Visit Ao Nang: Top 7 Things To Do & See

Ao Nang is an island in southern Thailand famous for its crystal clear water and powdery white sand is also an idyllic beach getaway. It is a popular beach and holiday destination from which you can easily visit most of the famous spots like Maya Bay, Railay Bay, etc.

During the peak season, the weather here is also very comfortable, but the volume of visitors is also more crowded. Thus, choosing a hotel or resort is also a very important thing.

Let’s discover all the best things to do when you visit Ao Nang for a great vacation!

The best weather to visit Ao Nang

Ao Nang has a tropical monsoon climate, so the annual average temperature will be about 31°C. The best weather to visit Ao Nang is from December to March. At this time, the weather is not too hot like April, May and there is not as much rain as the period from June to November.

Thus, the weather is suitable for watching the peaceful, green Ao Nang beach and experiencing sea activities such as swimming, diving, etc. Therefore, December to March is also the highest season of the year with a large number of tourists. The price of services will also be higher than the rest of the year. If you have a tight budget, you can also consider going in April or August to save more.

Things to do in Ao Nang

Walk in Monkey Trail

The Monkey Trail begins at the far south-west end of Ao Nang Beach and crosses through a forested mountain to Pai Plong Beach. The luxurious Centara Grand Beach Resort is located on the beach. The trail is not particularly long.

If you begin at the river’s mouth, you will most likely encounter hardwood floors and railings, with the steps flowing into the wood. In addition to beautiful vistas and Pai Plong Bay, the area is home to a big monkey population. If you arrive at the correct moment, you can see a lot of monkeys. Observing and photographing monkeys made your day. When you visit Ao Nang, this is one of the best places you should go.

Go Shopping Ao Nang night market

When you visit Ao Nang, you cannot miss the experience of the Ao Nang night market, which is open daily from Monday to Sunday, from 4pm to 11pm with stalls with a variety of products. Dubbed as a shopping and snacking paradise, the prices here are also extremely reasonable to shop, choose gifts for friends and relatives and experience Thai street food right here.

Especially at the main food stalls area, there is also undercover, so you can still enjoy it even when it rains. Art performances are also held regularly, so the atmosphere is always bustling and crowded.

I would like to tell you some things to remember when you visit Ao Nang Night Market.

The number of visitors to the night market is very crowded, so even the food stalls area with seats will run out very quickly. Thus, I advise that you have someone who should stay and reserve a place to avoid the case that when the food is ordered, there are no seats left. If you go alone, you can choose to sit with someone to avoid long waits.

Although the prices here are quite reasonable, there will still be sellers who say higher prices when selling to tourists, so in some cases you can bargain with the seller. Ao Nang night market is quite crowded, so be careful with your wallet, phone and valuables in your bag because you can fall into the sights of pickpockets.

Watch Muay Thai fight

Muay Thai is the iconic sport of Thailand, for those who are passionate about martial arts, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Although many people find this sport somewhat violent, it cannot be denied that they have an irresistible attraction because of their fighting techniques in the match.

Before each match, there are many advertisements on the street, so it is difficult to ignore the opportunity to watch such live matches. Moreover, you can also get a free dinner if you buy a VIP ticket, give it a try. When you visit Ao Nang, you should watch the Muay Thai fight.

Visit Giant Catfish farm

You may get to the farm by driving from Ao Nang to Klong Muang beach on the fringes of Nopparat Thara. Aside from catfish feeding, visiting Giant Catfish Farm was enjoyable. Expect to spend a couple of hours here.

The farm isn’t only about growing fish, there’s a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. I hope you will really enjoy spending time here because of the beautiful routes through the bush, gazebos, and handcrafted suspension bridges. Going with children will provide several teachable situations.

Visit Su San Hoi

Su-san Hoi Beach is about 17 km from Krabi town. When you visit Ao Nang, you must visit Su Han Hoi. In the past, this area was a freshwater lagoon, inhabited by many species of snails and shellfish. Over time, the lagoon disappeared, and all the snails and clams died, forming a fossil layer up to 40 cm thick.

With geographical shifts, the fossil layer broke into giant blocks lying on the coast of the Laem Pho region, forming strange shapes. This is an interesting attraction for archeologists, the entrance fee for foreign tourists is 200 baht.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a slow and silent method to observe the Ao Nang coastline, which is made up of various coastal limestone karst, mangrove, and caves, from a unique perspective. This is also an activity that helps you both relax and get closer to nature. You can also take advantage of taking photos to both preserve the beautiful scenes and keep the memories of visiting Ao Nang.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

When you visit Ao Nang, what you definitely cannot ignore is watching the world under the sea. You may explore the rich aquatic environment, which includes underwater caverns, magnificent corals, and rock formations.

Manta rays, seahorses, green turtles, and even whale sharks are among the many species of marine life encountered. If you are not an experienced diver, it is important to seek direction and safety from someone who is. You will be properly outfitted and will know the finest diving spots and times to improve your experience.

The most popular hotels and resorts in Ao Nang

Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi

Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi welcomes visitors with a modern, lively twist on the beach resort, perfectly integrating contemporary elegance with tropical living at the calmer end of Ao Nang Beach, just a short stroll from local cafes and bars.

