Krabi Or Ao Nang

[hellodolly]

Coming in about a month and have been advised to stay in Krabi rather than Ao Nang. Only 60 baht to go to Ao Nang from Krabi.

Supposedly only resort type life style in Ao Nang as compared to Krabi. What is the best way to get to Krabi or Ao Nang if We do choose that option.

Opinion's on options appreciated.

Not in to the bar scenes. Like to do some sight seeing on foot as well as a tour and lay around the beach. Is it easy to go and come from Krabi to Ao Nang and back how late to be coming from the beach into Krabi.

[wellred]

I don't understand why you would want to stay in town when you could stay at the beach or close to it. The bar scene is tiny and you even not notice it. Stay in Ao Nang you will love it.

[hellodolly]

I don't understand why you would want to stay in town when you could stay at the beach or close to it. The bar scene is tiny and you even not notice it. Stay in Ao Nang you will love it.

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer.

In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see.

For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi.

Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?

[taninthai]

Depends what your looking for really and for how long ,ao nang is just a over commercialised tourist area nopparat thara beach is better and more chilled and still in walking distance from ao nang.

Krabi town is ok for a couple of days not really commercialised at all a few things to see and do and an authentic night Market for food,why not do a bit of time in each place.

[fasteddie]

I don't understand why you would want to stay in town when you could stay at the beach or close to it. The bar scene is tiny and you even not notice it. Stay in Ao Nang you will love it.

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer.

In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see.

For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi.

Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?

''

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer''

no attractive beach in Ao Nang,

''In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see''

really? who told you that, the Krabi tourist board?

''For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi''

No way! heaps more choice in Ao Nang.

''Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?''

just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops, and expensive as well.

Perhaps Phuket would suit you more.

[chiang mai]

I don't understand why you would want to stay in town when you could stay at the beach or close to it. The bar scene is tiny and you even not notice it. Stay in Ao Nang you will love it.

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer.

In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see.

For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi.

Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?

''

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer''

no attractive beach in Ao Nang,

''In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see''

really? who told you that, the Krabi tourist board?

''For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi''

No way! heaps more choice in Ao Nang.

''Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?''

just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops, and expensive as well.

Perhaps Phuket would suit you more.

Ralley Beach can be concerned to be Ao Nang and Ralliey (sp) is consistently voted one of the top fifty beaches in the world.

Regardless, having lived in Phuket for four years and having also been a frequent visitor to Ao Nang/Krabi, my vote is to stay in Krabi foir the reasons previously stated. Ao Nang is also more expensive than Krabi and recent reports suggest there is an increasing crime problem in the vicinity which is finding its way to the tourist community. I cannot think of any good or sensible reason why the OP would wish to stay in Phuket over the other two choices.

[simple1]

In my opinion Ao Nang is now overrated, as is Railay Beach, unfortunately way to much tourism. The islands off the coast of Ao Nang have some great beaches, but haven't been for 3 years so not sure of the impact of tourist visitors on the environment. The ferry boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is beautiful with the limestone cliffs. Might be a good idea to rent a boat for the day so you can island hop the off shore islands.

[hellodolly]

I don't understand why you would want to stay in town when you could stay at the beach or close to it. The bar scene is tiny and you even not notice it. Stay in Ao Nang you will love it.

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer.

In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see.

For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi.

Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?

''

Yes the beach is attractive but what else do they have to offer''

no attractive beach in Ao Nang,

''In Krabi I am told there are some walk around sights to see''

really? who told you that, the Krabi tourist board?

''For instance there is a wider choice of meals available in Krabi''

No way! heaps more choice in Ao Nang.

''Is Ao Naung a city with a commercial center or just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops?''

just a bunch of resorts with tourist shops, and expensive as well.

Perhaps Phuket would suit you more.

Ralley Beach can be concerned to be Ao Nang and Ralliey (sp) is consistently voted one of the top fifty beaches in the world.

Regardless, having lived in Phuket for four years and having also been a frequent visitor to Ao Nang/Krabi, my vote is to stay in Krabi foir the reasons previously stated. Ao Nang is also more expensive than Krabi and recent reports suggest there is an increasing crime problem in the vicinity which is finding its way to the tourist community. I cannot think of any good or sensible reason why the OP would wish to stay in Phuket over the other two choices.

Quite right I have been to Phuket and see no reason to go back. My youngest son 47 is coming to visit for the fifth time and has yet to see a beach in Thailand. He is not in to the bar scene and enjoys long walks. From what I have heard here even the solid vote for Ao Nang says it is just overpriced touristy. I think we will take the suggestion of splitting are time between the two of them with of course a tour through the islands and what ever they have to offer.

