Ao Nang is easy to navigate being just a single road fringed with shops, bars, restaurants and clubs that runs parallel to the beach. There’s surprisingly quite a lot to do there including the customary laying on the beach topping up a tan whilst drinking coconut milk.
The resort is a key departure point for some of the islands and resorts further up the coast including Chicken and Poda Islands and Rai Leh. Hiring a car and driving out of Ao Nang you can explore the breath-taking national parks in the area including the most well-known, Mu Koh Phi Phi.
Krabi Ao Nang Mini Guide
Is Ao Nang Still Hippie Heaven?
Unfortunately it lost its laid back approach some years back as it transformed into one of the hottest resorts in Krabi province. It’s still small but the cheap backpacker houses have gone being replaced by five star hotels. The quiet restaurants where meals could be bought for a few baht are now designer and with designer prices. Still, all is not lost. The new Ao Nang with its vibrant nightlife and relaxed days on the beach is still many people’s idea of heaven. And if you want it quieter still, there are always the islands offshore reachable by long tail boat.
How can I get There?
You’ll need to fly to Krabi International Airport. It’s served by major carriers as well as seasonal charter flights. From the airport it’s about 40 minutes into the resort and the journey can be made by shared songthaew truck cab or bus.
What’s There to do in and Around Ao Nang?
Well, there’s always the beach if you want total relaxation but if you want some excitement on your holiday book a scuba diving trip to Phi Phi Island. Offshore and in deep water you’ll be treated to all kinds of colourful marine life. For a longer day out, but still worth the effort, head to Su-San Hoi, the seashell graveyard located about an hour from the resort. Here you’ll see monumental slabs raised by seismic activity and composed of the shells of millions of prehistoric sea creatures. You can also take a car or organised tour to the rainforests of the Mu Koh Phi Phi National park to see colourful birds and the occasional primate.
And After dark?
The resort really comes alive with pumping music, brash nightclubs and the local girls out to trap a rich westerner. You’ll have a great time but watch your wallet!
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