This dynamic resort caters to families, lone travelers, couples, and groups of friends, and is structured as a cluster of modern low-rise buildings surrounding the magnificent free-form swimming pool and stunning beachside terrace. Bunk beds are provided in specially built family rooms, as are pool access rooms and suites with private pools. The supervised Kids’ Club and accompanying activities are especially appealing to families. Thanks to the hotel’s services, families with young children coming here will still be comfortable and have a private space.

Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

Finding an ideal family-friendly hotel in Ao Nang does not have to be difficult, welcome to Aonang Cliff Beach Resort, a nice option for you. You will enjoy the room with full amenities. Nearby landmarks such as Ao Nang Mosque and Emerald Gym Muay Thai & Fitness make Aonang Cliff Beach Resort a great place to stay when visiting popular landmarks in Ao Nang. While you’re here, be sure to check out some of the seafood, including Lae Lay Grill, The Hilltop, and Andamana Beach Club & Restaurant, all of which are a short distance from Aonang Cliff Beach Hotel. Aonang Cliff Beach Resort will help you explore Ao Nang quickly and easily so your stay will be relaxing and pleasant.

Holiday Ao Nang beach resort krabi

Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort Krabi is a 4.5-star luxury hotel located between Nopparat Thara Beach and West Railay Beach. It has two poolside bars and a coffee shop/café. The two on-site restaurants provide international food, ocean views, and breakfast. Aside from the garden and playground, guests may take advantage of a number of other amenities and services. Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort takes pride in creating a great experience for every visitor. Relax, play, and relish the tropical splendor that surrounds you – our renowned Ao Nang resort welcomes you for a memorable family holiday or romance retreat.

Glow Ao Nang Krabi

Located in Ao Nang Beach, just a 10-minute walk from Ao Nang Walking Street, Glow Ao Nang Krabi features accommodation where guests have easy access to local restaurants, food stalls and seaside shops. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and 2 fitness centers. Guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant.

Each room is fully equipped with modern appliances such as mini fridge, TV, tea and coffee maker… Overlooking views of the pool, the mountain or the city, there is a balcony or a terrace featured in all rooms. Guests can make use of a 24-hour front desk, kid’s club and an internet lounge during their stay at the property. Nopparat Thara Beach is a 5-minute walk from Glow Ao Nang Krabi, while Krabi Town is 16 km from the property. Krabi Airport is 25 km away.

Aonang Silver Orchid

Aonang Silver Orchid is a modern, full facility hotel. Set in a peaceful location overlooking the iconic Ao Nang cliffs in Krabi, the new 4 storey building offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodation with all convenient amenities. For someone who loves the green surroundings away from the hustle and traffic of the beachfront, yet still within easy reach of Ao Nang’s vibrant shopping, dining and nightlife scene, courtesy of free beach shuttle service (less than 5 mins drive). You will experience friendly service and have a comprehensive selection of island-hopping day tours run by their own speedboat company.

Top 5 popular restaurants in Ao Nang

Lae Lay Grill

This restaurant is famous for its stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding cliffs. It’s known for serving delicious seafood and Thai cuisine in a romantic and picturesque setting.

Carnivore Steak and Grill

If you’re a meat lover, this restaurant is a great choice. They offer a variety of grilled meats and steaks cooked to perfection, along with a selection of sides and sauces.

A-One Restaurant

A-One is a well-established Thai restaurant offering a wide range of traditional Thai dishes. They are known for their flavorful curries, stir-fries, and seafood options.

The Last Fisherman Bar

Located on Ao Nang Beach, this bar and restaurant is a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails while watching the sunset. It’s a popular place for both food and drinks.

Ao Nang Boat Noodle

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this restaurant specializes in boat noodles, a type of Thai noodle dish. It’s a unique experience and a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

How to get to Ao Nang

From Krabi

Taxi: Traveling by taxi is the fastest and easiest way to get from Krabi to Ao Nang. This allows you to plan your own trip and be able to stop anywhere you want. Moreover, you can also choose the type and size of the car to make the most comfortable trip.

Ferries: Traveling by ferry is also one of the ways many people choose, although it is not the cheapest means of transportation. When traveling by ferry, you can move while enjoying the scenery, but if you are prone to seasickness, you should consider other means of transportation.

From Phuket

Flights: The quickest method to go from Phuket to Ao Nang is via airplanes. While it is sometimes the most costly choice, however, promotional tickets are occasionally available for less than the price of a rail or ferry ticket. Thai Smile and Thai Lion Air are the airlines that fly from Phuket to Ao Nang.

Taxi: The most convenient method to commute from Phuket to Ao Nang is to take a taxi. It lets you customize your vacation, take as many diversions as you like, and see as many sites as you want. You may also adjust the kind and size of your vehicle to be as comfy as possible.

Ferries: Traveling by ferry is one of the most picturesque methods to go from Krabi to Ao Nang since it mixes transportation and tourism to some level. Despite these benefits, boat travel is not for everyone. A boat trip isn’t always the cheapest way to go. Ferry tickets may be difficult to obtain during peak season, so reserve as far in advance as possible.