Ao Nang, Thailand: Where Tourists Converge In Krabi
From Krabi Town, most tourists head to nearby Ao Nang where they can catch longtail boats to numerous islands and destinations in the area. Ao Nang is just a short 30 minute ride on an open back van from Krabi and is where a ton of tourists converge. Some tourists use Ao Nang as their base, taking daytrips from Ao Nang to the nearby hot spots like Railay. Others, stop just for a night before they head off on their next Thailand adventure.
The small beach front strip where everyone stays is lined with cafes and restaurants with everything from fish and Thai fare to pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches for those visitors not wishing to savor the local delicacies. Though you most definitely should. Everyone from backpackers to families with small children and old couples come to this small beachside town… and if you’re reading this, it seems you might be as well.
Get ready for a trip to Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand:
- How to get to Ao Nang from Krabi International Airport
- What to know about Ao Nang
- Where to stay in Ao Nang
- When is high season?
- What to do in/from Ao Nang
- FAQ
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How to get to Ao Nang from Krabi International Airport
If you’re headed to Ao Nang, then you’ll be flying into Krabi International Airport.
Step 1: First check to see if your hotel or resort offers a shuttle. Quite a few of the high-end places in Ao Nang do offer private shuttles so see if they do.
Step 2: Decide if you want to travel by bus, taxi, or pre-book a private transfer. If it’s your first time to the area, I recommend pre-booking a private transfer. The airport isn’t huge, but it was boisterous when I exited and had I not had someone picking me up, I think I could have gotten a bit confused.
Step 3: Get a ticket, pre-book your driver, or just find a taxi.
- By bus: This is the cheapest way to travel to Ao Nang from Krabi International Airport. The bus departs several times a day between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm. You can purchase a bus ticket at a stall inside the arrival hall at the airport. Be sure to tell the driver which hotel you’re headed to. They will stop as close as they can as they don’t seem to mind if there’s a “bus stop” or not. This route is cheap, but can take awhile.
- By taxi: The fastest option, you can get a fixed-rate taxi from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang. Don’t be surprised to have a little negotiation outside. If this isn’t comfortable for you, pre-book online.
What to know about Ao Nang
Ao Nang has numerous resorts, spas and other fun things to do and offers the best touristy shopping in the vicinity. This is where I stocked up on Thai dresses, printed bags and gifts for friends and family back home. There are numerous eateries and shops with everything you could hope to buy while in Thailand.
You can use Ao Nang as your base as you galivant from island to island for daytrips and then head back for the lively night life and wide array of eats here or just stay a night and then head to another island to stay. Ao Nang is where tourists converge because from it, you can head to numerous nearby islands via the boats and so tourists are always coming and going. If you’re looking for a quieter detox from life or the Internet, from Krabi you might try an adventure to Khao Sok National Park. Ao Nang isn’t quiet, but Khao Sok sure is.
Where To Stay In Ao Nang
When I first headed to Ao Nang from Krabi, my local friend let me know that Ao Nang was sort of shaped like a “U” with more expensive hotels on the beachside and more budget friendly stays on the interior. I walked around to find the place for me and had no problem. I stayed in the Ao Nang Village area for a night going out and stayed in the Ao Nang Interior for a night after coming back in. Wish I could have stayed everywhere. Here are the areas to know about in Ao Nang as a general guide and then a couple places to stay in each one so you can get the vibe.
Ao Nang Village
Ao Nang Village offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it perfect for first-time travelers out on an adventure.
AoNang Colors Hotel
Friendly staff and beautiful decor, it feels upscale without costing it. The rooms are spacious and the garden is beautiful and if the beach isn’t enough, Ao Nang Colors Hotel also has a rooftop pool perfect for catching those epic sunsets.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
The L Resort
If you’re looking for that upscale experience, stay here. This 4-star hotel has spacious modern rooms and is located right on the main strip in town. This would make a great base camp as well for daytrips as the Ao Nang boat service club is super close.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Panan Krabi Resort
A great stay specifically for families. This 4-star hotel has beautiful spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a kids club, a kiddie pool, and plenty more to keep you busy if the local fun isn’t enough. You’ll love this resort.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Noppharat Thara
Noppharat Thara is great for the laidback traveler and offers a more tranquil setting with its serene beaches and beautiful landscapes. This area attract sunset chasing travelers who crave relaxation and natural beauty.
