Discovering the Krabi Area: Ao Nang & Ao Thalane

After a memorable natural experience in Vang Vieng in Laos we hit the Krabi area which is similar as its also a home to dramatic limestone formations, this time by the sea.

First we stayed in the Ao Nang area which is renown as a starting point to many islands around such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and so many others. However you do not have to hit the islands to get some lovely beaches. As after a few nights there, we moved to the more serene and luxurious Ao Thalane area, North West of Krabi. Secluded beaches and nice gateway for private tours to Koh Hong and other smaller islands in the area.

The town of Krabi is not by the beach and can easily be skipped. Despite the dry season we were quite unlucky with the weather and also had to stay in (yes, dry does not mean always dry). Still we have explored the Krabi area and have a few tips for your upcoming trip!

Railay beach

The beach is really close to Ao Nang but only accessible by boat. It’s a long dreamy beach with spectacular limestone rocks on both ends, really worth the visit. Head there early as the place gets more and more packed during the day. The first boat does not leave before 8 AM from Ao Nang and you have to find 7 other souls for the boat to start. However if you wanna be there at 6, you can pay for 800 baht and get a private boat there basically anytime as there are plenty of boats by the beach. The ride takes 10-15 minutes and to our surprise there were quite a lot of people there, since there are several hotels on Railay. For lunch options I suggest you to go to Govindas on the Beach which is a vegetarian/vegan stall with fast food and yummy vegan ice coffee.

Phra Nang beach

This one is actually our favourite one in the Krabi area. It’s next to Railay beach and has even more dramatic limestone islands right in front of the beach. Instead of heading to Railay in the morning go to Phra Nang first since you’ll be one of the very few people on the beach. Then on the way back hit Railay beach for lunch and head back to Ao Nang in early afternoon.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang beach and the Noppharat Thara beach both get quite packed during the day but offer amazing views for sunset which you should not miss! When walking through the streets of Ao Nang you will see touristic agencies offering arrangements to nearby islands and places and beauty salons at every step you make. That is why this area itself did not make a big impression on us.

Nearby islands

After seeing how packed Railay beach we decided to skip Koh Phi Phi since this small island is overflowed with tourists. It has just recently been announced that the famous Maya beach from the hit movie “The Beach” is now closed between June for 4 months to restore the ecosystem. Make a few friends and go for a private tour to Koh Hong very early in the morning instead when group tours are yet to arrive. You can book a private tour for as low as 1000 THB (lunch included). Too bad the weather got the best of us and we ended up skipping this one.

Where to stay in the Krabi Area

Staying in beautiful villas are our thing and we always try to go for those when we have a chance. It’s great to have your own kitchen since you can prepare healthy vegan meals and snacks from delicious local fruit and veg.

In Ao Nang we stayed in Pimann Buri villas, just outside of Ao Nang beach. The resort has a free shuttle service to the beach which is tailored to your needs. It’s a great option for those that want to relax in a beautiful private setting just a few minutes away from Ao Nang’s hustle and bustle.

In the Ao Thalane area we stayed at Thalanena villa, a wonderful newly designed villa. It is quite far from Ao Nang, but on the other hand and you can enjoy lonely walks by the beach footsteps from your temporary home. Ask for vegan pancakes, and fresh home-made peanut and soy milk – you’ll love it!