A Travel Price Comparison for Thailand Sukhothai vs. Ao Nang for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Sukhothai and Ao Nang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a cultural, under-rated, and world class city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a popular, beachfront, and lively town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Sukhothai and Ao Nang: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ao Nang than Sukhothai, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ao Nang is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Sukhothai is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Ao Nang is more touristy than Sukhothai and is known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Ao Nang is famous for the Island Boat Tours. Sukhothai is well known for its world class historical ruins and its history as the first capital of Siam.

How is Sukhothai different from Ao Nang?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Ao Nang is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Sukhothai offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Although many visitors overlook Sukhothai, the Sukhothai Historical Park is one of the area's most impressive historical and cultural sights. There are countless historical landmarks both within the old walled city and in the surrounding area.

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).

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

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

Sukhothai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Tourists visit specifically to try the area's famed spicy noodle dish - kuaytiaw Sukhothai. The city is filled with a range of dining options, from noodle joints to Thai eateries, as well as tourist-friendly restaurants.

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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Ao Nang has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Sukhothai has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is more of a historical area than a nightlife destination, but you'll find tourist-oriented bars where you can grab a cold beer, or local cafes with live music.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ao Nang. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Sukhothai is not a resort destination.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Sukhothai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is very good for its beaches. However, Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

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.

Sukhothai is not a beach destination.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for its Old Town?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Sukhothai. The Sukhothai Historical Park is an impressive World Heritage Site. There are 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls. Outside of the walls there are another 70 sites within a 5 kilometer radius.

Ao Nang does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

Sukhothai is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sukhothai. There are a number of markets and handicraft studios nearby. Check out Tra Phang Thong Market for local foods and products or Suntree Thai Weaving for handwoven items. There's also Suthep Sangkalok where you'll find traditional ceramics.

Ao Nang is a great destination for shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Sukhothai or Ao Nang.

Sukhothai is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Sukhothai Historical Park and other nearby temples. The less touristy side of this area makes it great for families who need a break from Thailand's tourist crowds. It's also a fun place to explore by bike.

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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Couples?

Both Sukhothai and Ao Nang are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Sukhothai is a nice destination for couples. For couples who want to get away from the tourist crowds, this cultural and historical area is filled with temples and interesting sights.

Ao Nang makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sukhothai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Ao Nang is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sukhothai. For many backpackers, its not part of the typical Southeast Asian tourist trail, but for some, that is the appeal.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Sukhothai and Ao Nang.

Sukhothai has some public transit options. There are tuk tuks and local shuttle buses around the town.

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.

Is Sukhothai or Ao Nang a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Sukhothai is lacking in 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.

Sukhothai is generally not very walkable. This isn't the most walkable area, and the historical sites are spread out so you'll really need a bike, motorbike, or some other form of transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Ao Nang or Sukhothai?

How long in Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

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

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Sukhothai. 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 Sukhothai. 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 Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

In Sukhothai, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

In Sukhothai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sukhothai has to offer.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the popular 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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

Sukhothai is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively 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 Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sukhothai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sukhothai. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours in Thailand, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Thailand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sukhothai or Ao Nang?

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

Both Ao Nang and Sukhothai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sukhothai 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 Sukhothai. In July, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 190 mm (7.5 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. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during summer. Sukhothai gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 29°C (84°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ao Nang in the Autumn?

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

October to April is the dry season in Sukhothai. May to October is the rainy season in Sukhothai. 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 Sukhothai. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in October than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Ao Nang receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Sukhothai. In the autumn, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 181 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Ao Nang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sukhothai averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Ao Nang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ao Nang in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sukhothai and Ao Nang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sukhothai 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, Sukhothai usually receives less rain than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 7 mm (0.3 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. In Sukhothai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sukhothai usually receives less sunshine than Ao Nang during winter. Sukhothai gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Ao Nang receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Sukhothai is around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sukhothai in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Ao Nang averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Sukhothai or Ao Nang in the Spring?

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

Also, October to April in Sukhothai is the dry season. May to October in Sukhothai is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Ao Nang. Sukhothai usually gets less rain in April than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 51 mm (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 Sukhothai this time of the year. In the spring, Sukhothai often gets more sunshine than Ao Nang. Sukhothai gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ao Nang receives 249 hours of full sun.

Sukhothai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Sukhothai is generally around the same temperature as Ao Nang. Daily temperatures in Sukhothai average around 32°C (89°F), and Ao Nang fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Typical Weather for Ao Nang and Sukhothai