Krabi Hotels
Krabi Information
Nightlife
Ao Nang nightlife is pretty low-key and relaxed with eating and drinking the main pre-occupations.
The beach road bars provide great people-watching opportunities set against a background of 70's classics. The Full Moon Bar (which has moved on slightly from the 70's) sometimes provides live music from local bands, more often though, talented locals get together and just jam. Planet Ao Nang provides another good spot for people watching, accompanied by R & B.
The Irish Rover Bar and Grill, also located on the beach road, close to the police station, offers draught Kilkenny, Guinness and good pub food along with pool table and sports coverage if you need a football fix. JJ's Sportscafe offers T bone steaks, burgers, cocktails and an 80" screen for those "can't miss" sports events on the beach road.
Tucked away behind the restaurants in the centre of the main beach road, you'll find a cluster of open-air "bar beers' - the Ao Nang version of Patong's bar scene. Lots of noise from competing sound systems.
Beaches
Ao Nang Beach - Relaxed and unhurried, Ao Nang, is surrounded by spectacular scenery. Picture majestic cliffs, swaying palms, an expanse of pure white sand and offshore, a vista weirdly shaped islands providing a wonderful seascape. Perfect and awe inspiring.
Despite fairly rapid development over the last few years, there are no large shopping centres, no great leisure facilities, no high rise resort hotels, because Ao Nang is a place for sea, sun and sand. You'll find most of the accommodation, shops and restaurants all within easy walking distance of each other and a beach which just beckons to sit and relax.
If you feel the need to explore, simply hop on a boat to another beach, it's easy. As the water-taxi "terminus," Ao Nang, makes an ideal base for short trips to the nearby islands and beaches. Go snorkelling, sightseeing, fishing, or simply sit on the beach or watch the boats come and go.
Railay Beach - Now on every savvy traveller's list, Railay is one of Thailand's most sought after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a private and extraordinary world. In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance!
At Railay there are no roads, only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just local "longtail" boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang peninsular is effectively isolated by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys from Krabi's main holiday areas. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.
Shopping
Shopping of course, is always much better in the evening when it's cooler and everyone relaxes after a hard day in the sun. No big department stores, just local shops selling souvenirs and lots of beach items - snorkeling equipment, beach mats, sarongs, transfer tatoos, T shirts, sun cream, hats, etc., all at very reasonable prices if you bargain with a smile!! Krabi's range of retail opportunities is quite limited, though there are some interesting options. The town has a sprinkling of modest shops, many of them these days catering to the passing tourist trade with a range of souvenirs on offer. Look out also for street stalls where the souvenirs tend to be cheaper and often more authentic for holidaymakers. Typical souvenirs include wooden carvings and paintings of the limestone scenery around Krabi.
