Ao Nang is one of the most popular and tourist-friendly beaches in Krabi Province. While it may not be a picture-perfect “bounty beach,” it has a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of visitors.
Whether you’re a backpacker, a casual tourist, or a long-term traveler, you’ll find something to enjoy here. The beach tends to attract fewer European tourists compared to places like Phuket, with most visitors being European, many of them retirees or families with children. There are also many Asian tourists.
In the evenings, Ao Nang Beach offers stunning sunsets. At this time, the beach becomes very wide due to low tide, providing plenty of space for people to stroll and relax on the sand. Yes, Ao Nang can get crowded, especially in the morning during high tide when the strip of sand is quite narrow. However, the edges of the beach are quieter, and you can always find a place to settle down.
Beach Overview
Ao Nang is one of the most popular beaches in Krabi Province and is perhaps the most developed resort area. The beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). A main road runs perpendicular to the beach, leading from the highway into town. This road then turns right and heads towards Nopparat Thara Beach.
A pedestrian promenade runs along this road and the beach, lined with numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops, and other tourist amenities. This part of the beach is bordered by a concrete wall, and you need to descend stairs to reach the sand from the promenade.
If you turn left, you’ll reach a cliff with a small river flowing into the sea at its base. A trail along the cliffs leads to the Centara Grand Beach Resort, known as Monkey Trail. This area is shaded by broad-leaved trees, providing natural shade where many massage therapists set up their mats. There are also beachside cafes serving cocktails, where tourists gather to watch the sunset.
Another characteristic of Ao Nang Beach is the rows of longtail boats anchored in the water, their distinctive long prows pointing outwards. These boats constantly shuttle tourists to nearby islands and beaches like Railay, which are inaccessible by land.
Railay Beach is frequently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. While Ao Nang excels in terms of infrastructure and convenience, Railay undoubtedly leads in natural beauty.
Swimming Conditions
Ao Nang Beach experiences significant tides, often in the afternoon. During low tide, the sea recedes far out, exposing a gray, muddy seabed. Those who see the beach at low tide often consider it unsuitable for swimming.
During high tide, the beach becomes narrower, and the sea is deeper and cleaner. The overall appearance of the beach also depends on the season. In the off-season, the sea can be rough with murky water, while during the high season and at high tide, the water looks much better.
The sea at Ao Nang is not very deep, even at high tide, with a gradual slope. On the left side (if you’re facing the sea), near Monkey Trail and the massage alley, the water is shallower, and a small, smelly river flows into the sea. It’s best to avoid swimming near the river’s mouth.
The sand on the beach is gray to gray-yellow, fairly light with silt and large deposits of seashells smoothed by the sea.
Sunbeds and Shade
There are no sunbeds on Ao Nang Beach, as is common across Krabi. However, there is natural shade from the trees, especially in the morning. On the left side of the beach (facing the sea), there are more trees and thus more shade. In the central part, the promenade hangs over the beach, with trees lining the road, and broad steps descend to the beach at regular intervals.
Beach Photos
Right Side
Left Side
Amenities
One of the beach’s attractions is Monkey Trail, a wooden walkway that leads up the mountain to another beach. It’s named after the large groups of monkeys that live in the area.
Along the path to Monkey Trail, you’ll find a shaded alley with massage parlors and beachside cafes. This area is quieter and more intimate than the middle of the beach, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.
At the opposite end from Monkey Trail, there’s a concrete platform beneath a cliff where there are usually fewer people. This is a great spot for a picnic with a fantastic view during sunset.
Ao Nang offers a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to all tastes, from seafood and local cuisine to international options, including familiar names like McDonald’s and Starbucks. You’ll also find currency exchange offices, banks, travel agencies, dive centers, and other services that cater to tourists.
On the main road, about a 20-minute walk away, there’s a medium-sized Tesco Lotus. A bit further out, almost on the edge of town, you’ll find a Makro. If you need something more extensive, Krabi Town, with its larger shopping centers, is only a 30-minute drive away.
Accommodation
There are plenty of hotels near Ao Nang Beach, catering to various tastes and budgets—from simple, budget-friendly guesthouses to beachfront resorts. Larger hotels are located on the first line (at the edges of the beach), while smaller guesthouses are spread out along the main road leading to the sea.
Here are some of the top-rated hotels in the area:
- Krabi Resort
- Aonang Princeville Villa Resort and SPA
- Golden Beach Resort
Most of the rental homes are also located in Ao Nang. Unfortunately, there aren’t any directly on the first or second line, as those spots are taken by hotels. The nearest homes are located near the mosque, about a 15-20 minute walk away.
There are also a few condos at a similar distance. If you don’t mind being a bit farther from the beach, there’s a wide selection of houses in the surrounding areas of Ao Nang, from which you can reach the beach in just 10 minutes by car or motorbike.
How to Find the Beach
Ao Nang Beach is about 30 km (18 miles) from the airport, roughly a 30-minute drive. Regular buses run from the airport to Ao Nang, and you can also take a taxi.
Songthaews (Thai shared taxis) run from Krabi Town to Ao Nang. You can also take boats from nearby islands (including Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Phi Phi) to Ao Nang, and there are also regular ferry services.
