Fabulous Ao Nang

Unfortunately there are numerous beach destinations, which get totally ruined when mass tourism and over-development create a severely polluted environment. However, there’s an optimal state somewhere along the way, where there are sufficient amenities, but the tourist population remains ecologically-sustainable. Krabi’s Ao Nang currently experiences such a stage and offers, for numerous travellers, the most ideal compromise between a tranquil but dull, and a fun-filled but polluted resort.

Ao Nang is often crowded and developed but has retained that laid-back and friendly small-town ambience along with natural beauty that is absolutely stunning. Together with Chiang Mai, Ao Nang offers its visitors some of the country’s most exciting recreational outdoor activities. Boasting one of our planet’s finest beaches, Railay can be reached by boat within 15 minutes.

Ao Nang’s position on Phang Nga’s eastern coast puts it within convenient access of all the kayaking, scuba diving and fishing playgrounds in the bay. Ao Nang represents numerous massage parlours and spa & beauty shops, which provide various revitalising treatments. Enjoying a full 60-minute, traditional Thai massage will cost about 250 baht. After the treatment you’ll definitely feel rejuvenated.

Ao Nang offers extensive recreational activities and tourist attractions, such as rock-climbing, white-water rafting, snorkelling, fishing, diving, kayaking, hiking, elephant trekking, sightseeing tours, spa treatments, massage classes, cooking courses, dining & wining and shopping.

Ao Nang’s lodging establishments vary from traditional wooden and budget-friendly bungalows to luxurious five-star rated resort facilities. Mouth-watering Thai cuisine is widely available in Ao Nang and is served 24 hours a day. Sample some dishes served at an authentic Thai restaurant, at the local market or at one of the numerous street stalls, which can be found on every street corner.

Krabi transport guide

Krabi sea transportation:
Daily ferries operate crossings to mainland Krabi (Ao Nang & Krabi Town) from the popular island destinations of Lanta and Phi Phi. Only available during the peak season, there’s a ferry service between Phuket and Ao Nang. The new pier, which is located outside town, is where visitors to Krabi will arrive. Local buses and taxis are available at the pier for transportation to the town centre or the beaches.

Travel and tour agencies throughout Ao Nang display the ferry timetables and tickets are available at short notice. However, in the high season it is recommended to arrange ferry tickets one day prior to departure. You shouldn’t forget making your enquiries beforehand as the displayed travel information is often not up-to-date. Every ferry to Ao Nang makes first a stop at Railay and after will navigate to the pier at Nopparat Thara Beach. Motorbike sidecars taxis are usually waiting to take tourists to the major resort area within a five-minute ride.

Krabi air travel:
Krabi boasts an airport, which operates domestic flight services to Bangkok and an international route to Singapore, both comfortable international air hubs. The sole airline operating Bangkok to Krabi flights is Thai Airways, while the low-cost carrier, Tiger Airways, operates the Singapore-Krabi route. Phuket transport guide

Krabi road transport
Long-distance bus services in Thailand are quite efficient and comfortable and there are links with nearly every city and town in the south, including combined bus/boat tickets to Koh Pha Ngan and Samui, as well as overnight bus services to and from the Thai capital.
If you are driving to Krabi, it should not be very difficult connecting with the North-South Highway 4; turn-offs to the area of Ao Nang beach are clearly signposted in English when you’ve reached Krabi province.

Morakot Pool and Naamtok Ron Khlong Thom

Located about 28 miles from Krabi Town, Morakot Pool features a number of eight smaller and larger natural springs with crystal clear waters, which gave this rewarding attraction its name, Crystal Springs.

The springs can be found along the Krabi-Nai Sa road in Tambon Kao Tong. Every spring has a different name. There are the Nam Lod spring (water passing through), the Cherng Kao spring, the Nam Tip spring (heavenly waters), the Jorakeh Kao spring (white crocodile), the Nam Krahm spring (indigo water), the Noy spring (small), the Morakot spring (emerald) and the Hun Kaeo spring (barking deer).

Also located approximately 28 miles from Krabi Town at Ban Bang Khram is a gorgeous, shady forested area that boasts many hot springs, which is known as Namtok Ron Khlong Thom. The springs’ temperatures aren’t too hot at around 40 to 50°C. On a slope the cool streams and hot springs converge to create pretty cascades with warm water. The admission fee is only 10 baht per person.

