What Makes Ao Nang a Must-Visit Destination in Thailand - Top Reasons Why Ao Long is a Top Holiday Hotspot in Thailand

Occupying pride of place in Krabi, Ao Nang is not only a beach holiday destination for the masses but also a breathtaking adventure hub for thrill seekers. Called the Adventure Capital of the country, Ao Nang offers visitors a wide range of water sports activities as well as natural wonders worthy of exploration. From its stunning beaches to some of the area's lesser-known highlights, here's why Ao Nang is such a hit with tourists around the world. 

The Sunsets at Ao Nang Beach

Considered one of Thailand's finest beaches, Ao Nang Beach is a long, sandy beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and can only reached by boat. Apart from the staggering visual beauty of the beach, the sunsets visible from Ao Nang Beach are also quite spectacular. What makes the sunset views from this particular Thai beach a unique sight is that the low tidal waves mean that the layer of sand left by the receding waves glimmers during this hour of the day. Tourists staying on the island or at Avani Ao Nang and any other hotel near Ao Nang Beach often never miss a sunset due to just how arresting the natural phenomenon happens to be when seen from the beach.

West Railay Beach

While it may not be as popular as Ao Nang Beach, West Railay Beach is another reason why Ao Nang is one of Thailand's top beach holiday hotspots. Sharing a captivating bay with nearby Ton Sai Beach, West Railay Beach offers visitors the chance to not only splash around and enjoy romantic strolls in the afternoons but also engage in a wide variety of water-bound activities. The area is considered one of the best locations for kayaking around the coast as this particular beach also features towering cliffs as a backdrop. Partygoers and cafe lovers will also appreciate the trendy beach bars and cosy cafes lining the beachfront.  

Koudkeu, Railay Beach 21042017, CC BY-SA 4.0 

The Water Sports Activities 

Apart from West Railay Beach, Poda Island and Chicken Island offer those based in Ao Nang the chance to engage in a plethora of water sports activities. Snorkelling is a well-loved activity off the coast of Poda Island while sailing around Chicken Island is another reason for Ao Nang's popularity with families. Paddleboarding and surfing are other activities water sports lovers can enjoy during a trip to Ao Nang although parasailing and jet skiing are not allowed.  While it may not be a water sport, fishing tours are another reason why tourists love visiting a quiet beach hub such as Ao Nang.

Phra Nang Cave

Just a short kayak ride away from Ao Nang Beach is Phra Nang Cave which is both an impressive natural wonder and a site of cultural significance. Considered a shrine by Hindu devotees, Phra Nang Cave is known for its wooden "lingam" sculptures. Locals often pray inside the cave's hallowed confines during crises in their lives and as rewards, they leave carved wooden "lingam" statues inside the cave. While it may be one of the more bizarre local spiritual practices in Krabi, this ritual makes Ao Nang an even more enticing holiday hub for the culturally curious. 

Rock Climbing

Railay Beach also offers excellent rock climbing opportunities for those who love to test their agility and endurance against the elements. In fact, there is several rock climbing sites around Railay Beach that can be navigated with the aid of a climbing instructor. There are plenty of resorts and local tour operators organizing full-day and half-day rock climbing tours on Railay Beach to choose from.

The Diamond Caves

Epic in scale and appearance, the Diamond Caves alone makes a visit to Ao Nang an essential component of any holiday experience in Thailand. While there may be a large number of bats occupying the cave's interiors, the yellow lighting inside and the water dripping from the ceiling makes the Diamond Caves a geological wonder worth spending time in.