Probably go to Krabi first and have a trip out to the beach to look around at what they have to offer before spending three days there. Now to find a place in Krabi to stay handi to what ever preferably the night market as they can always be interesting. Hope fully that is also close to the transportation point to Ao Nang.

Thank you all for your ideas and if more please let me know.

[chiang mai]

Was just thinking, there's a really neat temple in Krabi Town that sits on top of a rock outcrop, it's a fairly arduous climb up all the steps but it's worth it, be careful around the monkeys in the temple below, they are mischevious and can spot a tourist carrying food a mile away. - Temple is near the Big C as I recall.

[fasteddie]

Was just thinking, there's a really neat temple in Krabi Town that sits on top of a rock outcrop, it's a fairly arduous climb up all the steps but it's worth it, be careful around the monkeys in the temple below, they are mischevious and can spot a tourist carrying food a mile away. - Temple is near the Big C as I recall.

It's called wat tham seua, the tiger temple, though there aren't any tigers there.

[mancub]

Was just thinking, there's a really neat temple in Krabi Town that sits on top of a rock outcrop, it's a fairly arduous climb up all the steps but it's worth it, be careful around the monkeys in the temple below, they are mischevious and can spot a tourist carrying food a mile away. - Temple is near the Big C as I recall.

It's called wat tham seua, the tiger temple, though there aren't any tigers there.

Got rid of most of the monkeys also.....well worth a visit , even if you don't fancy the full climb , there's a forest walk as part of the complex that has a couple of hundred steps , but is interesting in it's own right . It's all free as well ...about 5kms out the town centre . All the same tours are available from Krabi town as from Ao Nang...I strongly advise against going to the Emerald Pool though ...totally over-rated unless you're lucky enough to have it to yourself ...sadly you'll more likely find 3000 other people there ...and it's not a big pool !

Ao Nang is certainly more expensive , but not so much as to make it a real issue ,on a short holiday . Also a much wider range of accomodation available .

[Aonangfarang]

On a short holiday stay in ao nang. If you plan on living there, stay in Krabi. Ao nang is small, caters to tourists, and is on the beach. Krabi is a decent size city that caters more to long term residents or the young backpacker looking for cheap short stay.

[grumpyoldman]

Stick with your plan OP, Krabi town not far, there is a public bus, and many taxis and tuk-tuks to run you back if you catch sunset at Ao Nang or stay past the dinner hour.

As a poster mentioned, Krabi more for long term residents, who (surprise, surprise,) tend to be Thai people!

Neat river restaurants, overall better pricing than Ao Nang definitely fewer Nepalese touts trying to shake your hand.

[LivinginKata]

Stick with your plan OP, Krabi town not far, there is a public bus, and many taxis and tuk-tuks to run you back if you catch sunset at Ao Nang or stay past the dinner hour.

As a poster mentioned, Krabi more for long term residents, who (surprise, surprise,) tend to be Thai people!

Neat river restaurants, overall better pricing than Ao Nang definitely fewer Nepalese touts trying to shake your hand.

Yes, I agree with that. And I myself really enjoy those 'neat river restaurants' every time I visit Krabi.

[smokie36]

Krabi Town is MUCH better value.

Great food at the night market as well.

No contest for me.

[DannyDakota]

I think it depends how long you are visiting for.

While Krabi town is one of the very few Thai towns that is quite pleasant in its own right its not exactly a must-do in Thailand.

It is cheaper than Ao Nang, has more Thai eating places, a night market and a nice riverside.

2 or 3 nights and you're done (again depending on how much time you have in Thailand).

Long term I can see why people choose it over Ao Nang but then if I was giving up the beaches/tourist resorts I would be heading for Phuket Town/Kathu, somewhere like that in the south of Thailand, where there are more ameneties nearby.

[hellodolly]

In my opinion Ao Nang is now overrated, as is Railay Beach, unfortunately way to much tourism. The islands off the coast of Ao Nang have some great beaches, but haven't been for 3 years so not sure of the impact of tourist visitors on the environment. The ferry boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is beautiful with the limestone cliffs. Might be a good idea to rent a boat for the day so you can island hop the off shore islands.

When you say rent a boat is that including a guide?

Arriving this week and do plan on at least one day Island hopping.

Be three of us would be nice to have a boat just for the three of us.

Two large Self and son and one low medium Wife.

