A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Lake Tekapo for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a beachfront, lively, and accessible town. Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a remote, basic, and small town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Lake Tekapo travel costs.

Ao Nang and Lake Tekapo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ao Nang. Although Ao Nang and Lake Tekapo are popular destinations, Ao Nang has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ao Nang is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Lake Tekapo attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Lake Tekapo and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for the Island Boat Tours. Lake Tekapo is famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky.

How is Ao Nang different from Lake Tekapo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ao Nang is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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).

Lake Tekapo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ao Nang area. 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.

Lake Tekapo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Lake Tekapo This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its resorts. However, Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

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.

Lake Tekapo is not a resort destination.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ao Nang is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lake Tekapo 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for the beach. However, Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Ao Nang offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Lake Tekapo is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Hiking?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Lake Tekapo is a town with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Ao Nang to go shopping. You'll find some of the best shopping in the province of Krabi along Catalunya Walking Street in Ao Nang.

Shopping in Lake Tekapo can be found for those interested. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo More Beautiful?

Lake Tekapo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Lake Tekapo attracts visitors from all around. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.

Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Families?

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo. Kids will enjoy a visit to Tekapo Springs, which is particularly fun in the winter months. There's snow tubing, ice skating, and, of course, the hot pools. There are also short hikes in the area like the Mount John Summit Walk. Biking, paddleboarding, and kayaking are also popular in the area.

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 Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ao Nang and Lake Tekapo make for a nice place to visit.

Ao Nang is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Lake Tekapo is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the stunning scenery, beautiful hikes, and the romantic hot springs. Stargazing is another popular activity in the area.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Ao Nang is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Lake Tekapo. It's a small town with a couple of cheap places to stay that backpackers will appreciate.

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

Ao Nang is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lake Tekapo is a town 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 Lake Tekapo. Public transportation in the area is very limited. If you don't have a car, you'll want to arrange tours to get out and about.

Is Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo a more walkable city?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Lake Tekapo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Lake Tekapo is somewhat walkable. The town is small enough to get around on foot, and you can hire a tour to get out into the region.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Tekapo or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Lake Tekapo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lake Tekapo.

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Lake Tekapo. 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 Lake Tekapo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ao Nang 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 Lake Tekapo 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 Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

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.

In Lake Tekapo, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

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.

In Lake Tekapo, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lake Tekapo has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

The accessible 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.

Lake Tekapo is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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.

A week in Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Tekapo. Many people enjoy the when visiting Lake Tekapo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand, and The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ao Nang and Lake Tekapo, we can see that Ao Nang is more expensive. And not only is Lake Tekapo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ao Nang is in Asia and Lake Tekapo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Lake Tekapo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo.

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

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Lake Tekapo?

Ao Nang has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lake Tekapo. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Lake Tekapo, 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.