Naamtok Ron Khlong Thom

Paradisicial Koh Jum

Positioned in the Andaman Sea about 15.5 miles south of Krabi, Koh Jum is a laid-back bungalow island that is also known as Pooh (Crab) Island. The small island’s rugged and rocky northern part houses several small rubber plantations and jungles while mainly screw palms and casuarinas trees grow on the relatively flat southern part.

Six fabulous unspoiled beaches can be found along Koh Jum’s western coastline. It is also here where the resorts and bungalows are located. Lodging options on the island range from basic backpacker accommodation to luxury beach-bungalows. There is something for every type of traveller here.

Koh Jum can best be reached by taking the ferry from Krabi to Lanta, which makes an en-route stop at Koh Jum. This service leaves Krabi twice daily. You could also take the taxi-boat from Krabi’s Laem Kruat to Koh Jum. More on Koh Jum, Thailand

Paradise awaits you…

Kayak rally at Ao Luk

Boasting wonderful emerald lagoons, enormous limestone mountains, pretty waterfalls, and stunning caves, Ao Luk is one of Krabi’s most exciting destinations. In addition, it is here where the Kayak Family Rally will take place in Laem Sak’s Ko Ngam Bay on the 3rd of May.

The recreational activity is aimed at showcasing stunning attractions as well as promoting this unique destination as a main location for conservation tourism, will welcome 50 participating teams. The admission fee per team is 2,500 baht. This fee includes hats, T-shirts and two meals.

Ao Luk cave

Those wishing to participate should contact the TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) office in Krabi, Tel: 075 622 or visit their website. 
 

The nightlife scene in Krabi

Krabi’s nightlife scene is fairy laid-back. Only the party island of Phi Phi offers a lively nightlife. Krabi’s other parts reflect southern Thailand’s chilled beach culture. Decoratively-lit, laid-back beach pubs are the most usual establishments to spend time in, with many comfortable pillows, pavilions and even hammocks to ensure you will stay for at least two or three hours.

Some reggae tunes, a nightly sky filled with sparkling stars and the sound of the waves is all that’s offered here; although there are some bars that present fire shows and performing bands in the high season.

Krabi’s nightlife is all about watching the beautiful sunset, playing some pool, and meeting new friends coming from many countries around the world. It is mainly about unwinding, enjoying the refreshing evening breeze, and waking up physically fit the next morning on time to enjoy your hotel’s rich breakfast buffet.

Krabi Sea kayaking trips

Operating out of Railay and Ao Nang and Railay, a reputed eco-tourism agency organises daily kayaking tours into the stunning national parks. These exploration tours allow participants to enjoy the lush jungles without disturbing the natural environment.

Positioned northwest of Krabi in the Andaman Sea’s sparkling blue waters, the national park is home to some of our planet’s scenic wonders and is famous for its jaw-dropping limestone rock formations, rising out of the ocean like vertical rock walls.

The bay has retained immaculate while many of the islands here are uninhabited. Hidden in this spectacular environment are many mysterious caves, lagoons and tunnels. The exotic lagoons are formed by collapsed caverns eroded by natural powers over millions of years. Depending on the tide, some of them can be discovered through tunnels.

The sea kayaking operator’s policy is to maintain the untouched condition of the natural environment that tourists will experience in the caves and lagoons. They strongly discourage smoking, eating, touching and collecting shells as a souvenir. Only limited participants can join these tours to avoid overcrowding, ensuring high quality and low impacts operations. Krabi Sea Kayaking in Southern Thailand

The operator provides all the gear. Participants are recommended to bring sunglasses, sun cream, hats and long-sleeved shirts along. Snacks, fruit and beverages are catered for as well, while lunch will be served on full day tours. There are three different kayaking trips available. The pick-up place for all of these tours trips is at Ao Nang Beach. Thai locals that speak very well English guide the trips.

Krabi’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination

The past decade the province of Krabi in the southern part of Thailand has become rightfully an extremely popular resort destination among international holidaymakers. Boasting white, sandy exotic beach areas and spectacular limestone karsts formations create sceneries that will make visitors reach for their cameras endlessly. This destination truly offers a postcard-perfect panorama!

