A small Thai fishing village, Ao Nang has become a popular tourist destination due to its convenient location. Ao Nang is an ideal base from which to explore the islands and attractions of Krabi province. In this article I will tell you what to see and do during your stay in Ao Nang, which Krabi islands and temples to visit, and which excursions in Ao Nang are worth checking out first.
Navigation in the article:
How to book tours in Ao Nang and Krabi
Of course, you can buy any tour from street vendors or in your hotels. Just remember that it almost always looks like a pig in a poke. Generally, the cheaper the tour, the more people and the less service.
My advice is to look first at tours that can be booked online on a website where you can read reviews from other tourists.
- GetYourGuide - great user-friendly website with a wide range of interesting tours in Krabi,
- Klook - a popular website in Asia that helps you find discounts on tours, tickets, spas and restaurants,
- Viator - a Tripadvisor company, is the world's largest experience marketplace, connecting travellers with tours and activities.
Tours from Ao Nang to Krabi Islands
Island tours that are worth putting on your must-visit list:
- Tours to the 4 Krabi Islands: Koh Poda, Chiken Island, Koh Tub and Railay.... Although Railay is actually a peninsula, it is often referred to as an island due to the lack of land transport to Railay,
- Hong Island is an incredibly beautiful place that is a must see.
Tips: Book a private boat to get away from the crowds and explore the beautiful islands of Krabi.
Interesting island tours in Krabi:
- Phi Phi Islands - if you haven't been to this the famous island yet, plan a trip,
- Speedboat tour to Koh Rock and Koh Kha Islands - the National Park status protects the incredibly rich and beautiful underwater world of these islands, it is one of the best places in Thailand for snorkelling.
Krabi sightseeing tours - temples and hot springs
The most beautiful and interesting temple in Krabi province is What Tham Seua or Tiger Cave Temple.
- For the most breathtaking views you have to climb a steep staircase to the top. You need to be in good physical shape to climb 1272 steps.
- After several unfortunate incidents, tour companies have stopped taking tourists to the summit.
- If you want to climb to the top, you have to come to the temple by a car or by a scooter and undergo a simple medical check at the foot of the stairs to the summit.
You can take a tour to Emerald Pool and Krabi Hot Springs or visit the place on your own:
- Please note, that these places are too far from Ao Nang to travel by scooter.
- You will need a car for a self-drive trip to the Krabi Hot Springs.
- Allow a full day for this trip.
- It is advisable to bring a swimming suit, towels, drinking water and snacks.
Extreme sports & adrenaline in Ao Nang and Krabi
On GetYourGuide website, those looking for an active lifestyle will find many interesting ways to enjoy Ao Nang, including:
- kayaking
- rock climbing,
- ATV adventure,
- Thai boxing classes.
What else to do and see in Ao Nang
You may be wondering why I haven't written about things to do in Ao Nang itself. But the fact is that Ao Nang itself is a beachside village with very little to offer.
What to do in Ao Nang:
- Enjoy the wide choice of hotels to suit every budget,
- Relax in Ao Nang's bars and restaurants, especially along Ao Nang Beach,
- Take a bus to the Shell Cemetery stop to see fossilised shells that Thai scientists believe are 20-30 million years old,
- Take an evening stroll along the new promenade on Ao Nang Beach,
- Visit the beautiful beaches of the Railay Peninsula by a long-tail boat from the southern end of Ao Nang Beach,
- Take a cheap bus to Krabi Town to enjoy the evening market,
- Relax in a massage salon.
You might also be interested in a cooking course or up-close interactions with elephants at an ethically-run sanctuary. These tours can be booked on the GetYourGuide website.
