aonang beach

 Ao Nang Beach is loud and chaotic.  Traffic is heavy with people, cars, vans, and scooters everywhere.  I can see why many may enjoy the livelier atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the streets are bustling with foot traffic — it’s just not our thing.

TIP: If like us, you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, spend one night in Ao Nang. Visit the market and take the Krabi Ezy Tour. Afterwards, hop on a long-tail boat to Railay Beach and spend one or two nights there.

We spent two nights at Deevana Plaza Krabi, in connecting Premier Double Rooms.  A very extensive American style buffet breakfast was included.

The hotel is certainly more than adequate but in the context of SeaDance Resort on Koh Samui - we felt it was a step down. It is tucked away at the end of a street—a longer walk to the beach, nightlife, and market than we would have wanted or had recognized.

The hotel is well suited for families with young children. Main-floor rooms offer direct pool access, and there are kiddie pools and playgrounds on the extensive grounds, as well as a fairly well appointed fitness room.

The property has four stories across five long complexes. If you’re in Complex 5 on the fourth floor, it’s a long walk to the restaurant and lobby, with a large staircase to the lobby.

• Note: Check-out is not permitted until housekeeping confirms there is no damage to the room(s). While quite quick about the process, be sure to add some extra time into your departure plans. 

FANTASTIC TOUR WITH KRABI EZY TRAILS

 Koh Phi Phi Early Bird 4 Islands Day by Speedboat

I would absolutely book this tour group again. It was the highest rated tour on TripAdvisor. There are other tours that can be booked, from different locations, but this particular tour, at this time, with this crew, was so fantastic, it's worth the stop in AoNang to book with them!

This was an early 6 am hotel pick up with drop off after tour included.

Our guide, “M” and was phenomenal. Ask for him! He participated in all activities, ensuring each party had a group photo at each stop, moving jelly fish out of the way when snorkelling and shared many fun stories.

This boat allowed for a manageable group of about 25 people and had windows that you could look out! Each guest was given an opportunity to sit up front in the bow or the coveted booster seat beside the captain. 

This tour was 8 hours long but it was very well paced, and thought out, providing adequate time at all stops. Not too long, not too short.

Water and soft drinks readily available. Snacks provided on board: halloween bag of potato chips, snack size bag of Oreos (both as many as you want),watermelon and pineapple. Lunch was very good - rice, noodles and a chicken dish, and a veggie dish plus a bottle of cold water!

Listen when it is suggested to remove loose watches and/or jewellery. One fellow did not and lost his apple watch snorkelling. He hired a fishtail boat to unsuccessfully attempt to find it in the +300 ft waters.

• Bring Cash for park admissions to be paid upon check in

This tour included multiple iconic stops around the Phi Phi islands and beyond. A few helpful notes to prepare:

Tup Island:
A short breakfast stop with donuts, muffins, fruit, and coffee — simple but pleasant. Still, if you prefer a substantial meal at breakfast, we would recommend eating before departure for the tour. 

Maya Bay:
Made famous by The Beach, this bay is undeniably stunning. The shallow waters are protected breeding grounds for Blacktip Reef Sharks, and visitors are only permitted to wade into the absolute shallowest water, not quite ankle-deep to help preserve the habitat. Rangers attempt to enforce this, though compliance varies.
Tip: If possible, book a breakfast tour that begins at Maya Bay to arrive before the large crowds. It gets very busy.

Loh Samah Bay:
Is a beautiful snorkelling stop. Most of us opted out due to box jellyfish sightings the previous day; those who snorkelled reported seeing jellyfish in the water, though the crew managed the situation carefully.

Bamboo Island:
A more relaxed stop for lunch and beach time. A very good meal was provided. Excellent snorkelling off the reef, with more Blacktip Reef Sharks spotted. A nice place to unwind.

Poda Island:
The final and busiest stop. Facilities include bathrooms, prayer rooms, and a restaurant. Beautiful sand for relaxing, though the main docking area can be noisy with clustered longtail and speed boats. For a quieter experience, walk to the far side of the island.

A FUN NIGHT ON AONANG BEACH

AoNang Landmark Night Market   

This is a large market across from Nopparat Thara Beach. Plenty of vendors, a fire show and play areas for small kids.

There is a smaller market called “Night Market Place” on the main street. With only a few clothes vendors, it mostly offers food and drinks. Be sure to stop here for Rolled Ice Cream. This is stir fried ice cream made on a -30C pan consisting of sweetened dairy, plus a very small amount of fruit, chocolate or biscuits, chopped and rolled into thin spirals. A delicious treat!