Solo Traveling in Ao Nang, Krabi – Enjoy the Solitude!

Located in Southern Thailand in Krabi Province, Ao Nang is a small town filled with adventures for a solo traveller. The vibe is amazing, and the people are always welcoming. Here are some tips to make your journey of solitude easier.

 Where to Stay

Solo travellers are more than welcome on the island, and there are plenty of Ao Nang beach hotels that will happily accommodate you. Try resorts like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort where you can find good deals for solo travelling, while you indulge in freedom and relaxation.

 What to Eat

You can try all the Thai food and a few local fusion dishes during your stay in Ao Nang. Most restaurants will look simple and humble; however, the taste of the food will blow your mind! The authentic dishes made with fresh ingredients and island spices will keep you craving for more.

 What to Visit

You can try visiting a few Buddhist temples for a relaxing meditation experience to cleanse your mind. Kayaking is another way to enjoy the beauty of nature on a serene ride. A walk down the beach or taking a fishing boat with the locals on a sailing adventure.

Photo by nicocattini form PxHere

 What to Keep in Mind

You will be safe and treated with the best hospitality though be mindful to be respectful of the locals, the Thai Royal Family and Buddhism as well as other religions. Rudeness will be strongly frowned upon or even get you in trouble legally in some cases, so be on your best behaviour!

The Elevated Tiger Cave Temple – A Home for the Monks, Religion and History

A visit to the Tiger Cave Temple is a mandatory checklist item during a stay in Krabi, the beautiful island of coral reef vistas, alluring beaches and breathtaking views. This Buddhist temple situated in the northeast part of Krabi is a worthy uphill climb.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)
kallerna, Wat Tham Sua 9, CC BY-SA 3.0

The History of the Temple

Located only 33 minutes away from Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Suea attracts guests from so many Ao Nang beach hotels. The story of the temple dates back to B.E. 2518 when a Jumnean Seelasettho, a Vipassana monk arrived at the caves to meditate, where tigers roamed around the cave. However, another legend states that a large tiger occupied the caves, and the temple was given its name due to the tiger paw prints on its walls.

Geographical Location

The Tiger Cave Temple, which is also a meditation centre is surrounded by a rainforest and mighty old trees that have stood the test of time. The surrounding grounds of the temple have been a source of ancient artefacts where Thanu artefacts had been discovered. However, the small caves in the Tham Sua region are not accessible to tourists.

Statues Worth a Click

The holy grounds of Wat Tham Suea are decorated with a statue that depicts the religious significance of the temple. The most prominent of all is the golden Buddha statue situated right at the top of the mountain. As one reaches the shrine at the top of the stairs, the statue, along with other temple buildings and the town of Krabi can be viewed.

The Stairway

Pilgrims and visitors can reach the top by climbing up the stairs or taking the lift at the left of the stairs. A recent update was made to the stairs which increased its number from 1,237 to 1,260. At an elevation of 278 metres, the Tiger Cave Temple is also home to monks. Monkeys are known to roam about the stairway and visitors are often warned to act cautiously around them.

Ao Nang Beach Guide Krabi – Top Beach Hubs to explore on Ao Nang

Tipped to be one of Krabi’s top beach capitals, Ao Nang town is where some of the province’s most captivating beaches are located. Here’s a rundown of the best beaches in the area.

Ao Nang Beach

As the main beach in Ao Nang town in its namesake beach is not only home to famed Ao Nang beach hotels the likes of the Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort but some of the best water sports hubs in the area. The 1km long stretch is picture-perfect at sunset and ideal for swimmers. Lined with hotels, bars and restaurants, the area is also the most developed resort hotspot in the town of Ao Nang.

Pai Plong Beach

Located to the east of Ao Nang Beach, Pai Plong Beach which is also called Centara Beach is another easy-to-reach beach Mecca for those who wish to hop on a longtail boat ferry from Ao Nang Beach. Offering access to the Monkey Trail, the area is another peaceful beach area with captivating views all around. The dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding the beach also make for great photo-ops.

Seligne, Pla Plong Beach AoNang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tonsai Beach

As a small bay that has been considered a backpacker’s paradise for decades, Tonsai Beach is a rocky beach area that’s a little piece of paradise for those who are looking for a secluded seaside hamlet.

 Railay Beach

Also known as Rai Leh, Railay Beach is just next to Tonsai Beach and is no less impressive, especially in terms of visually stunning seaside landscapes.  Swimming and quiet strolls on the beach are some of the best things to do, particularly at Railay West.

Visiting Maya Bay Krabi – Cliffs, Coasts and More!

If you’ve watched “The Beach”, you already know how beautiful Maya Bay is! No trip to Krabi is complete without checking out one of the world’s most famous coves. So read on to find out more before you go!