[simple1]

In my opinion Ao Nang is now overrated, as is Railay Beach, unfortunately way to much tourism. The islands off the coast of Ao Nang have some great beaches, but haven't been for 3 years so not sure of the impact of tourist visitors on the environment. The ferry boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is beautiful with the limestone cliffs. Might be a good idea to rent a boat for the day so you can island hop the offshore islands.

When you say rent a boat is that including a guide?

Arriving this week and do plan on at least one day Island hopping.

Be three of us would be nice to have a boat just for the three of us.

Two large Self and son and one low medium Wife.

Not sure what you're asking, the boat/long tail obviously comes with a local who knows the waters. If you asking for a fluent English speaking guide I guess there would be someone in the area who could provide the service.

[bunta71]

This trip for you, once you arrive, will be good and very easy to do. The distance between Ao Nang and Krabi is only about 15 Kilometers. You could actually go back and forth between the two a few times a day IF there was a reason to. You will easily be able to enjoy both. Last boat ride I took was the famous four island tour. 2,500Baht for the day, bring your own women and food. The first short hop should be from Ao Nang over to Railay which is very cheap and only 15 minutes away. This will give you your "sea legs". You will find you think too mutt about this. It is all tranquil and groovy.

[nontabury]

In my opinion Ao Nang is now overrated, as is Railay Beach, unfortunately way to much tourism. The islands off the coast of Ao Nang have some great beaches, but haven't been for 3 years so not sure of the impact of tourist visitors on the environment. The ferry boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is beautiful with the limestone cliffs. Might be a good idea to rent a boat for the day so you can island hop the off shore islands.

When you say rent a boat is that including a guide?

Arriving this week and do plan on at least one day Island hopping.

Be three of us would be nice to have a boat just for the three of us.

Two large Self and son and one low medium Wife.

I think it's about 2100 baht to hire a long tail boat for the day,for this you will be taken to some of the near by islands, and you might get lucky and have a boatman who can speak some English.The price usually includes the free use of flippers and snorkels,for food and drinks,you can ether take your own,or on some of the islands they have restaurants or small stalls selling food and drinks.

Edited December 4, 2012 by nontabury

[hellodolly]

In my opinion Ao Nang is now overrated, as is Railay Beach, unfortunately way to much tourism. The islands off the coast of Ao Nang have some great beaches, but haven't been for 3 years so not sure of the impact of tourist visitors on the environment. The ferry boat trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is beautiful with the limestone cliffs. Might be a good idea to rent a boat for the day so you can island hop the off shore islands.

When you say rent a boat is that including a guide?

Arriving this week and do plan on at least one day Island hopping.

Be three of us would be nice to have a boat just for the three of us.

Two large Self and son and one low medium Wife.

I think it's about 2100 baht to hire a long tail boat for the day,for this you will be taken to some of the near by islands, and you might get lucky and have a boatman who can speak some English.The price usually includes the free use of flippers and snorkels,for food and drinks,you can ether take your own,or on some of the islands they have restaurants or small stalls selling food and drinks.

Thanks guy's for the positive answers. When I said two large I meant myself and my boy are on the large size and the low medium is my wife. Will probably talk around a bit and see what is on offer. More than likely all pretty much the same. Wife is Thai so not to big a problem there.

[pinfold]

Just got back from Krabi this morn,booked to stay a week,cut it short by 4 days returned to familiar pastures. Although you did not mention it Phi Phi stay well away,what a complete dump

[taninthai]

^

lol phi phi what can you say ,when I look at pictures from that place ten years ago compared to today it is such a shame what has happened there,

Gotta say I still think it's a beautiful place however I have the option to visit it at quieter times ,would I visit in high season no way.

[LivinginKata]

^

lol phi phi what can you say ,when I look at pictures from that place ten years ago compared to today it is such a shame what has happened there,

Gotta say I still think it's a beautiful place however I have the option to visit it at quieter times ,would I visit in high season no way.

The terrible devastation by the tsunami did not help, especially in that area just in front of the pier over to the other side. I have only been back one time since then. The day trippers miss so much, far too busy in the day. I always stay a night and enjoy the peace of the late afternoon/evening when all the day trippers have gone on the 15.30 ferry.

[grumpyoldman]

Just got back from Krabi this morn,booked to stay a week,cut it short by 4 days returned to familiar pastures. Although you did not mention it Phi Phi stay well away,what a complete dump

Separate Phi Phi Don Village from the rest of Phi Phi and there are still very nice places there.

Phi Phi Don Village is the equivalent to Phuket's Patong. I scoff at people who say Phi Phi is a dump who only experienced Phi Phi Don Village.