Ao Nang

Ao Nang (อ่าวนาง), formally Ao Phra Nang ("Princess Bay"), is the busiest and most tourist-oriented beach destination in Krabi Province. About 15 km from Krabi Town, it serves as the main gateway for visitors heading to Railay, Ko Phi Phi, and the surrounding islands. Originally a backpacker hotspot, Ao Nang has moved upmarket thanks to its proximity to Krabi Airport while retaining cheap accommodation, many good restaurants, and easy transport connections.

In high season (roughly November to April), Ao Nang is packed and prices are comparable to Phuket. On 1 May, many businesses shut or restrict hours, prices revert to normal, and the town is relatively deserted. The beach itself is more of a base for exploration than a destination in its own right — the east side is swimmable and scenic, while the west side is cluttered with boats and litter.

By Plane

Krabi International Airport (KBV IATA) is about 40 minutes by car. The airport limo monopoly charges approximately 600 baht for a transfer (up to four persons). Air-conditioned shuttle buses run from the airport to Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara Beach (150 baht, 1 hour) and can drop you at most hotels. For a cheaper option, take a songthaew from the airport to Krabi Town (50 baht) and then a white songthaew to Ao Nang (60 baht).

By Car / Road

The nearest inter-provincial bus station is Krabi Bus Terminal at Talad Kao, about 5 km north of Krabi Town. From there, white songthaews marked "Krabi-Ao Nang" run every 15–20 minutes (60 baht). Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal take about 12 hours to Krabi (VIP 1,055 baht, first class 680 baht). Frequent minivans connect Phuket Airport to Ao Nang as well.

Songthaews run across Ao Nang to Shell Beach and some all the way to Krabi Town (fares from 20 baht). Tuk-tuks ask 100 baht for trips within Ao Nang and 400 baht to Krabi Town — bargaining is still possible but becoming harder. Motorbike rental is 150–200 baht per day from numerous shops along the main strip. The beachfront road is walkable but gets busy in high season.

• Fossil Shell Beach (Su-san Hoi) — 7 km west of Ao Nang. Compressed 40-million-year-old shellfish fossils resembling concrete slabs. A small museum and gift shops accompany the site. 200 baht for foreigners, 20 baht for Thais. Generally considered overpriced.

• Nopparat Thara Beach — A long beach at the western edge of Ao Nang, zoned as part of a national park. Quieter than Ao Nang Beach, excellent for sunset walks. The western half is very quiet with forest and a few resorts; the eastern half has more hotels and budget food options catering to Thai visitors.

• Pai Plong Beach — A scenic cove accessible by a 10–15 minute elevated wooden walkway from Ao Nang Beach or via a parking area off Soi 15. The Centara Resort occupies the beachfront but all beaches in Thailand are public.

• Day trips to Railay and Ko Phi Phi — Longtail boats to Railay West (10 min, 80–100 baht). Ferries to Ko Phi Phi (400 baht one way) and Ko Lanta (280 baht) depart daily.

• Beach activities — Ao Nang Beach east side is best for swimming. Nopparat Thara is excellent for morning strolls and sunset watching.

• Rock climbing — Arrange through Ao Nang agencies or take a longtail to Railay/Ton Sai for introductory courses.

• Sea kayaking and elephant treks — Available through countless travel agencies along the main road.

• The Last Cafe — Near the Ao Nang Beach end. Western and Thai food, reliable coffee, popular with expats.
• Family Restaurant — On the main strip. Affordable Thai classics including green curry, pad krapow, and tom yam.
• Hilltop Restaurant — Ao Nang Soi 8. Panoramic views over the bay, Western and Thai menu, mid-range prices.
• Nopparat Thara budget food area — Near the pier, several stalls serve cheap Thai dishes aimed at local tourists.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Fresh fruit shakes are available everywhere for 40–60 baht. Ao Nang has a lively bar scene along the beach road, with fire shows and buckets of cocktails at venues like Ao Nang Boathouse. Reggae bars and Irish pubs cater to the Western crowd. During low season many bars close or have restricted hours.

• Budget: Ao Nang Backpacker Hostel — Dorm beds from 300 baht near the beach. Pak Up Hostel — Social hostel with dorms from 350 baht.
• Mid-range: Peace Laguna Resort — Bungalow-style rooms with pool from 1,800 baht. Ao Nang Princeville Hotel — Clean rooms from 1,200 baht near the main strip.
• Upscale: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa — Beachfront resort from 3,500 baht. Holiday Inn Express Ao Nang — Modern rooms from 2,500 baht.

Ao Nang Road is lined with souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, and convenience stores. Prices are higher than Krabi Town. Local crafts include T-shirts, sarongs, and seashell ornaments. Bargaining is expected at market stalls and tour agencies but not in supermarkets or 7-Eleven.

• Railay (10 min by longtail) — Car-free peninsula with world-class climbing, Phra Nang Beach, and the Diamond Cave.
• Ko Phi Phi (1.5 hr by ferry) — Maya Bay, vibrant nightlife, stunning limestone scenery.
• Ko Lanta (2 hr by ferry) — Quieter island with long beaches and excellent diving.
• Krabi Town (15 km, 60 baht songthaew) — Provincial capital with night markets, Tiger Cave Temple, and cheaper shopping.
• Hong Islands (30 min by speedboat tour) — Emerald lagoon and pristine beaches in a protected marine park.