A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Koh Samet vs. Ao Nang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Koh Samet or Ao Nang?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet or Ao Nang?

Koh Samet

The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Ao Nang or Koh Samet?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, 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 Koh Samet and Ao Nang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Koh Samet $32
    Ao Nang $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Koh Samet $64
    Ao Nang $104
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Ao Nang

Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet


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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Koh Samet $68
    Ao Nang $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ao Nang

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

  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $18
  • Private Eco-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Station, Krabi: $18
  • Krabi Airport Private One-Way SUV Transfer: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Bus Statation: $22
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Ao Nang - Downtown, Krabi: $22
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Ko Lanta: $23
  • Aonang : Ferry Transfer from Aonang to Phuket: $31
  • Krabi:Speedboat Transfer to Phi Phi Islands: $41
  • Phuket: Speedboat Transfer to Ao Nang or Railay via Ko Yao: $41
  • Private SUV-Transfer: One-way Krabi to Phuket: $105

Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Ao Nang?

Prices for flights to both Ao Nang and Koh Samet 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
    Koh Samet $27
    Ao 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Koh Samet $8.96
    Ao Nang $11

Tours and Activities in Ao Nang

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

  • Krabi: South Kayak Klong Root Kayaking Tour: $16
  • Krabi ATV adventure drive 30mins: $22
  • Krabi kayaking and swimming clongrood Tour: $22
  • Krabi 4 Island One Day Tour by Speed boat or Longtail boat: $24
  • ATV adventure 30 mins drive: $27
  • Krabi: Bioluminescent Plankton, Snorkeling & Sunset Tour: $27
  • Kayak Tour in Krabi Mangrove Forest with Lunch: $27
  • Krabi: ATV adventure and extreme: $31
  • Kayaking klongroot and atv adventure: $32
  • From Hong Islands Day Tour by Boat with Lunch: $32
  • Krabi: Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour: $35
  • Krabi: Railay Beach Bioluminescent Plankton Ferry Cruise: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Koh Samet $4.68
    Ao Nang $15


When comparing the travel costs between Koh Samet and Ao Nang, we can see that Ao Nang 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 Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Koh Samet 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 Samet or Ao Nang in the Summer?

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

August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Ao Nang, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Koh Samet 28°C (82°F) 
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet 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. Also, August to October is the rainy season in Ao Nang. Ao Nang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Koh Samet 27°C (81°F) 
    Ao Nang 27°C (81°F)

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

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

Also, December to March in Ao Nang is the dry season. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 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 Samet this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun.

Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the winter. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Koh Samet 25°C (77°F) 
    Ao Nang 28°C (82°F)

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

Both Ao Nang and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Ao Nang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ao Nang. In April, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Ao Nang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ao Nang during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Koh Samet 29°C (84°F) 
    Ao Nang 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Koh Samet

Koh Samet Ao Nang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 26°C (80°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 276 mm (10.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 380 mm (15 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)