There are plenty of things to do in Ao Nang, both around the town and beach itself and beyond on nearby famous areas like Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi
Elephant Riding
Elephants are a national symbol in Thailand and these gentle creatures are held in an almost mystical affection by Thai people. There are a few elephant camps around Krabi where you can hitch a ride. Elephant treks will take you along rivers and through rainforest and will often include a swim in hidden forest pools. Tours can be booked with any travel agent.
Kayaking
Slow and silent, these sturdy craft offer a great way to see the dramatic scenery of the waters around Ao Nang made up of different coastal limestone karst, mangrove and caves. The tours on offer generally take you to Ao Luk in the north of the province on the way to Phang Nga, Ao Thalane at the southern tip of Phang Nga Bay, Bor Thor with its ancient limestone caves, and Hong Island island with its ‘hidden’ lagoon . There are also other kayaking venues closer to Ao Nang that are often visited including Nai Sa village and Sai Thai village. All tours give you an opportunity to get up close and very nearly personal with an array of wildlife. Many bird species as well monkeys, including crab-eating macaques, are likely to cross your path.
Things To Do In Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town
There are lots of excursions and activities in Ao Nang itself, but also in nearby places like Railay Beach and Krabi Town.
Cookery School
If you have developed a taste for the tangy, spicy tastes of Thai cuisine and want to learn how to produce it yourself, there are a number of places around Ao Nang where you can take lessons. You will learn how to balance hot, sweet, sour and salty ingredients. Most chefs will also take you to the market to show you which ingredients you need to buy and will also offer alternatives you can buy when back at home in place of those items which might not be available outside of Thailand.
Island Tours by Speedboat
A quicker way to get around the ocean than by long tail boat is by speedboat. All tour operators will provide tours of a combination of nearby islands – Hong Island, Koh Phi Phi, Tup Island, Poda, Chicken Island, Daeng Island, Ladong Island, Rai Island, Bamboo Island and Pakbia Island. Trips include snorkeling and sightseeing. Operators will pick you up from your hotel and provide food and refreshments.
Snorkeling around Tup Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island
The islands nearby Ao Nang are simply beautiful with glistening white sand, clear seas and a host of marine life. One can either take a tour from a travel agent or, if there are enough of you, hire your own long tail boat for the day. The boatmen know where to find the best snorkeling places at the best time of day and will wait for you whilst you sunbathe or have lunch on Poda.
Scuba Diving
There are more than 32 dive sites around Krabi. The rich marine environment offers underwater caves, pinnacles, superb coral and rock formations. One encounters a huge variety of marine life – creatures such as turtles, Leopard sharks and, sometimes, even dolphins. Most of the dive sites are shallow and suit inexperienced divers as well as those who have reached higher skill levels. There are any number of places where you can train for your PADI certificate in a number of different languages. The two most serious dive sites are Hin Daeng and Hin Muang – at 70 meters, the latter being the deepest drop off in Thai waters.
Mountain Biking
The countryside around Krabi is beautiful and there are many small roads you can explore where the traffic is almost nonexistent. Some of the best cycling is around and beyond the back of Noppara Thara Beach.
Renting a mountain bike will allow you to go ‘off-road’ and explore the network of dirt tracks that stretch back off the main roads. It is a great way to meet people and see southern village life. The main roads are fast, but there are separate cycle and motorbike lanes. Having said that, keep your wits about you since the driving can be reckless. Bikes can be hired in and around Ao Nang often from the same people who are renting out motorcycles.
Rock Climbing
Railay and Tonsai beaches both attract climbers from all over the world. There are also routes for beginners and it is a popular place to start learning the sport. It doesn’t take too long to get to a level where you enjoy yourself. A 3-day course will certainly set you up to tackle a beginner’s route.
Fishing
Two sorts of fishing trips are available from Ao Nang. One can take a group tours to the islands on a large boat, or a long tail boat. Alternatively one can choose a fishing homestay tour in a local fishing village. Private and night fishing trips can also be organised. All of the fishing tour operators employ guides with expert knowledge of the local fishing grounds and the fish are so plentiful that you don’t need to wait long for a catch. Anything from small, mackerel to larger trevally, king fish and even barracuda may end up on your line and many beachfront restaurants are happy do the cooking honours for a fee.
Muay Thai
Ao Nang Krabi Stadium on Nopparat Thara Beach Thai stages boxing bouts on Friday nights. These are not just tourist shows. Locals go too and they take their kickboxing very seriously.
