Like many travellers I have a soft spot when it comes to Thailand. Whenever I travel to Asia I can’t resist heading over for a quick visit. With fascinating culture, amazing locals, delicious food and gorgeous landscapes how can you not fall in love with the place?
As much as I love exploring new places in Thailand, when I’m after a relaxing break I always seem to end up returning to Ao Nang in Krabi. There’s something about the place that just calls to me. It’s a great place to go to get away from the party islands and relax or catch up with work. Yes blogging is work!
There are so many amazing things to do in Ao Nang that I would definitely recommend visiting the area when traveling around Thailand.
Fun Things to do in Ao Nang
Ao Nang Beach
The long stretch of sand that makes up Ao Nang beach can be the perfect place to hang out while visiting Ao Nang. Not only is it where you catch the boats for day trips, this beautiful sandy beach is a popular spot in Ao Nang.
Kayaking
With beautiful waters and stunning beaches nearby, kayaking is a great thing to do in Ao Nang. Kayaks are available to rent for 1 person or 2 for about 200 baht an hour or around 500/600 baht for the day. Don’t want to kayak by yourself? Don’t worry, there are plenty of kayaking tours you can join.
Scuba Diving
The waters of Thailand are just as beautiful below as they are above so if you love to go scuba diving, Ao Nang won’t disappoint. The water is so clear and the wildlife is spectacular.
If you’ve never gone scuba diving before Thailand really is a great place to start. You can either take a test dive to see if it’s something you like or you can take your open water diving course so you can scuba dive around the world.
Snorkeling
If you want to enjoy the stunning underwater life of Thailand but not comfortable diving, you can still enjoy a lot while snorkelling the surface of the water.
Snorkels and masks can be rented through tour vendors along (or close) to the beach or you can usually buy them cheaply from the shops.
Railay Beach
A great day trip to take from Ao Nang is a trip to nearby Railay beach. While it is part of mainland Thailand, Railay beach is only accessible by boat. The journey is a short one, around 10/15 minutes, and costs 100 baht each way.
Railay beach has some amazing cafes and restaurants plus you can get an amazing viewpoint if you take the trail up.
Andamana Beach Club
One of my favourite places in Ao Nang is Andamana Beach Club. Ao Nang beach (the main tourist beach in the area) can get very crowded at peak times which is why I recommend escaping to Andamana Beach Club.
The beach club is free to enter but still remains a secret from most visitors. While my last visit was busier than my first, I’ve never seen more than 10 people there making the beach there the perfect place to go to escape the crowds. Plus the chef makes a very delicious pad thai that I highly recommend.
4 Islands Tour
A popular day trip to do from Ao Nang is the 4 islands tour where you’ll get to visit the islands of Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phranang Cave Beach. The islands are great to explore, swim and snorkel around or simply for relaxing.
The 4 island tour can be done using the traditional long tail boat or you can upgrade and do the tour by speed boat.
Rock Climbing
Not only are the limestone cliffs in Ao Nang stunning to look at, they are perfect for rock climbing. Wether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there’s a rock climbing route you’ll enjoy. Plus the views you’ll experience are simply breathtaking.
Koh Hong Island
One of the most beautiful islands in Thailand is Koh Hong Island. There is a National Park fee of 200 baht but the island is so beautiful it’s worth paying. The beach is perfect for relaxing and even has hammocks you can enjoy the view in. There’s also a walking trail if you want to be more active and Hong Lagoon is around the corner from the beach.
Hong Island is easy to get to. It takes 45 minutes by long tail boat or just 20 minutes by speedboat.
Zip Lining
If you’re looking for some adventure you can go zip lining at Fiore Adventure Park. There are 2 different routes you can take or you can opt for both routes. Depending which package you go for the zip lining will cost between 600 to 1,800 baht.
James Bond Island
Koh Tapu, more commonly known as James Bond Island, is situated in the Phang Nga Bay, not far from Ao Nang. Since it appeared in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun it has become a popular place for tourists to visit. Even if you aren’t a fan of the movie it’s a spectacular area to visit.
Visit Boossabakorn Spa
If you’re looking to relax there is no better place than the Boossabakorn Spa. Located at the quieter end of Ao Nang Beach, this quality spa is located at the only 5 star hotel in Ao Nang, Centara Resort. The spa offers many treatments including traditional Thai massage, a sports massage, a hot stone massage or a simple foot or neck massage.
Enjoy The Local Cuisine
Thailand has some amazing dishes available and there are plenty of great restaurant options along Ao Nang. If you love trying local Thai food you’ll be in for a treat. I’ve had many great meals in Ao Nang, including the best pad thai I’ve ever had!
Watch a Beautiful Sunset
Thailand offers visitors amazing sunsets that light up the sky with beautiful colours. A great thing to do in Ao Nang after a day of exploring is to find a bar along the beach to grab a beer (or cocktail) and enjoy a beautiful sunset. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
Where to Stay in Ao Nang
Ao Nang is home to many amazing accommodation options from budget hostels, to boutique hotels and even luxury pool villas. I’ve been lucky to stay at some great hotels in Ao Nang, each one special in its own way.
Alisea Boutique Hotel
Alisea Boutique Hotel is welcoming boutique hotel not far from Ao Nang beach. The hotel is spacious in design and one of my favourite hotels in Ao Nang. For more information check out my Alisea Boutique Hotel Review.
Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort
Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort is a larger hotel not too far from Alisea that is also close to Ao Nang beach. It’s a popular hotel to stay at thanks to the stunning infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and the iconic limestone cliffs of Ao Nang. For more information check out my Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort Review.
Alisea Pool Villas
Alisea Pool Villas is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for luxury and privacy in Ao Nang. Guests get their own 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom villas with a private pool. While it’s further away from the beach, there is transport available that takes you right into town. For more information check out my Alisea Pool Villas Review.
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