However, unfortunately there are also some worse examples of severely ruined beaches to be found in Krabi. Phi Phi’s Ao Dalam and Ton Sai beach areas, for instance, nearly have been trashed due to limited protective environmental regulations, over-eager tourist crowds and greedy Thai entrepreneurs. Fortunately, located on other parts of the island some beaches have retained their relatively immaculate atmosphere. Hopefully, these beaches will stay unspoilt.

On Krabi’s mainland, but only accessible by sea, stunning Railay Beach is nearly as favoured as the offshore Phi Phi Archipelago. Here outdoor adventurers will find some adrenaline-pumping rock climbing options along with breathtakingly beautiful scenery, making Railay Beach an extremely popular travel destination, particularly during the high season when it is often overcrowded. Guide to Railay Beach. Though this popularity comes with a huge price tag and the principal beach is experiencing over-development while it lacks a decent infrastructure. This beach isn’t exactly tranquil and quiet. Travellers seeking calmness and a peaceful natural environment better head to nearby Ton Sai Bay.

Koh Lanta is the ideal base from which to make daytrips to other islands

Ideally located on the Andaman Sea’s west coast in between Koh Phi Phi and Krabi, Koh Lanta is also spacious enough for a holiday, measuring nearly four miles in width and 18.5 miles in length and boasting nine superb beaches. Lanta enjoys a national park status and consists of 52 islands, the biggest of which is Koh Lanta Yai. Smaller islands that boast wonderful coral reefs include: Koh Ngai, Koh Rok and Koh Ha.

All three are positioned in Trang province. Koh Lanta Noi is tinier and doesn’t offer any tourist amenities. Tourists travelling by car from the mainland need to pass through this smaller island destination on their way to Lanta Yai. Saladaan on Lanta Yai’s northern tip is a popular hub with markets, shops, banks and a pier. If you choose Lanta Yai, head for the beach areas along the south and north of the island’s west coast to watch the impressing sunset. Lanta tourist guide

If you wish to engage in some island hopping, it is recommendable to spend about four days on Lanta Yai, and next heading to Ngai, Mook, Laoliang, Sukorn and Libong in Trang. A trip to Koh Rok is a must as well but you should know that the island is located in national park territory and admission for foreign visitors is 400 baht. It also requires a tour by speedboat, another costly activity, so if you think the cost isn’t worth a daytrip, skip it.

Lao Liang in Trang

Tigerline runs a ferry service between Koh Lanta and the islands in Trang province during the peak season and stops en-route at Koh Ngai, Koh Muk and Koh Bulon.

The scenic Phuket to Pha Nga Bay driving route

This rewarding route’s starting point is on Phuket. On this popular resort island you’ll find a wide range of car hire companies so no need driving your own vehicle all the way there. However, make sure that the operator provides you with a good car.

Well, Phuket is your starting spot but nope, better not to join traffic on the island as there are too many bad roads and miserable driving conditions, you’ll be making your way out to Phangnga Bay instead. Of course, you aren’t going the direct way.

From the bridge (Saphan Sarasin) spanning the Pak Phra Channel between the peninsula and Phuket you should drive along Highway 402 for about one mile, then in front of the Pa Tha Noon temple you’ll have to make a U-turn and then, next to Ban Tha Noon Public Health Station, turn left onto a side road. After driving for 3.5 mile along this road you’ll reach Ban Nai Yong junction. Keep driving straight. Now you should find yourself driving along Rural Highway 1004.

After six miles you’ll reach a Y-intersection within close proximity of Ban Bakan. Head right for about 2.5 miles to get to the idyllic fishing village of Bang Chan. The road following a route to the left, meanwhile, leads you to Muslim villages such as Ban Klong Khian and Ban Ti Tae.

In front of Ban Klong Khian School in Klong Khian, make the turn left and you’ll reach at Ban Tha Yu Highway 4 after 13 miles. Here you need to make a U-turn and then continue driving toward Takua Thung. Krasoam intersection will be reached after almost nine miles travelling along Highway 4. Turn right at the intersection to access Takua Thung and the Surakul Pier.

Located within a short distance of Takua Thung just 600 metres off a point on Highway 4 is Wat Suwan Khooha. To get from the temple to Phangnga Bay you should keep on driving along Highway 4 for less than 2.5 miles and make the turn right, providing access onto Highway 4144. The bay’s principal tourist pier and National Marine Park Headquarters are two miles and 1.5 miles down the road, respectively.