Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang is Krabi's lively seaside resort. Located roughly 17 south-west of Krabi Town, it has the charm and relaxing atmosphere of a small beach resort although it features a wide range of accommodations and modern facilities, as well as the famous Thai hospitality. In addition to all this, the small town boasts one of the Thailand's most fascinating locations. Ao Nang is set in a breathtaking bay overlooking a crystalline sea dotted with 83 islands and towering limestone outcrops, including the Poda Islands and world-famous Phi Phi Islands. At the south edge, a steep limestone cliff hides another Krabi's jewel, the amazing Railay Peninsula. Ao Nang has two adjacent beaches, Ao Nang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach.
Ao Nang Beach stretches at the end of city's main street and is the most developed in the seaside resort. One kilometer and half long, Ao Nang is a white and fine sandy beach which gently descends into crystal clear waters of a beautiful turquoise color blending with the intense blue of deepest sea. The shallow coast line is very quiet and safe, especially for children who like to play with the waves. Although it is adjacent to the seaside resort, the beach is less crowded than you might think and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Ao Nang Beach is enclosed between two promontories, behind the one to north with lush vegetation is set Noppharat Thara Beach, while the one to south characterized by stunning steep limestone cliffs hides the adjacent Pai Plong Beach, Ton Sai Beach and Railay West Beach. If Ao Nang Beach is not amazing enough for you and want to discover other topical paradises, there are several islands of various sizes scattered in the sea in front of bay. Ao Nang is well organized to reach most of them. To get to islands you can hire a long-tail boat individually from the beach, perhaps by spliting the cost with other tourists. The daily rent is roughly 4,000 THB and boat can take up to 6-8 people. In alternative you can buy the all-inclusive tours selling by the several agencies in Ao Nang. Ao Nang itself is small town, no more than 20-30 minutes walk from one end to the other, nevertheless it offers the widest range of accommodation facilities, excellent restaurants offering tasty foods, plenty of shops, mini markets, banks, ATMs, fast foods, small shopping centers, pharmacies, tourist agencies and dive centers, as well as several bars and clubs that provide a vibrant nightlife. Most of the activities and services are scattered along the main street running from the beginning of the city to the beach, and along the beach itself. Hotel and resort accommodations cater to every demand and budget, as well as the restaurants, though Thai and Italian cuisine are the most appreciated.
Pai Plong Beach, also known as Centara Beach from the name of hotel built on it, is just 180 metres long and entirely unseen from Ao Nang Beach. The beauty of this beach comes not from the white sand and crystalline water, but from its hidden position at the base of towering limestone cliffs. It offers stunning vistas all around. The easiest way to get the semi-deserted beach is with a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach for about 100 baht, but it is also accessible on foot at low tide from the south end of adjacent beach. In high tide, as alternative to the boat, you can climb up the Monkey Trail, a steep staircase leading to the beach passing through the jungle and offering breathtaking ocean views.
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