Ao Nang is a beach town approximately 15 km from Krabi town in Southern Thailand. Although all the action takes place in Krabi, I’d rather stay in Ao Nang as it’s much more scenic and peaceful.
If you want to spend a couple of days in Ao Nang, plan your itinerary carefully that your visit falls on a weekend. There are lots of activities taking place over weekends.
Transport from the pier
A taxi from the pier to your accommodation in Ao Nang can cost as little as 500 THB (for 6 people with luggage, if you have good bargaining skills!). The other option is taking a songthaew.
Where to stay
Finding accommodation in Ao Nang shouldn’t be a problem. From budget hostels to luxury five-star hotels and everything in between, you will definitely find something here that suits your needs. I stayed in a mid-range hotel, Ao Nang Viva Resort. Read my review of the hotel here.
Getting around
Ao Nang is a fairly small and walkable town. If you stay in centrally located accommodation, you should be able to walk anywhere in town on foot. Should your feet grow weary, jump into a tuk-tuk. Taxis are everywhere to take you to Krabi town. You can also rent a moped for cheap.
Activities
There is plenty of things to do in and around Ao Nang. You won’t be bored for a second!
Massage Parlours
Massage parlours are common in Thailand. They are everywhere, and Ao Nang is no exception. But I found that massages are cheaper here than in the rest of the country. The parlour across from my hotel charged 200 THB for an hour full body massage. A Thai massage is even cheaper.
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)
Pick-up trucks criss-cross the streets of Ao Nang and Krabi advertising Thai boxing matches over bullhorns. During the off-peak season, matches are every Friday at the Ao Nang Krabi Stadium in Krabi town. Stand tickets for foreigners cost 1200 THB, while ringside tickets cost 1500 THB. Matches are more regular during the peak season.
Krabi Weekend Night Market
This market is not to be missed, especially if you enjoy Thai cuisine! You will find everything from tiger balm to artworks to clothing here.
To reach the market from Ao Nang you can either take a taxi, rent a scooter or purchase a night market tour. I suggest taking the tour which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, with roughly just over two hours time to spend at the market for 200 TB per person.
The highlight of the market is definitely the food! Come hungry and be sure to buy small portions so you can taste many different dishes. I scuffed down on fresh fruit, a coconut shake, Thai dessert, coconut pudding, spring rolls, pancakes and curry peanut vegetable noodles.
In the centre of the market is a sitting area with lots of chairs and tables.
Ao Nang Beach
The beach spans a distance of just over one kilometer and is the main beach of Ao Nang. It’s not the prettiest beach in Thailand, but it’s good for swimming and tanning. Just across the street are lots of little shops and stalls to peruse if you get tired of lazing on the beach.
Nopparat Thara Beach
This beach is quiet and full of locals. It’s not the best beach for swimming as the water is a little bit murky. It’s a great beach for walking, though! You can walk along the beach all the way to the lagoon. The view is stunning.
Railay Beach
Without a doubt, the main attraction and the busiest beach around Ao Nang, is Railay beach. Just a short trip on a long-tail boat takes you to this stunning beach. You can easily spend a whole day here. Read more about the attractions and activities at Railay beach here.
Day trips
Numerous travel agencies offer day trips to nearby islands, including Koh Phi Phi. Shop around to find the best deal.
Now pack your bags. Ao Nang is waiting for you!
