Ao Nang Thailand is one of our favorite places in the whole country. After visiting the over fifteen places in the country we have come to the conclusion there is really no place like Krabi. With it being the best tropical escape in the whole country we can see why it is becoming a tourist hotspot. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your own sliver of paradise you just have to know where to go and what to do. Here is what to do in Ao Nang Thailand.
Table of Contents
Planning a trip to Thailand
Krabi is one of the most laid back parts in the southern province of Thailand. It has one of the most stunning limestone scenery imaginable, beautiful beaches and over 200 islands just off the coast. Krabi has quickly become our favorite place in Thailand. It holds tons of beauty but stays relatively quiet most of the year. Yes, it can get busy but its nothing like the rest of the islands. If it’s your first time traveling here make sure you don’t forget these essential items.
Airport Krabi to Ao Nang
The airport in Krabi is not far from the Krabi town center or from Ao Nang. Actually, it’s very near, only 9 KM from Krabi and 27 KM from Ao Nang. They have multiple modes of transport to choose from, everything from the budget to pick up services. Don’t worry the three options below will make sure you have a smooth transit from the Airport to your accommodations.
Krabi Airport Car Rental
No matter what terminal of the airport you are in they have multiple car rental serviced for you to choose from. Many international and local providers including Hertz. You can pre-book these online through their booking portal or you can book when you arrive. Generally, you know you are safe and getting a fair price when you book online so we highly suggest that. When arriving if you have a USA driver’s license generally they don’t ask for much of anything else but an international license would be very helpful in the time of need ( accident or police checkpoint ).
Bus
The most budget-friendly option you have is to take the Krabi bus or Airport shuttle. They run daily from 8 am – 8 pm and only cost 100-150 THB. It may not be the fastest or the most comfortable but if you are tight on a budget don’t worry you are covered.
Airport Taxi
This is the option I will gladly tell you not to take. Although it is an option I don’t suggest it. They do offer airport taxis here but they tend to be the most costly option for you. The cost can peak at around 1500 THB or $48 USD. They have a “fixed-rate” depending on your location and tickets can be purchased in the airport from the booth before you exit. I say “fixed-rate” because most the time some situation happens where they expect you to pay more even if you have a ticket so just be careful.
Now the last option and the option we went with is having your accommodations arrange pick up for you. This should cost around $30 USD and is the easiest way for you to find the accommodations and get settled in. This is the option we went with and highly suggest it.
Krabi Scooter
Krabi covers quite a large area with a lot of the attractions that require a fair bit of traveling. We highly suggest if you are going to be exploring this province you rent a scooter. When we went there this time last year we rented scooters from Krabiscooter. They were $75 USD ( 2,306 THB) for a month. If you would like to see other scooter rental options I would suggest heading down to Ao Nang beach. They have tons of rental places to choose from. The going daily rate is 200 THB per day. The longer you rent the better rate you will get.
In my eyes, this is the best place in Thailand to ride a scooter. With the calm country roads and fresh countryside smells there really is nothing like it. We have ridden scooters in over 13 countries and loved the mountainous countryside of Krabi the most.
First, let’s start in Krabi town
Krabi Town – Unlike many places that you visit on holiday, Krabi Town is different. It still receives many tourists but it has not changed itself to pamper the tourist’s needs. It has still managed to retain its ‘local’ feel. The river running through the town is always full of fishing boats bringing in their daily catch ready for the restaurant tables. The town has a genuine feel to it with its local bars and eating spots. It is worth visiting for that authentic taste of Thailand.
These are the TOP attractions we love in Krabi town ( and we bet you will love as well ) :
Night Market
Krabi Town like so many other big towns in Thailand has a night market with tons of street food. This market is open only 3 days a week. Every Friday to Sunday in the evening. There are over seventy food stalls here as well as lots of local sellers selling souvenirs. Sometimes local school children put on a show as they collect money for their school or another charity.
When ordering food make sure to grab the checklist below to help you with all the must needed Thai phrases.
White Temple
Wat Kaew Korawaram ( White Temple ) is a very large Buddhist Temple that sits at the top of a hill overlooking Krabi Town. You climb up a gold-lined staircase that leads you right to the very top. It sits on a 2,500 sqm. terrace upon which the temple itself stands.
