A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Lanta vs. Ao Nang for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is a quiet, beautiful, and off-the-beaten-path island. 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 hiking.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a beachfront, lively, and accessible town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Lanta and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Lanta. Although Koh Lanta and Ao Nang are both popular with visitors, Koh Lanta has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Lanta is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Ao Nang is more touristy than Koh Lanta and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Koh Lanta is popular for it's long and sandy beaches, its idyllic paradise atmosphere, and its beautiful national park. It is also home to Long Beach.

How is Koh Lanta different from Ao Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lanta is a island 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 Koh Lanta. Nature and tranquil beauty are what this island is all about, so you won't find much in the form of museums or temples.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Koh Lanta has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are local markets that pop up in different places each day of the week. You may even get to sample deep-fried cicadas or dried fish. If you're looking for a more mainstream flavor, there are also curries and seafood dishes that are often locally caught.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Koh Lanta has a few options to choose from. This is one of the most chill islands in Thailand, so you won't find the hardcore party scene of some of the more backpacker heavy islands. That doesn't mean you won't find live music or places to hang out any night of the week.

Is Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Koh Lanta and Ao Nang have excellent options.

In Koh Lanta, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Most of the hotels and resorts are small, family-owned businesses that have a local and welcoming atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Koh Lanta and Ao Nang offer excellent scuba diving or snorkeling.

Koh Lanta is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are snorkeling and diving trips that leave from the island daily. It's also possible to snorkel off some of the beaches around the island without organizing a group trip.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. For a quiet and tranquil beach holiday, this is your spot. You can enjoy long walks along sandy beaches on the north side of the island, and on the south side you'll find dramatic beauty. The most well known beach is Long Beach, which is also the longest on the island.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Hiking?

Koh Lanta is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lanta. You'll find hiking trails in Koh Lanta National Park, which is at the southern tip of the island. You'll wander through the jungle, see wildlife, and take in breathtaking views.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Ao Nang offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Shopping in Koh Lanta can be found for those interested. The island doesn't have the huge tourist crowds of many places in Thailand, so you'll find few shops in the towns. If you need to buy clothes or other items, it's better to go to the mainland.

Is Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Families?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta. This is among the best island's in Thailand for kids. The waters are calm and the nightlife scene is relaxed. There are hotels that have kiddy pools and some even have kid's clubs. There are also kid-friendly menus at many of the restaurants.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

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

Koh Lanta makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The laid back vibe offers a bit of romance for couples. The beaches are beautiful and the island isn't as built up as many islands are in Thailand. And while you'll find places to go in the evening near the backpacker areas, most of the island has a chill and relaxed atmosphere.

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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lanta is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ao Nang is a great town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Lanta. You'll find backpackers on almost every island in Thailand, but this one is a bit more chill than most. It's not as touristy as most of the country's southern islands, but there are still enough amenities to make it comfortable.

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

Ao Nang is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Ao Nang, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is quite limited in Koh Lanta. There really isn't any public transit on the island. Most visitors hire taxis or rent motorbikes to get around.

Is Koh Lanta or Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Koh Lanta is a island with minimal options 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.

Koh Lanta is not a very walkable island. While there are some parts of the island that can be explored on foot, most people get around by motorbike.

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

Should I spend more time in Ao Nang or Koh Lanta?

How long in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lanta than Ao Nang. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

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

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Ao Nang. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

In Koh Lanta, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lanta has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the accessible destination of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible town of Ao Nang. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lanta. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting Koh Lanta. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Thailand, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Koh Lanta or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Koh Lanta. When comparing the sizes of Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta 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 Koh Lanta or Ao Nang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Lanta as well as Ao Nang. Koh Lanta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ao Nang throughout the year.

June to September in Koh Lanta is the rainy season. August to October in Ao Nang is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Koh Lanta receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Lanta usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 269 mm (10.6 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 Koh Lanta this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun.

In the summer, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Koh Lanta in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

Both Ao Nang and Koh Lanta are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lanta 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. It's quite rainy in Koh Lanta. In October, Koh Lanta usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

In October, Koh Lanta is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lanta average around 27°C (81°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Ao Nang in the Winter?

Both Ao Nang and Koh Lanta during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lanta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ao Nang year-round.

January to April is the dry season in Koh Lanta. December to March is the dry season in Ao Nang. Koh Lanta usually gets more rain in January than Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 50 mm (2 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 Koh Lanta. In the winter, Koh Lanta often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun.

Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Lanta averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Koh Lanta or Ao Nang in the Spring?

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

January to April in Koh Lanta is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Koh Lanta. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lanta gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ao Nang. Koh Lanta gets 124 mm (4.9 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 Koh Lanta, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Lanta usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during spring. Koh Lanta gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

In the spring, Koh Lanta is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Koh Lanta in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Koh Lanta