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

Should you visit Ao Nang or Surabaya?

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

Should I visit Ao Nang or Surabaya? 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Ao Nang travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a undiscovered, authentic, and local city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Ao Nang and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ao Nang or Surabaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya. Although Ao Nang and Surabaya are popular destinations, Surabaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surabaya is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Ao Nang attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Ao Nang is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its easy access to nearby natural beauty. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also well known for the Submarine Monument.

How is Ao Nang different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

You'll find a number of reasonable museums and attractions in both Surabaya 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).

Surabaya offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

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

Both Ao Nang and Surabaya offer a number of nice restaurants to choose from.

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.

Surabaya offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Ao Nang is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Resorts?

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

Ao Nang is known as a popular and fun resort destination. It's a resort town with many diverse places to choose from, including budget-friendly and more upscale.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

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

Ao Nang is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Ao Nang. There are plenty of dive shops that offer both snorkeling and dive excursions to nearby areas.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ao Nang and Surabaya are nice choices.

Ao Nang is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Surabaya to enjoy the beach. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Ao Nang or Surabaya?

Surabaya 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 Surabaya. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

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 Surabaya More Beautiful?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ao Nang offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The surrounding area is filled with stunning beauty and wonderful excursions.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Families?

Ao Nang is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Ao Nang is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

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.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ao Nang is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options 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.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

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

Ao Nang is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city 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 mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Ao Nang or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Ao Nang and Surabaya are high quality 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.

Surabaya is very walkable. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Ao Nang?

How long in Ao Nang or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ao Nang or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ao Nang than Surabaya 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 Surabaya.

Families should spend more time in Ao Nang than Surabaya. 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 Surabaya. 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 Surabaya 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 Surabaya?

The town of Ao Nang offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city 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 Surabaya?

Ao Nang is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ao Nang, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surabaya has to offer.

Five days in Ao Nang or Surabaya?

Ao Nang is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Surabaya is a great place to explore. 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 Surabaya?

Ao Nang is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Surabaya. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

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

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 Surabaya Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ao Nang or Surabaya?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Ao Nang. When comparing the sizes of Ao Nang and Surabaya, 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.