Ao Nang is one of the most popular and touristy beaches in Krabi province. It’s not exactly paradise, but the atmosphere here is still quite inviting. Backpackers, regular tourists and long-stayers will all find something enjoyable here. There are fewer Russian tourists here than in Phuket. Ao Nang is mainly chosen by Europeans, mostly retired folk or families with children. There are also many Asian tourists here.
In the evenings, Ao Nang beach offers stunning sunsets. During this time, the beach becomes very wide due to the low tide, so plenty of people can spread out on the sand (everyone goes for walks). Yes, Ao Nang beach gets crowded, especially in the mornings during high tide when the strip of sand becomes quite narrow – in peak season it’s packed to the rafters. But the edges of the beach are quieter, and you can always find somewhere to settle down.
Beach Overview
This is one of the most popular beaches in Krabi province and probably the most popular resort centre. The beach is about 1 mile (1,5 km) long. Roughly in the middle, the main road leading to this village from the highway runs perpendicular to it. The road then turns right and heads towards Nopparat Thara Beach.
Along this road and beach runs a pedestrian promenade, which is lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops and other tourist infrastructure. This part of the beach is bounded by concrete, and you need to descend stairs from the promenade to reach the sea.
If you turn left, you’ll come to a cliff where a small river flows into the sea at its base. There’s a path along the rocks leading to the Centara Hotel beach, which everyone calls the Monkey Trail. In that area, there are green broad-leaved trees, plenty of natural shade where numerous massage therapists sit with their mattresses. There are also beach cafes serving cocktails where tourists gather at sunset.
Another feature is the rows of longtail boats – with their long noses – standing in the water by the beach. They’re constantly zipping back and forth past the beach, rumbling with their engines. All these boats ferry tourists to islands and nearby beaches like Railay, which are inaccessible by land.
By the way, Railay is in the top rankings and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Although I wrote that Ao Nang beach is the best, I meant in terms of infrastructure and beauty (other beaches, in my view, are worse in these aspects), but in terms of pure beauty, Railay is undoubtedly the leader.
Swimming
The beach has pronounced low tides, which often occur in the afternoon. During low tide, the sea recedes very, very far, several hundred feet, exposing the muddy grey seabed. Those who see the beach during low tide hours consider it unsuitable for swimming.
During high tide, the beach becomes narrower, and the sea deeper and cleaner. Generally, the beach’s appearance also depends on the time of year. During the off-season, in summer, there can be strong waves and the water gets dirty. During the season and at high tide, the sea looks better.
The sea depth at the beach is not very great even at high tide and increases gradually. At the end (on the left when facing the sea) where the Monkey Trail and massage alley are located, the sea is shallower, and a smelly river flows into it. It’s best not to swim where this river enters the sea.
The sand on the beach is grey and grey-yellow, quite light. It has patches of silt and large scatterings of broken shells, smoothed by the sea.
Sunbeds and Shade
There are no sunbeds on Ao Nang beach. Just like everywhere else in Krabi. But there is shade – natural, from trees. Especially in the first half of the day. On the left edge of the beach (if standing facing the sea), more trees grow and consequently, there’s more shade. In the central part, the promenade hangs over the beach and trees grow along the road, with wide steps descending to the beach at regular intervals.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Among the attractions of the beach itself is the Monkey Trail – a path of wooden platforms located at one end of the beach leading over the mountain to another beach. It’s notable for the large troops of monkeys living around it.
On the way to the Monkey Trail, there’s a shady alley with massage parlours and cafe-bars. The area here is quieter than in the middle of the beach and more intimate. It’s a good place to watch the sunset.
At the opposite end from the Monkey Trail, there’s a concrete platform under the cliff where there are usually few people, and during sunset you can comfortably set up a picnic with a magnificent view.
In Ao Nang, there’s a huge number of shops, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes. There’s seafood, local cuisine, European food and even McDonald’s and Starbucks. There are currency exchanges, banks, travel agencies, dive centres and other useful bits and bobs for tourists.
On the main road, about a 20-minute walk away, there’s a medium-sized Lotus. And a bit further, practically on the outskirts of town, there’s a Makro. However, if you need anything more, there’s a major shopping centre in Krabi Town, just a 30-minute drive away.
Accommodation
There are many hotels in the beach area to suit virtually all tastes and budgets. From the simplest and cheapest guesthouses to beach resorts. There are large hotels on the front line (at the edges of the beach), and some at a distance from the sea. A large number of guesthouses are located along Ao Nang’s main street leading to the sea.
The main tourist infrastructure of the resort is concentrated there too.
- Krabi Resort
- Aonang Princeville Villa Resort and SPA
- Golden Beach Resort
The bulk of houses for rent are located in Ao Nang. But unfortunately, there’s nothing on the first or second line as hotels are there. The nearest bungalows are located in the mosque area, which is about a 15-20 minute walk.
Several condos are also at about the same distance. If you’re not tied to walking distance to the sea, then the choice of accommodation is quite large, with many houses in the vicinity of Ao Nang, from where you can reach the beach in just 10 minutes by car or motorbike.
How to Find the Beach
The beach is about 19 miles (30 км) from the airport (about half an hour’s drive). Scheduled buses run from there to Ao Nang. You can also get there by taxi. Read in detail about Krabi airport and how to get from there to Ao Nang in my article – Krabi Airport.
Songthaews, Thai minibuses, run from Krabi town to Ao Nang. From nearby islands (including Phuket, Koh Lanta and Phi Phi), you can sail to Ao Nang on boats, including scheduled ships.
