Railay / Ao Nang

Ao Nang

This bay is Beautiful and at the same time very strange to the eye because of its limestone karsts, or mountains. Its famous beaches include Rai Lay Beach, Tham Pra Nang Beach (where the tham, or cave, is sacred to local villagers), and Nam Mao; none of these can be reached by road. However, boats leave regularly from the accessible part of Ao Nang to take visitors to them. There are also islands to visit as well: Koh Kai, Koh Tap, Koh Mor, and Koh Poda, where there are clean sandy beaches, clear water and schools of colourful fishes in abundance perfect for diving, snorkeling, or swimming. Boats to the islands may be boarded at Ao Nang.

Ao nang situated about 20 km. Krabi and 22 km. From the new international touristic center dislocated along the Andamane Sea coast, it is an ideal place for excursions and explorations.

How to Get to Ao Nang

Bus Services to the Ao nang Beach. Local minibuses leave from outside the Seven Eleven store on Maharaj Road in Krabi Town every 15 minutes, from 07:00 until 18:00; and go to Ao Nang, Noppharat Beach and The Shell Cemetery Beach. Journeys take about 40 minutes and cost 20 Baht per person, each way. After 6 pm until 11.00 pm the cost will be to extra charge 50 Baht per person, each way. The second choice you can traveling to Ao Nang by Longtails boat leave from Krabi Town pier opposite the Customs House. The cost is 70 Baht per person each way and the journey takes about 40 minutes. The longtails will run when they have a minimum of 6 passengers and leave at anytime from 07:00 until 16:00. If you don't want to wait for other passengers to make up numbers, you will be able to charter the boat at a price agreed with the boatman.
Getting around From Ao Nang bay there are more than 150 little islands, sheer above the sea enriched with caves, beautiful white sand shores, coral barrier and colored fish. Among the most famous island you can find the Phi Phi Islands and his market "subs' paradise", Jame’s Bond island where the famous film "007" was set, Koh Samui, Rai Lay Beach at 2 km. from the free climbers paradise. Sheer above the sea 3 km. from Ao nang appears the Real Palace Thailandia King’s seaside residence.

Along the Ao Nang shore considered National Park (without beach umbrellas and deck-chairs), there are more than 100 restaurants, different shopping centers and, for those people very fond of diving there is the possibility to rent the typical longtail boat.

During the evening the beach concerts onto a wide range folkdances and exhibitions such as fire-players, horses and carriages, elephants. The best way to enter in contact with the Oriental culture.

What to Do

There are many travel agencies offering kayak exploration, snorkeling, diving and game fishing day trips. It is very easy to take a day trip including snorkeling to Poda Island 20 minute away and Chicken island also 30 minutes by longtail boat

Where to Stay

There is lots of a accommodation of bungalows and hotels can be found along Ao Nang and nearby beaches. There are three resort located next to the beach and has luxury rooms including a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. For example Golden Beach Resort a tastefully designed "tropical hotel" with sweeping views of the bay and a nice swimming pool.

For more information about accommodation please visit on http://www.krabiholiday.com/krabi/aonang In high season from December to March it is difficult to find a bungalows without booking in advance.

Place to Eat

All bungalows/resorts generally provide restaurants, cafes and bars. But if you would prefer to get away from your resort I can recommend you walk to the street beach ( Route 4203) you will find many restaurants, bar and gift shops. For example the first being Ao-Nang Sea Food Restaurant outside dining area, here you can choose from an extensive menu of fresh sea foods from Andaman Sea, thai and western dishes.

Ao- Nang Cuisine Restaurant also serves great European, chinese and authentic Thai cuisine include "Tom Yam Kung", Some great tasting food can also be had from Fresh restaurant.

Night Life

The Art bar provides all styles of music including cool oldies and of course your favourite reggae tunes.

Money Exchange

There are no ATMs, but there is a mobile currency exchange service that operates up and down the beach front road from 10:00 until 20:00 during the high season. It is possible to change money at your resort or at travel agencies but the rates are poor.