A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ao Nang vs. Queenstown for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ao Nang or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Queenstown? 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 accessible, popular, and beachfront town. Ao Nang is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Queenstown travel costs.

Ao Nang and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Queenstown than Ao Nang, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Queenstown is better known for its skiing, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ao Nang is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Ao Nang is well known for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Also, Queenstown is famous for Kawarau Bridge.

How is Ao Nang different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Ao Nang is not a skiing destination.

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

You'll find a number of respectable museums and attractions in both Queenstown and Ao Nang.

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).

Queenstown offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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 Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Ao Nang and Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Resorts?

Ao Nang is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Ao Nang is a good destination for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Ao Nang is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

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 Ao Nang or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown 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, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

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

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Families?

Queenstown 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 Queenstown. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

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 Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ao Nang is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown Better for Students?

Queenstown is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Ao Nang is not popular with students.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

Ao Nang is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Queenstown, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Ao Nang or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Queenstown are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Both Ao Nang and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Ao Nang. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ao Nang, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown than Ao Nang 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 Queenstown.

One day in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

With shopping and nightlife around the lively town of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Queenstown, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

A weekend in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ao Nang, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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

Five days in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Ao Nang, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Queenstown. In Queenstown, you'll find shopping and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Ao Nang and Queenstown, 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. Even though Ao Nang is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Queenstown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Queenstown?

Queenstown has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Queenstown, 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.