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The Essential Ao Nang Travel Guide: Discovering Krabi’s Crown Jewel

| Last Updated: July 2024

Sun-kissed sands, crystal-clear waters – Ao Nang has it all! This Krabi gem has become my personal summer haven, offering the perfect dose of beach bliss and vibrant energy.

Even now, whenever I think about my summers in Ao Nang, I can almost feel the touch of its crystalline waters and warm white sands on my feet. 

And just recalling the sights and scents of the local night markets there is enough for me to book another plane ticket.

If you’re wondering why I can’t seem to get enough of Ao Nang, read on! My last trip there with the team was one of the best ones I’ve ever had and you’re in luck because I’m dishing out why!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Krabi International Airport (25.1 km)

Best Time to Visit Ao Nang

It’s best to visit Ao Nang starting in late November until early March. During this time, you’ll be rewarded with dry weather and favorable temperatures which is great for the beach, island-hopping, and rock-climbing activities this resort town is known for.

Since the temperature is bearable, that also means you can enjoy numerous activities all day long. This is ideal if you want to make the most out of your time during your vacation.

How to Get to Ao Nang

Plane: The most efficient way to get to Ao Nang from Bangkok is to catch a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krabi Airport. This domestic flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes which makes it your fastest option as well.

However, you still need to ride an airport taxi to Ao Nang which should take around 44 minutes.

Train: The cheapest option from Bangkok to Ao Nang is the train at Hua Lamphong Station. Just know it’s not a direct trip and it takes about 14 hours, so you must get down at Surat Thani Train Station and head to the city center to catch a bus to Ao Nang.

Bus: There are also buses at the Hua Lamphong Bus Terminal that can take you directly to Ao Nang. Your options are the Paradive Travel buses which can drop you off at the stop near the pier in Ao Nang Beach.

Where to Stay in Ao Nang

Anana Ecological Resort Krabi

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Address: 1004 Soi Suan Tu Rian

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 75 680 580

Website: https://www.ananakrabi.com/

Pricing: ฿฿฿

Anana Ecological Resort Krabi is a luxury resort in Ao Nang offering top-tier amenities and views. It’s famous for its stylish suites and idyllic location surrounded by lush greenery and hilltops.

The resort’s pool access suites, in particular, are the top choice among tourists. These suites offer direct access to their stunning volcanic outdoor pool and a private terrace with a superb view of the nearby limestone formations. 

Other amenities you can enjoy here include a spa, restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Plus, it’s only a 7-minute drive to Ao Nang Beach which is great if you’re a beach lover.

Infinity Ao Nang

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Address: 88/88 Moo 2, Ao Nang Soi 9

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 75 620 888

Website: http://www.infinityaonangkrabi.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Infinity Ao Nang is a new hotel offering airy rooms with modern and minimalist interiors, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you want up-to-date amenities. Its most standout features are its large family rooms and decked-out honeymoon suites.

That makes it ideal for couples and families vacationing in Ao Nang. If you want the ultimate comfy experience, we also recommend their ultra chic pool access rooms with a private plunge pool and jacuzzi.

Aside from that, Infinity Ao Nang has an all-day restaurant, grand ballroom, rooftop pool bar, cafe, and fitness center.

Hotel Adam Krabi

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Address: 916 Moo 2, Soi 15

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 75 817 766

Website: https://hoteladamkrabi.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

If you want a chic hotel with a unique contemporary design, there’s Hotel Adam Krabi. Its distinct architectural design is inspired by traditional Karose Mountain paintings and the awe-inspiring stalactites and stalagmites of Krabi’s Klang Cave.

That’s why their airy and spacious rooms offer natural and artsy vibes. Due to its location, you can also pick a room with your preferred view, from ocean to garden, pool, and mountain view.

The hotel also boasts a heavenly spa with immersive and tranquil treatment rooms. It’s popular among Ao Nang tourists who want the ultimate relaxing experience.

Where to Eat in Ao Nang

Del and Dia Cafe’

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Address: 290/25, Ao Nang

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 32 425 707

Website: https://www.facebook.com/delanddia

Pricing: ฿฿

For tourists with strict dietary restrictions, Del and Dia Cafe’ is an excellent place that offers halal-certified dishes. 

Their menu also offers full-on variety, so expect plenty of food options. Think burgers, steaks, salads, healthy bowls, fried rice, curries, pasta, croffles, and various Thai specialties. 

Our team loves their best-selling American breakfast set. It’s a reasonably priced and filling meal with sausages, bacon, omelet, and more!

Wanna’s Place Restaurant

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Address: 32/1, Ao Nang

Operating Hours: 

  • 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Daily)
  • 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 75 637 484

Website: https://www.thelresort.com/restaurants/

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

This classy beachside restaurant with rustic interiors is perfect for tourists who want a wide selection of Thai and international cuisines.  For the uninitiated, it’s a great place where you’re most likely to find the food that suits your taste buds.

However, our team is particularly fond of this place because of its value-for-money breakfast buffet. This 300-baht buffet lets you choose between made-to-order fried egg, omelet, and pancake.

Aside from that, you get a wide range of fresh soups, seasonal fruits, and various hot and cold dishes. Just be sure to come early as it’s an extremely popular breakfast spot in Ao Nang.

Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant

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Address: 262/7 Leela Valley, Ao Nang Soi 11 Road

Operating Hours: 

  • 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
  • 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 89 735 0605

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TonMaYomRestaurant

Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿

For fans of authentic Thai food, Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant is the place to go in Ao Nang. That’s why it attracts local and tourist crowds who frequent it for its excellent selection of classic Thai specialties.

This includes nam prik kapi, crab curry, khao soi, grilled squid, tom yum goong, pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and more. Our go-to dish here is the poo pang pong curry. It’s spicy crab curry with a rich and creamy coconut sauce. 

For more crabby goodness, we recommend their crab-fried rice as well. It has plenty of crab meat which we absolutely love.

What to See and Do in Ao Nang

Admire the sunset at Ao Nang Beach

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Address: Soi Ao Nang 17

Operating Hours:24/7

Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach in the area for a good reason. Aside from its crystal-clear waters, fine white sands, copious shops, hotels, and restaurants, it’s also well-known for its awe-inspiring sunset view.

That means you’re covered for all your food, accommodation, shopping, and beach needs. Moreover, numerous longtail boats are docked at the beach, so it’s perfect for tourists who want to book diving, snorkeling, and island-hopping trips.

Ride a boat to Railay Beach

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Address: Moo 2, Railay West

Operating Hours: 24/7

Railay Beach is a secluded paradise in the peninsula south of Ao Nang which makes it perfect for people who want to avoid huge crowds. Since this beach is surrounded by a lush jungle and giant limestone formations, tourists can only access it by boat.

That also means you get superb ocean and mountain views while you’re here. This beach also has excellent dive spots nearby where you can observe numerous coral reefs and marine animals.

If you’re feeling adventurous, the beach’s surrounding rock formations are also great for rock-climbing activities.

Eat your way through Ao Nang Landmark Night Market

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Address: Moo 3

Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 88 982 8899

Website: http://www.aonanglandmark.com/

The foodies on our staff say this is the best place for foodie adventures in Ao Nang. It’s a lively night market, so expect to see lines of local food vendors selling affordable street food, fruits, drinks, and sweets.

There’s also a section dedicated to halal food stalls which is great for tourists with dietary restrictions. Aside from the filling food options, Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is also an entertainment hub.

The venue will have loud music and live performances which we think definitely elevates the food experience.

Enjoy a pleasant walk along Nopparat Thara Beach

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Address: Moo 3

Operating Hours: 24/7

Going to Nopparat Thara Beach is one of the more peaceful beach experiences you can get out of Ao Nang. It’s not as crowded as other beaches, so it’s perfect for tourists who love walking along white sandy coastlines.

Plus, it’s a long beach so there’s plenty of space to cover which is nice. This beach is particularly great for families with small kids since you can let them play in the sand to their heart’s content without much to worry about.

Laze around Phra Nang Beach

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Address: Moo 2, Railay

Operating Hours: 24/7

Phra Nang Beach is a well-known beach for people who frequent Ao Nang. It’s famous for its crystalline waters and the numerous limestone formations surrounding its pristine coastline.

In fact, this beach is one of the most photographed spots in Ao Nang thanks to the beautiful limestone karst serving as the perfect backdrop. It’s even more impressive during the sunset, so be sure to stay here until the afternoon.

Visit the Princess Cave

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Address: Moo 2, Railay

Operating Hours: 24/7

Aside from its interesting caves and rock formations, Princess Cave place is popular for a unique shrine where local fishermen light incense sticks or put flowers and phallic symbols as offerings.

Not only is it a novelty for curious tourists, but it also gives you an insight into the significance of religious and spiritual beliefs on the locals.

Rock climbing is also a popular activity here. You may also spot monitor lizards and monkeys during the climb, which is a great bonus!

Climb to the Bat Cave

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Address: Moo 2, Railay

Operating Hours: 24/7

If you’re an avid hiker and rock climber, the Bat Cave in Ao Nang is the place to be. Though not as exciting as Batman’s secret lair, it offers a challenging climb that promises one of the most picturesque views in Krabi.

The cave gets pitch black the higher you climb so don’t forget to bring a headlamp during your visit. Besides that, you only need to bring good climbing shoes and unwavering determination since the cave already has a rope and ladder.

In fact, the rope is essential to finding the cave since it also serves as a marker. You can find this cave by following the cleared path along the mangroves beyond the eastern tip of Phra Nang Beach.

Hike through the Monkey Trail

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Address: Moo 2

Operating Hours: 24/7

The Monkey Trail is a must-see for hikers and animal lovers. This trail consists of wooden and bamboo steps, so expect some parts to be rickety and steep which definitely isn’t for the faint of heart.

Though you can observe many wild monkeys here, you should avoid feeding them as they can be aggressive at the sight of food. There’s also a lovely secret beach at the trail’s end which we thought was a pleasant surprise.

Arrange a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands

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Address: Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi Don

Operating Hours: 24/7

This popular island group in Krabi is also part of Ao Nang, so it’s definitely worth visiting while you’re in town. Here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, exciting watersports, immersive dive spots, and an electrifying nightlife.

Phi Phi Don Island, in particular, is a solid option if you plan to stay for a day or two since it has the best restaurants and hotels and the liveliest beach parties. You’ll also find travel agencies offering boat trips to numerous other islands.

That makes it ideal for travelers who want to explore everything in Ao Nang and beyond.

FAQs about Ao Nang

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