About Ao Nang
Krabi is all about idyllic beachside relaxation, island hopping and discovering the history of Thai culture. Pristine white sands, turquoise waters and a scattering of palm trees can be found all along the coastline of Thailand’s west coast province. It’s not just beaches, however – there are jungles dotted with waterfalls and sea caves with ancient carvings. There are also around 200 islands to explore off its coast, which are ideal for boat trips.
Most of the Krabi hostels are close to the beach. The variety means there's something for everyone – whether you’re after a pad with a party scene, a tropical hideout with a pool or an authentic jungle bungalow. There’s even a Krabi hostel where you can surf and meet other travellers to catch the waves with. To help your budget go further, you can find many hostels in Krabi with free breakfasts, evening meals and on-site restaurants. You could find yourself on your own balcony with mountain views, lazing in a hammock or snoozing on a deck chair on the pier. Check out our guide to the best hostels in Krabi here.
Krabi has lots of areas (and islands) worth exploring. Visitors flock to Ao Nang for its city scene and easy access to the sea. Further inland, Krabi Town is known for its local Thai restaurants and night markets. For coastal paradise, make your way west to Railay Beach, a peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang, or take a boat trip over to the Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta and the most deserted of them all, Koh Ngai.
Krabi is blessed with several national parks, covering coastline, forest and nature reserves. Railay Beach is a popular spot for rock climbing, kayaking around the sea caves and hiking up the cliffs. Away from the beach, Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls and lagoons. And for the best view point? Wat Tham Sua is known for its caves – and its 1,237-step climb to the "footprint of the Buddha".
Krabi has its own airport, with flights from countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar and China. You can also catch an overnight bus from Bangkok, which takes about 10 hours. There are joint ferry and bus journeys available from (and back to) islands on the east coast of Thailand including Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. The best and cheapest way to get around Krabi is by songthaew – converted trucks that can be hailed anywhere on their fixed routes.