Ao Nang

A look around

What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.

1/6

Where it sits

The circle is Ao Nang and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.

How far is everything?

From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.

• Railay (beach)9 min taxi2.9 km
• Railay Beach10 min taxi3.2 km
• Rock climbing at Railay10 min taxi3.3 km
• Phra Nang Cave Beach10 min taxi3.5 km
• Klong Muang & Tubkaak beaches27 min taxi9.0 km
• Krabi Town night market33 min taxi11.1 km
• Sea-kayaking the mangroves43 min taxi14.4 km
• Tiger Cave Temple46 min taxi15.3 km
• Emerald Pool & Hot Springs152 min taxi50.6 km

On your doorstep

What you’re living next to if you stay here.

• 2.Phi Phi Islands day trip — The most spectacular thing to do from Krabi — a boat trip to the jaw-dropping Phi Phi Islands, where sheer limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly turquoise water above the famous Maya Bay (of 'The Beach' fame), hidden lagoons, coral reefs and pristine sand. Snorkel among tropical fish, swim in the clear bays, visit Monkey Beach and the Viking Cave, and drink in some of the most beautiful island scenery on earth. Go by speedboat, or better on a longer or overnight trip to beat the day crowds. Breathtaking and unmissable. Simply paradise.
• 3.The Four Islands tour — The classic Krabi island-hopping day out — the Four Islands tour by longtail or speedboat, taking in Koh Poda (a postcard-perfect white beach with a karst offshore), Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave beach, with a highlight at low tide: the 'Thale Waek' or Separated Sea, a sandbar you can walk across between the islands. Snorkel over coral, laze on empty beaches and soak up the spectacular karst seascape close to shore. A gorgeous, easy and essential half- or full-day trip. Beautiful and fun. Go early to beat the crowds.
• 4.The Hong Islands & lagoon — A magical day among the karsts — the Hong Islands, a cluster of dramatic limestone islands north of Ao Nang, centred on the extraordinary Hong Lagoon: a hidden, emerald 'room' of shallow turquoise water enclosed by towering cliffs, entered through a narrow gap and utterly serene. Swim and kayak in the lagoon, snorkel over coral, laze on the beautiful Hong beach, and climb to the panoramic viewpoint over the whole archipelago. Quieter and even prettier than the Four Islands; a stunning, essential trip. Serene and spectacular. Unforgettable.
• 7.Ao Nang Beach & promenade — The lively heart of Krabi's beach scene — Ao Nang, a long sweep of sand backed by a buzzing promenade of restaurants, bars and shops, with longtail boats lined up on the sand and beautiful views out to the karst islands. It's not the prettiest beach in the area (the islands are the draw), but it's the convenient, sociable hub where you'll base yourself, eat, drink and catch every boat trip; stroll the front, swim, and watch the sunset behind the islands with a drink. A pleasant, central beach day and the perfect springboard for everything else. Convenient and fun. Great for sunsets.
• 11.Ao Nang nightlife — Krabi's nightlife is centred on Ao Nang, and while it's more laid-back than Phuket's Patong, it's a fun night out — the buzzing Center Point and the lanes behind the beach are packed with lively bars, live-music venues, beer bars and a few clubs, plus relaxed beachfront spots for a cocktail under the stars. Bar-hop the strip, catch a band, or settle in for sunset drinks with the karsts silhouetted offshore. Sociable and easygoing rather than wild — a great, relaxed evening after a day on the islands. Lively and fun. Perfect for a sundowner.
• 13.Southern Thai seafood — Krabi sits on some of Thailand's richest fishing grounds, and its fresh seafood is a highlight — pick your catch (prawns, crab, squid, whole fish) from the ice at a beachfront or riverside restaurant and have it cooked to order, Thai-style with garlic, chilli, lime and lemongrass, or try the fiery southern-Thai specialities like spicy yellow crab curry and stir-fried morning glory. The Ao Nang seafront and Krabi Town's riverside spots do it beautifully. Feast on a seafood platter with your toes near the sand; it's fresh, delicious and great value. Superb and unmissable. Come hungry and spice-ready.