Area & Beaches
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is located approximately 6 kilometers from Nopparatara Beach and 20 kilometers from the town of Krabi. A large bay with scenic beaches and 83 small islands, Ao Nang has several famous beaches which include East Rai Lay, West Rai Lay and Tham Phra Nang (cave) which stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. A boat from Ao Nang Village can be hired for sightseeing excursions around Ao Nang, Hat Tham Phra Nang and Hat Nam Mao, all of which are only accessible by foot. Other offshore isles such as Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Mo and Koh Thap, are popular destinations that can be reached by a rented boat from Ao Nang. An abundance of colorful coral reefs and lovely cartoon fishes make these islands ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Ao Nang has recently emerged as a 5-star tourist attraction due to its numerous 4-5 star hotels and boutique resorts complete with facilities such as diving shops and rental boats. Popular activities include sightseeing by canoe along the beachfront and paddling tours by inflatable canoes or kayaks of the coast and its mangrove forests, islands and semi-submerged caves.
Boat travelling times and fares from Ao Nang to various beaches and islands are as follows:
- Ao Nang – Rai Lay: 50 baht,10 minutes
- Ao Nang – Tham Phra Nang: 50 baht, 15 minutes
- Ao Nang – Koh Poda: 200 baht (return ticket), 25 minutes
- Ao Nang – Koh Kai: 250 baht (return ticket), 25 minutes
- Ao Nang – Mu Koh Hong: 1,500 baht for a charter boat, 1 hour
A night trip from Ao Nang to Rai Lay costs 80 baht. All boats are available from 7.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. :
Tourists may take the local mini-bus (Song Thaeo) from the provincial city of Krabi to Ao Nang. The fare is 50 baht and takes 45 minutes. Alternatively, one can proceed directly to Hat Rai Lay by boat service at Chao Fa Pier. The fare costs 70 baht and takes 45 minutes.
Remarks: Boat fares are subject to change without prior notice.
