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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a remote, beautiful, and undiscovered island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Koh Tarutao and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Koh Tarutao and Ao Nang are popular destinations, Ao Nang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for the Island Boat Tours. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Ao Nang is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Ao Nang specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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).

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Ao Nang is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Ao Nang has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its resorts.

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.

While Koh Tarutao is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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 Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Ao Nang has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Ao Nang are nice family-friendly destinations.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

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 Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place for couples. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Tarutao or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Ao Nang has some public transit options. Tuk tuks or renting a motorbike are your best bet for reaching places quickly.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

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

How long in Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Ao Nang. In our opinion, Ao Nang has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ao Nang than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ao Nang than Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao or Ao Nang?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively town of Ao Nang. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang?

In Koh Tarutao, you'll find . 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 Tarutao has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the popular destination of Ao Nang. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The popular town of Ao Nang offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Ao Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Many people enjoy the when visiting Koh Tarutao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Ao Nang. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao Expensive? and Is Ao Nang Expensive?.

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

Both Ao Nang and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao 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. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ao Nang. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in October than Ao Nang. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 27°C (81°F).

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao 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, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Ao Nang. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

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

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

Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Tarutao usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ao Nang. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Koh Tarutao