This is not the biggest of temples but Instead of the usual red and gold that you see in many Thai temples, this one has been decorated with white walls and a roof made of dark blue tiles. The majority of the temple in Thailand will give the vibe of golden and red but it is different here.
Klong Thom Hot Springs
This hot spring set inside rainforest surroundings. The Jacuzzi style baths are perfect for sharing and can be filled right to the top with warm running water. The water is supplied fresh from the thermal springs that are located inside volcanic chambers. The hot springs are unusual in that they cascade forming a waterfall that pours into a stream below. They have been cut into the smooth rocks and the water gets up to temperatures of forty degrees Celsius containing natural mineral salts that have many healing properties.
The best part of this hot spring is that when it gets too hot and you fancy a cooling swim after there is a stream that you can do this in. The springs are quite close to the Emerald Pool so it is worth combining the two. And that’s why we come up with the next things you should do in Krabi – Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool
This Emerald Pool (Sra Morakot) in Krabi province is one of our top suggestions for things you should do in Krabi, Thailand. The number one recommendation for enjoying the underground natural springs that flourish in Krabi province. Emerald Pool or pond is not a hot spring, but it is cool water that is just heavenly to swim in. The water is replenished by natural streams running into the pool from freshwater sources on the limestone hill above.
Tucked into one of Krabi’s national parks is an unbelievable natural pool. True to its name, the emerald pool entices travelers with the color of its waters. As the sun hovers over the pool, the shades of the water change – a phenomenon that should not be missed.
Khao Phanom Benja National park
This national park is named after Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain. The highest one in Krabi standing 1,350 meters tall. The park’s popular attractions are its waterfalls with alluring natural pools. The main attraction is Nam Tok Huay To, a spectacular 11-tier waterfall. On the largest tier, water cascades for some 70 meters down a jagged rock face. The waterfall is an easy 500-meter walk from the visitor center. The smaller one Nam Tok Huay Sa Khe is even closer.
Tiger cave temple
If you don’t mind slogging it off to enjoy some terrific views, consider climbing 1237 steps to reach the top of the tiger temple. It is literally the stairway to heaven (or hell) depending on how to fit you are. It is a climb up 1,237 steps which is no small task. When you get to the top you are rewarded with 360-degree views on the Andaman Sea.
PRO: The fantastic views aside, it’s also a great place to just get away from it all.
CON: Unless you are in peak physical condition, do not attempt it.
Ao Nang beach
If you’re only here for a day, you’re going to want to get out of Krabi Town and get to the beach, right? So head to Ao Nang, which is essentially Krabi’s main beach. Here there is everything you need so you don’t have to waste too much time traveling around.
Ao Nang Beach is not the prettiest beach in the area. If you are after white sand and a tranquil setting you are better off at Railay Beach. If you are looking for a lively atmosphere this is a good place to start. There are many bars and restaurants in the area selling plenty of varieties of cocktails as well as all the food types. It is also a great place to book your tours from as there are a lot of operators in the area fighting for business.
Next, let’s hop to the other islands of Krabi
There are roughly 200 islands sitting just off the Krabi coastline, You can rent a boat from Krabi town or Ao Nang and explore the islands The best time of year to go is between November and April to avoid any unpredictable weather.
Day trips from Krabi
Phi Phi Island
After being used in the film location for the movie ‘The Beach’. This is the Phi Phi islands shot to fame and the tourists have never stopped coming. You can get there by speedboat which takes about forty-five minutes from Krabi mainland. There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don is inhabited and is the one where all the tourists flock. Known for its turquoise water and stunning beaches the island really is a tropical paradise.
We hope these insights help you make the most of your trip. If you want to check out FULL VIDEO GUIDE we have that on our YOUTUBE CHANNEL. This shows you a depth guide to all the best and even some of the most unknown local spots!
If you are planning a trip make sure to check out our Must know and travel essential Packing list that is completely free! DOWNLOAD IT HERE
**PIN IT FOR LATER**
Leave a Reply