Accommodation

Krabi is teeming with plenty of great choices whether you’re travelling solo, with your better half or with your entire family in tow. Secluded and peaceful Ao Nang beach hotels such as the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort are a great choice for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

About Maya Bay

Maya Bay is located in the Thai province of Krabi, and its shores are graced by the waters of the Andaman Sea. This cove is one of two of the main islands in Phi Phi and is a part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia, Maya Bay (4296451463), CC BY 2.0

Best Time to Go

Keep in mind the monsoon showers which are to be expected in the tropics! So, the sunniest and driest spell runs from November to April. Given that this time is considered the peak season, one can expect to share the shores and waters with plenty of other tourists!

Things to Do

Maya Bay is first and foremost highly picturesque, which means you can find yourself in awe just taking in the beautiful sights. Apart from relaxing on the sandy beach, the calm waters are a great place to wade in, snorkel and dive if you’re up for some adventure!

The perfect laid-back holiday – Krabi, Thailand

The best holidays are not the ones where you went to the most popular places or the most expensive ones; it’s those trips where you shared happy memories with your family, friends and loved ones with good food, great views and lots of love. Thailand is a very popular tourist destination famed for the gorgeous sunny islands and crystal blue waves. The country is brimmed with visitors no matter what time of the year so it can be hard to find a secluded, less busy spot for you to truly have that intimate experience. No worries – Krabi, Thailand is not a mainstream destination, but it still is one of the most beautiful places in the country. This guide aims to give a few tips about the best attractions and activities there.

Where to stay?

The most important part of any vacation is finding accommodation. You must be able to relax and enjoy a happy, safe time with your family. Luckily for you, there are many Ao Nang hotels that fit every kind of budget and offer amazing amenities such as swimming pools, spas and even diving excursions. If you want to splurge a little and treat yourselves to a fancy villa experience, resorts such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort is a good option to consider.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort 

Getting to Krabi

It is super easy to get to Krabi as there is an International Airport there. However, if you’re arriving from another part of Thailand such as Phuket you can travel here by bus, and it only takes a few hours. There are also ferry services easily available to and from Krabi. Once you arrive at Krabi you can easily get to all your activities as there are many transport options available. If you’re only going to Krabi for one day, the most fun and quick way to get here is to catch a speedboat from Phuket.

The beauty of Krabi

Nicknamed the “Emerald of the Andaman” Krabi is a haven of natural beauty and breathtakingly fresh views. The unspoiled and secluded beaches are surrounded by tall limestone rocks and there are many caves, waterfalls and unique rock formations all along the graceful coastline. If you’ve read Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Krabi is very much like that gorgeous island Pi and Richard Parker wound up in; the only difference is that Krabi doesn’t eat you at night.

Things to do here

Most people come here to relax and enjoy a peaceful stay exploring the beautiful beaches and natural beauty. But there are great activities for tourists that are based on eco-tourism concepts. The most common and exciting excursion anyone can try is snorkelling. You can book a snorkelling day trip ahead of time and spend an entire day exploring the reefs, fish and Krabi’s diverse marine life in the offshore islands.

An Essential Krabi Travel Guide – Coastal Charm and Exciting Escapades Await

The province of Krab in southern Thailand offers the perfect getaway full of beachside bliss and thrilling adventures and here are some insights into this enchanting destination.

Best Time to Visit

There’s something to do here year-round; that said, the cool season (November to February) which is the peak season offers the best weather, though rates will be higher. The hot season (March to May) is when temperatures pick up and you will get occasional downpours too. The rainy season (June to October) brings showers though not all the time and you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine along with lower rates.

Where to Stay

The main town and Ao Nang Beach are two places you can stay at though, to escape the crowds, consider a Koh Lanta-based coastal hideaway at a Krabi resort; pool villa options are on offer here at properties like the SHA Extra+ certified Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort that features a private beach along with diverse dining, a spa and kids’ club.

Image via Avani+ Koh Lanta Krabi Resort 

Top Beaches

Krabi is an excellent destination for some beach hopping with several idyllic shorelines to visit. Ao Nang Beach is a tourist hotspot, while Railay Beach set amidst limestone cliffs isn’t to be missed either. Equally enthralling are the Laem Kho Kwang and Phra Ae beaches on Koh Lanta where you can soak up the sun and catch magical sunsets.

Things to Do

Intrepid travellers have much to enjoy as well; one can make the ascent up 1,237 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple, explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park and visit the Klong Thom Hot Springs and Emerald Pool. You can also embark on island-hopping excursions to places like the Phi Phi Islands and Four Islands and go diving, snorkelling, kayaking and fishing too.

Why You Need to Experience the Krabi Hot Springs – Rejuvenating & Revitalising Waters

While Jacuzzis offer a relaxing soak, to truly unwind, nothing beats natural hot springs in the middle of a forest which is what awaits in Krabi!

