Known as a Krabi’s vibrant tourist center, Ao Nang has the beauty of a beach resort, the modern comforts of home, the relaxed atmosphere of a small town, and the friendliness that sets Thailand apart. Its beaches are spreading wide, tied together by narrow strips of golden sand framed by limestone headlands. In the dry season, the sea glows as a turquoise hue, while during monsoon, currents stir up the mocha shallows. Ao Nang is a coastal town and serves as the most popular starting point for boat trips heading towards Phi Phi Islands as well as islands alongside the Krabi Peninsula. So even if you are vacationing in the Krabi town itself, you may eventually end up in the nearby Ao Nang for your next island hopping move.
Formerly, Ao Nang was a meeting place for the first backpackers who visited the region. But today, Ao Nang is a bustling area offering a wide range of hotels and dining. Apart from visiting the Ao Nang beach, another thing you can do is kayaking around Ao Thalane routes to visit its mangrove areas. In the Ban Bho Tho area, you can even find caves with prehistoric paintings aged over 3000 years. Another good activity is to rent a bicycle and go through the western part of the Ao Nang area to reach Nopphara Thara beach. For divers, the best time to go here is from November to May. This period promises the calmest and clearest waters around nearby archipelagos, such as the Koh Phi Phi islands.
