nang and Khao Lak. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its historical sights.

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).

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Khao Lak. You'll find plenty or natural beauty, but not much in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Khao Lak or Ao Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Khao Lak and Ao Nang can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Khao Lak offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of southern Thai classics that include seafood, curries, grilled meats, and even vegetarian options. You'll also find an abundance of western food restaurants that serve everything from pizza to burgers.

Ao Nang has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Khao Lak is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Ao Nang know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Khao Lak has a few options to choose from. While it's a tranquil place, there are still some bars and clubs that have a laid back atmosphere and are fun places to hang out in the evening.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Khao Lak and Ao Nang have excellent options.

In Khao Lak, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The resorts cater to couples and families and offer a laid back and relaxed setting.

There are plenty of resorts in Ao Nang to choose from. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Khao Lak and Ao Nang offer excellent scuba diving or snorkeling.

Khao Lak is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many great dive and snorkel spots in the area and you'll find no shortage of excursions and day trips, whether you're interested in scuba diving or snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Khao Lak. The beaches are a highlight of any trip to Thailand. They offer a laid back and peaceful setting with white sand, turquoise water, and tropical marine life. Some of the best beaches include Bang Niang Beach - which is one of the most popular, Nang Thong Beach - which is one of the most beautiful, and Coconut Beach - which is one of the most idyllic.

Many people head to Ao Nang to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ao Nang and Khao Lak.

Khao Lak is a great destination for shopping. You'll find night markets, souvenir shops, local tailors, and other places where you can grab essentials or pick up souvenirs from your holiday.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ao Nang. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Families?

Khao Lak is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Khao Lak. This series of islands is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family. You can explore the undersea world with a mask or snorkel or get out on the water on a kayak. There are also turtle sanctuaries and beautiful beaches where you can pass the time.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ao Nang. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

Khao Lak is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Khao Lak makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Underwater beauty, stunning beaches, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences all make these islands a world class honeymoon destination.

Ao Nang is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Khao Lak and Ao Nang are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Khao Lak. Like most of Thailand, the backpacker amenities are abundant. You'll find plenty of hostels, fun activities, and affordable entertainment throughout the region.

Many 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Khao Lak and Ao Nang.

You'll find some public transit in Khao Lak, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transportation comes in the form of tuk tuks, Songthaew (pick up trucks), taxis, and public buses. There are also VIP buses and minivans as well.

While Ao Nang offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Is Khao Lak or Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its walkability. However, Khao Lak is a area with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Khao Lak is generally not a very walkable area. While there are areas where you can walk, the region isn't particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ao Nang or Khao Lak?

How long in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Khao Lak and Ao Nang. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Khao Lak than in Ao Nang. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Khao Lak, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ao Nang.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Khao Lak 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 Ao Nang.

One day in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

In Khao Lak, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

In Khao Lak, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Khao Lak is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Khao Lak has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Thailand, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Thailand.

When comparing the travel costs between Khao Lak and Ao Nang, we can see that Khao Lak 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak or Ao Nang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Ao Nang. Khao Lak 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. Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the summer. Khao Lak usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 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 Khao Lak this time of the year. In the summer, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Khao Lak or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

Both Ao Nang and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak is November to April. The rainy season in Khao Lak is May to October. 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. It's quite rainy in Khao Lak. In October, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during autumn. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Ao Nang in the Winter?

Both Ao Nang and Khao Lak during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak 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. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in January than Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 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 Khao Lak. In the winter, Khao Lak often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Khao Lak in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Khao Lak or Ao Nang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round. Ao Nang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Ao Nang. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 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 Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during spring. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Khao Lak is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 29°C (83°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Khao Lak