Formally Ao Phra Nang ("Princess Bay") although everybody uses the short form, Ao Nang is the most 'Westernized' beach in Krabi, originally a backpacker hotspot but now moving slowly upmarket as the airport brings in higher flyers. While not quite as scenic as Rai Leh, there is a good range of cheap accommodation, many good restaurants, easy transport and travel/tour agencies ready to cater to your every whim, making it a good base for exploring Krabi.
Ao Phra Nang Beach and Cave location map
The central point of Krabi - Ao Nang Beach, a few years ago was a tiny fishing community but in very recent times it has come up as a major international travel destination.
Ao Nang is one of the finest beaches of the world and is a scenic bay with white sandy beach stretches to the foot of a prominent limestone range. It offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the globe - abundant sandy beaches, marine life, and expended underwater visibility nearby.
The limestone caves, coral reefs, rock formations, white sands and clear waters of Ao Nang beach does wonders in revitalizing the tired & much stressed tourists.
Ao Nang is Krabi's most popular beach is breathtakingly beautiful with soft white sand fringed by towering limestone cliffs which form an impressive headland at the southern end of the beach. This is the Southern part of Thailand.
AO NANG about 20 km W from Krabi, is a relaxing tourist destination. Though the beach isn't quite as impressive as nearby Rai Ley or Koh Phi Phi's, it has more facilities.
Off the road food on Ao Nang Beach
No one can go hungry in Ao Nang. Options are abound - whether your appetite finds you gravitating towards rice or fleeing from it. Ambiance ranges from street side cafeteria to upscale class replete.
Seafood Street', off Beach Road at Ao Nang is a unique two-in-one Thai and Italian restaurant with fresh seafood features heavily on the traditional-to-contemporary menu here and gorgeous waterfront views. The all you need to is to grab yourself a table near the seafront and feast on both the great food and the wonderful sunset.
At the north end of the beach are a few restaurants specializing in Krabi's excellent seafood.
The displays of king prawn, fish and lobster are tempting and prices are fair (depending on the season) If you want really fresh seafood, you can select live from the tanks.
The food at Ruen Mai, properly regarded as the best in this Thailand, restaurant has been consistently excellent. Here dishes include a fragrant saffron-coloured curry with peanuts. Must-try massaman and sweet potatoes; the hot and sour kaeng som, fish in a tamarind-laced broth; the lightly-spiced noodle dish, khanom jin; and the Thai-Muslim version of a chicken biryani, khao mok gai.
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