Aonang Buri Resort
Don’t let the “resort” in the name fool you, this is actually a great and budget friendly option for travelers. Easy access to the beach but also featuring a great pool means you’ll have plenty of water time if you stay here.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Krabi Resort
With beautiful gardens and a private beach, you almost don’t have to leave for anything. Krabi Resort has rooms with various budgets in mind, so see if they have a room for you. If you’re looking to spend a buck, opt for a poolside villa.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is where you want to stay if lying on the beach is your jam. With its stunning coastline and proximity to popular attractions and water activities, it’s a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and adventure.
Vacation Village Phra Nang Inn
Easy access to the pier to for island hopping and right on the beach means plenty of sun bathing is in your future. The rooms are comfortable and well decorated.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Ao Nang Princeville Villa Resort and Spa
This 4-star resort is a bit hidden in the trees which makes it a bit more romantic and cozy feeling. There is a beautiful outdoor pool and a very good restaurant on the grounds. Even if you don’t stay here, go for the food.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Ao Nang Interior
Ao Nang Interior provides a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience. This area is especially appealing to nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking an escape from the crowds and there are even opportunities for jungle trekking and exploring the untamed beauty of the region.
Jungle Village Bungalow
This is where I stayed and I loved staying a bit back away from the beach and off the beaten path. This is a hidden oasis and while it is a bit back, the hotel does provide a free shuttle via tuk tuk to and from Ao Nang Beach. I loved my hidden home away from home.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
ibis Styles
A well-known and popular brand, ibis Styles is perfect for the budget traveler and families. You’ll find the clean modern rooms that you’ve come to expect from the brand. The hotel is kid-friendly and also has a playground.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Aonang Fiore Resort
Soak it in at the Aonang Fiore Resort. This stunning spot will have you relaxing in no time. There are just 36 rooms. Enjoy the gorgeous pool or head out for the day. This is just a beautiful place to visit.
You can book a room on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
When is high season?
High season here is from November to April and Christmas and Lunar New Year. One reason the tourists are all headed to this spot is because you can easily catch a long-tail boats and ferries to access beaches on nearby islands. Be sure to know when high and low tide is.
When the tide is low, you’ll have to trudge through mud and water to get way out to the boats. It’s best to travel in the morning when the water is high and you can basically jump right in and go.
What to do in/from Ao Nang
Go island hopping
Land at the airport in Krabi, Thailand, catch a shuttle out to Ao Nang, and you can catch a ferry and be sipping drinks on an island in no time. It’s really that easy. From Ao Nang, you can catch a longtail boat to a number of awesome islands and destinations.
Use Ao Nang as your base and see everything that you can see. Daytrips are super popular from Ao Nang. Some destinations are for the party hardy tourists and some are for the relaxing tourists. Just take your pick, there is something for everyone.
- A ferry between Ao Nang and Phuket with Klook.
- A ferry between Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi with Klookor with Get Your Guide
Zip line through the forest
Visit the rainforest canopy in Ao Nang’s Fiore Adventure Park. There are 49 different zipline games and challenging rope bridges. There is also free pick up from your hotel in Ao Nang
- Book this experience with Get Your Guide or with Klook
Have all of the spa experiences
If you’re in Thailand, you’re undoubtedly trying to rest and relax and enjoy your vacation. Amp up that rest and relaxation with some spa experiences. From high-quality Thai massages to acupuncture and reflexology, there are a lot of ways to be calmed. Head to the Radarom Spa in Ao Nang for an exquisite experience.
- Book this experience with Klook to take advantage of online discounts.
FAQ
Is it better to stay in Krabi town or in Ao Nang?
Krabi town is definitely more local. I stayed in both areas because I have a friend living in Krabi. When she was working and busy though, I headed to Ao Nang to have my vacation.
There are things to see and do in Krabi Town but if you don’t have a friend to show you around, you’d probably prefer Ao Nang which is just set up for tourists to stop through. Ao Nang has the touristy shopping, nice hotels, and plenty of restaurant options. Ao Nang is also on a little beach.
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