Where on Earth is Ao Nang?
That is exactly what we were thinking when we started to our research on where we were going to go on our way to Phuket.
Queue map…..
Ao Nang on the coast of the Andaman Sea across from Phuket.
Because Ao Nang is only 40 minutes by car from the Krabi International Airport means that this is a very popular tourist destination. There is a good range of accommodation, good restaurants and easy transportation.
We booked into our accommodation for 2 nights at Baan Pulaoon. They are situated only 1km from the beach and elevated with a view. We were on the 4th floor which offered ‘sea glimpses’ and plenty of the cheaper eateries around us, especially compared to the restaurants on the waterfront. With a bit of bartering we managed to get the price down to 900THB ($30nz) per night which is what we paid in Krabi town so we were happy with that.
Baan Pulaoon
What’s on Offer for the Tourist
Railay Beach
There is a myriad of trips and attractions on offer so we wanted to make sure we got to see the highlights for the best value for money.
We decided that we really wanted to see Railay (Rai Leh) Beach. A nice beach near Ao Nang, which can only be reached via long-tail boat or kayak. It is actually part of the mainland, but is cut-off by the limestone hills.
The beach is cleaner than the ones at Ao Nang and it is a lovely setting being nestled in between the limestone cliffs.
The long-tail boats are easy to catch for the quick ride – approximately 10 minutes. There are ticket offices at both ends of Ao Nang Beach, purchase a ticket for 100THB ($4nz) each one way (we did buy our return ticket at the same time). You then get directed to a waiting point and once they get to 8 passengers then you are all good to go. The same works in reverse to come back.
Railay Beach – stunning
Krabi Sunset Cruise
Now as you already know, we like to do our research, especially when it comes to spending money. There are so many options when it comes to cruising out around the islands.
Our main criteria is that we didn’t want to be crammed into a boat like a pack of sardines, nor did we want to be stuck with a bunch of people who were using the cruise as an excuse for one big drinking party. Believe me, there are plenty of horror stories that back up those fears. We watched a group gathering to go on a cruise the morning before and they were herded like animals onto transport out to the boat.
We decided on Krabi Sunset Cruises which seem to promise everything that we were after. It’s on board one of the last remaining Siamese sailing junks.
We cruised out to the 5 islands – Poda, Tup, Si, Ta Ming, Wasam & Gai. We spent the afternoon swimming, snorkelling with the options of kayaking and paddle boarding. The scenery was indeed breath-taking.
We tucked into a mouth watering Thai Buffet dinner and, as promised we got to witness the most amazing sunset we have seen since travelling.
The cruise cost us 2,500THB each ($103nz) which included unlimited non alcoholic drinks, tea/coffee, fruit, snacks and dinner. Options to purchase cocktails and beer on board (at fairly reasonable prices).
What we enjoyed was the fact that there was only 25 of us on board. There was also a good mix of ages so it didn’t take on too much of a party atmosphere which would have spoilt the tranquillity of the moment. There was just a pleasant playlist going, just right to add atmosphere.
We would thoroughly recommend the trip if you are thinking of coming to Ao Nang.
The best sunset ever
Surrounding Beaches
There are also other beaches to visit in the area. On our morning walk we wandered over to the neighbouring Nopparat Thara Beach which stretched for some kilometres. It is quite tidal and shallow so makes for poor swimming. There are resorts and restaurants along the long waterfront so it is worth a visit or even an option to stay.
Enjoy our video below, showing the highlights of our couple of days in Ao Nang.