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Krabi a favoured tourist destination and is one of Thailand’s best beach resorts. Krabi’s main beach, Ao Nang, is less crowded than many Thai beaches. The town is small a half-hour promenade takes you from one end to the other.
Ao Nang though has a wealth of excellent restaurants, hotels, bars, craft and souvenir shops, and diving schools and shops.
The Beach
Ao Nang beach has long stretches of talcum powder soft sand pitching gently to the invitingly warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Here and there limestone cliffs drop shear to the beach and provide a spectacular backdrop to the sand and sea. Off shore green-crowned limestone karsts tower over the shimmering sapphire-hued surface of the tranquil Andaman Sea. The view is short-hair-raising at sunset when the entire beach is bathed in a deep burnished gold. This is the kind of light that is normally only seen in romantic Hollywood movies.
As a road separates the beach from the town no hotel can be built directly on to the beach itself. But this has an advantage as it gives access to every part of the beach to everyone with no restrictions. But perhaps the most scenic and picturesque of Ao Nang’s beaches is Railay Beach a long stretch of golden sand with some really spectacular views.
Ao Nang beaches while being quiet have massage huts along the strand where an excellent therapeutic massage is welcome after a hard diving or swimming session.
What to do in Ao Nang
Snorkelling and scuba diving are favourite activities and can be enjoyed year-round but perhaps the off season presents the best snorkelling and diving as there are fewer divers.
There are a lot of dive shops and schools in the region all of which will arrange diving expeditions to the local islands and favourite dive sites. Prices are much the same from place to place and discounts may be given only for large parties; even then 10% is about the maximum.
The western end of Ao Nang is part of a Marine National Park so wildlife is protected and abundant. And just around the corner are the popular Phi Phi islands.
The coast has spotted with pristine islands hire a boat and just hop from one to another to another or take a packed lunch and laze on a secluded island for an few hours.
Rock climbing is also a popular holiday pastime.
Ao Nang Nightlife
Ao Nang is the liveliest of Krabi’s beach resorts with many bars and discos open well past midnight. But don’t expect the raucous and vibrant entertainment of say Phuket or Pattaya. Although more restrained the nightlife is extensive it has a great selection of bars and pubs where it is possible to dance the night away. Some offer live music and other play pop classics from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Alcohol is a reasonable price and people watching is always free. The few beach bars offer unrivalled views of the setting sun.
Shopping
There are no large shopping malls or supermarkets in Ao Nang but there are plenty of convenience stores and entrancing local produce and craft shops. These local shops sell hand made object da and local crafts as well as inexpensive clothes and souvenir T-shirts.
Where to Stay
Even thought some ultra-budget accommodation is available Baan Pimphaka Bungalows for about 300 baht a night is a bargain something a little more pricey is Ao Nang Cozy Place at 830 baht a night.
But to splurge out on luxury then expect to pay nearer 4000 baht and over each night. There is no shortage of four and five star resorts. Centara Krabi is a little expensive at 6,000+++ per night but is a taste of luxury.
The Cliff Ao Nang Resort is a nice four star hotel with rooms starting at 4,000 baht or so. There are many other luxury resorts to choose from too.
Where to Eat
Ao Nang has its share of food carts selling the usual fare at very reasonable prices and quality, also the ubiquitous McDonald’s.
There is a network of excellent cafes and restaurants both attached to hotels and run by family businesses. Food in the restaurants is reasonably priced at around 200 to 300 baht for a very decent meal indeed.
Getting to Ao Nang
The easiest way to get to Ao Nang is to fly from Bangkok’s International Airport the flight takes just an hour or so. Buses depart from Bangkok and Phuket. Transport in the town is by tuk tuk and song tau.
Krabi’s Ao Nang is becoming more popular for its range of diving and snorkeling opportunities and also with rock climbing enthusiasts. Its beach is pristine and picturesque and the accommodation, eateries and bars reasonably priced and comfortable even luxurious.
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