What to Expect

Known as the Klong Thom Hot Springs, these natural thermal springs are heated by volcanic chambers to ideal temperatures of around 35 – 42°C. Easy to reach from SHA Extra+ certified properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the hot springs form small baths as the waters cascade to the stream below amidst a tranquil rainforest.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Therapeutic Healing

Those staying at Ao Nang beach hotels can easily plan excursions to this site which is more than just a great place to unwind; the waters contain natural mineral salts which locals believe can help to cure various ailments from sciatica to rheumatism. While such claims may have not been proven scientifically, it nevertheless adds to hot spring’s allure!

Planning a Visit

The Klong Thom Hot Springs are within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve which is around an hour away from Ao Nang. You can visit as part of a tour excursion, hire a taxi or rent a car to get to this site which is generally open from 07:00am to 06:00pm; apart from swimwear, remember to bring a towel and flip-flops / sandals too.

Additional Experiences

The hot springs are within easy reach of two other attractions in Krabi that can be visited on your excursion. Within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is the gorgeous Emerald Pool where one can also enjoy a refreshing dip; nearby, is the equally enchanting Blue Lagoon and though you can’t swim here, it’s worth taking in.

Ao Nang Travel Guide – All You Need to Know!

Are you planning to visit Ao Nang? Nestled along the coast in Krabi, facing the Andaman Sea, here’s what you need to know about this town before you go.

How Do I Get There?

Ao Nang is a quaint coastal town in the Thai Province of Krabi which is about 20 minutes away from Krabi Town. One can fly into Krabi International Airport and take a cab down to this laidback town. Alternatively, one can also reach this town by way of ferry.

Where Can I Stay?

Ao Nang has become increasingly popular over the past few years. As such many hotels and resorts have popped up in response to the demand. If you’re considering one of the Ao Nang beach hotels, look no further than hotels such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

When Should I Visit?

While Thailand is known for its tropical climate, all those who visit the tropics need to be aware of one thing – the monsoon season! To avoid the downpours, visit Ao Nang between December and March. Whereas you may get caught in some heavy rain if you visit during May to October.

What Can I do?

The best thing to do in Ao Nang is to go island hopping! The 4 islands named Koh Gai, Koh Poda, Koh Mor and Koh Tup are all waiting to be explored and make for an incredible day trip. If you’d like some privacy, make sure you book your private boat when zipping about the islands.

Ao Nang Solo Travel Guide – Have an awesome time!

If you are still wondering as to what Krabi area would be the best for your next vacation, Ao Nang is surely the perfect option for you. It’s a destination that has every pleasure!

Travelling in Ao Nang

Since Ao Nang is safe, there’s nothing for you to worry about as a solo traveller. Get to Ao Nang by plane, bus, or ferry and once you are there, get used to tuk-tuks or scooters.

Best time for your solo tour

Head to Ao Nang when it’s sunny and warm. So, plan your visit between December and March. This is also the peak season; you can’t avoid the crowd, therefore.

Staying in Ao Nang

Choose to stay at any of the Ao Nang beach hotels on your holiday. There are many good options such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort for you to consider.

Image via Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort

Explore the beach

If you love romantic sunsets, you’ll love the Ao Nang beach more! Although it’s not as impressive as the other beaches in the area, it’s an easy option for sure.

Go island hopping

The best way to go island hopping when you are here is by trying out a 4-island tour. You can cover the islands- Koh Gai, Koh Tup, Koh Mor, and Koh Poda.

Ao Nang Beach Travel Guide with Kids – Fun-filled sun and sand adventures!

Characterised by its stunning limestone karst cliffs, Ao Nang in Krabi, Thailand, is a must-visit destination. Its inviting sandy stretches and clear waters, shadowed by the limestone peaks, make it a perfect getaway for families with kids.

How to get there

Ao Nang does not have an airport or a train station. You either fly into Krabi and travel 30 minutes to Ao Nang via private hire or airport bus or ride the ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang’s ferry terminal.

Accommodation

Be sure to find family-friendly accommodation options near Ao Nang Beach. Hotels, resorts and villas, including Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, offering family suites, in-room pools, a kid’s club and swimming pools, are ideal for families travelling with children.

Railay Beach

Consider exploring other beaches in the vicinity with your kids, including the famous Railay Beach. Accessed by a long tail boat, the beach is quiet and picturesque, perfect for kayaking and boasts crystal-clear waters.

deror_avi, Railay Beach P1120563, CC BY-SA 3.0

Noppharat Thara Beach

Situated north of Ao Nang Beach is the less-frequented yet beautiful Noppharat Thara Beach. This beach serves as a perfect day out, featuring tranquillity, shallow waters that extend to some of the limestone cliffs, and golden sands dotted with crabs and seashells.

Khao Khanap Nam Cave

Consider visiting the Khao Khanap Nam Cave in Krabi. Gaze in awe at the myriad of rock formations, skeletal remains, and displays of primitive human life.