Ao Nang

Ao Nang, colloquially referred to as Krabi, is the busiest and most tourist-oriented beach destination in Krabi Province during high season (roughly 1 Nov-30 Apr). Originally a backpacker hotspot, it has moved upmarket but still has cheap accommodation and good restaurants, making it a good base for exploring Krabi's islands and limestone cliffs.

Krabi's bus terminal is at Talad Kao, about 5 km north of Krabi town. It is clean with bilingual signage, free Wi-Fi, and local transport options. From there, songthaews run to Ao Nang for 60 baht. Alternatively, minivans, taxis, and motorbike taxis are available.

Songthaews run across Ao Nang to Shell Beach and to Krabi Town with fares from 20 baht. Tuk-tuks ask 100 baht inside Ao Nang and 400 baht to Krabi town for a single trip. Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore; shops offer reliable bikes for 150-200 baht per 24 hours.

High season is from November to April, when the weather is dry and the town is bustling. Low season (May-November) sees many places shut or restrict hours, with prices dropping significantly. Accommodation that costs 600 baht in low-season can cost 1,600 baht in high-season.

Ao Nang is one of the more expensive places in Thailand. Budget options include Blue Bayou (300-600 baht low-season), Seaworld (300-600 baht), and The Krabi Forest Homestay (600-1,000 baht low-season). Mid-range options like Aonang Smile Hotel (700 baht low, 1,700 high) and J Hotel (800+ baht) are good value. Upmarket resorts like Ananta Burin range from 3,000 baht.

Ao Nang restaurants are generally expensive compared to Krabi town; main courses are about 150 baht, seafood from 250 baht. For cheap eats, look for street stalls or restaurants at either end of town. Esan food & cooking offers simple Issan dishes at some of the cheapest prices in central Ao Nang. Night markets include the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market and Wednesday Evening Market (16:00-20:00). For drinks, Soi RCA has beer bars with hostesses, and Soi 17 offers cocktails for 100 baht and beers for 40 baht.

Ao Nang Beach is a base for exploring; the east side is more scenic and has monkeys. Nopparat Thara Beach is quieter, zoned as a national park. Pai Plong Beach is a secluded cove with a resort. The Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail offers a 3.7 km hike to a viewpoint. Diving and snorkeling trips to Phi Phi and local islands are available from many dive centers. Cooking classes are offered at Ao Nang Thai Cookery School (1,000-2,500 baht) and Krabi Fruit Carving (1,400-2,800 baht). Rock climbing can be arranged to Rai Leh or Ton Sai.

Tourist Police are located near the corner of Ao Nang Rd and Khlong Hang Rd for non-emergency help. Pharmacies are abundant with English-speaking staff. Dr Somboon Polyclinic offers general medical practice and minor surgery (open seasonally). Be mindful of jellyfish season at Nopparat Thara Beach.

A daily backpacker budget in high season might be around 1,000-1,500 baht including dorm or budget room (300-600 baht), street food meals (50-100 baht each), local transport (20-100 baht), and a drink or two. In low season, costs can be halved. Accommodation is the biggest variable; budget options from 300 baht.

Rai Leh is just 15 minutes away by boat, with stunning beaches and climbing. Ko Poda is a popular day trip; you pay on return. The Phi Phi islands are about 2 hours by longtail or 40-50 minutes by speedboat; day trips cost 900-1,500 baht. Ko Lanta is reachable by daily ferry at 10:30 for about 400 baht. Fossil Shell Beach is 7 km west but considered a tourist trap (200 baht entry).

From Ao Nang, continue to Rai Leh (15 min by boat), Ko Poda, Ko Phi Phi (2h longtail, 40-50 min speedboat), or Ko Lanta (ferry 400 baht). Buses from Krabi town connect to other Thai destinations.