Ao Nang

 Ao Nang Beach

Located roughly 17 south-west of Krabi Town, Ao Nang is the liveliest seaside resort in the province. Ao Nang has the charm and relaxing atmosphere of a small beach resort, although it boasts one of the Thailand's most fascinating locations and offers a wide range of accommodations and modern facilities. Ao Nang lies 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. Ao Nang itself is small town, no more than 20-30 minutes walk from one end to the other, nevertheless it offers plenty of accommodation and facilities, excellent restaurants offering tasty foods, many 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. Ao Nang has two adjacent beaches, Ao Nang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach. Located at the end of city's main street, Ao Nang is the most developed. One kilometer and half long, it is a white and fine sandy beach which gently descending into crystal clear waters of a beautiful turquoise color blending with the intense blue of deepest sea. 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. Adjacent to Ao Nang Beach, Haad Noppharat Thara is a quiet, 5-kilometer-long white sand beach divided into two parts by the Klong Haeng River. Covered with many shells and lined with a majestic Casuarina forest, it is surrounded by shallow and calm clear waters. Several small limestone islands and rocky outcrops are located in front of the small river and at the western end, some of which are so close that are accessible on foot at low tide, like Koh Kao Pak Klong and Koh Khao Sam Nuai. The area of Noppharat Thara Beach closest to Ao Nang is the most developed, with a good selection of beachfront hotels and resorts and several budget bungalows, which are located further back. Along the beach there is also number of good restaurants offering excellent seafood dishes and Thai Southern cuisine, but they are not concentrated in only one area. Read More