Krabi

Backed by towering limestone cliffs, the beach at Ao Nang is impressively stunning.

The town of Ao Nang thrives on tourism and the local operators go out of their way to make an enjoyable experiences for the visitors.

The town has a number of good restaurants which over look the beach and offer unspoilt views of stunning sunsets – particularly during the monsoon season.

The town offers a number of tourist activities – from 4 island day trips, to Thai Cooking Classes, Elephant Trekking, Snorkelling and rock climbing and kayaking. A ferry can take you to Ko Phi Phi (island ) made famous by the film the Beach.

The town and market has a ready supply of tourist treasures and crafts. Try haggling to get a better price but always leave with a smile.

Noppharat Thara Beach is a continuation of the Ao Nang beach. From here during the monsoon season, the sunsets can be spectacular as the sun dips below the gathering storm clouds.  Dotted just off the shore are a number of small limestone islands.

Noppharat Thara Beach is a continuation of the Ao Nang beach.

From here during the monsoon season, the sunsets can be spectacular as the sun dips below the gathering storm clouds. 

An evening walk along the Ao Nang promenade as the sun passes till another day, leaving behind golden orange hues, is a popular way to spend a short while.

Dotted just off the shore are a number of small limestone islands. During low tide, when the water has receded, it is possible to walk out to some, though be careful and don't be caught by it's sudden return.

Tup Island: One of Thailand highlights. Tup island is situated along Koh Dam Kwan. As the tide recedes, a beautiful sandbar is exposed.

Tup Island is a small exotic island, formed as the sea recedes leaving a white powdery sandy beach. This tropical island is perfect  for  snorkelling.

If the tide is low, you can walk along the white, sandy causeway joining the neighbouring island.

Tup island is regarded as one of the most exotic in the region and is popular for weddings.

As the guide book declares " A sunset wedding here will be your ultimate wedding experience."

Poda island is accessible by long boat from Krabi's Ao Nang Port – either as a individual island trip or as part of a 4 or 7 island day tour.

Poda Island

Is a few miles off the coast from Ao Nang Beach. It is accessible by long boat from Ao Nang Port, either as part of a 4 or multi island day trip or as an individual tour.

The island has a restaurant which apart from offering lunch and coffee, provides some shade, fan moving air and respite from the midday sun.

The island is mainly a single massive Limestone monolith, with soft white sanded beach and some low land on the sheltered side.

The island is mainly a single massive Limestone monolith, with soft white sanded beach and some low land on the sheltered side.

It is a great place for some swimming and snorkelling, so make sure you to bring a mask and snorkel or see if you can borrow some from the boat operator.

One of the most popular "things to do" is the 4 island day tour – the trip leaves around 8:30 am and arrives back around 3:30pm.

A good way to spend a day is to take a 4 Island long tail boat trip. The tour operator picks up from the hotels around 8- 8:30 am and arrives back around 4pm.

The trip is by long tail wooden boats – they depart from the Ao Nang port – usually taking about 20 passengers. The boats stop at 4 islands, each about a 20 to 30 minute ride from each other.

The tour can be booked at the hotel – usually no additional charge or from any of the tour operators on the Ao Nang main street.
Don't be tempted to book it directly at the port as it can be more expensive particularly if you have to pay for private taxi to take you from your hotel to the port.

The trip includes an opportunity to climb or scale some of the limestone mammoths and to snorkel among the multi coloured fish.

Railay is a secluded peninsula, south of Ao Nang beach. It hosts a number of resorts which are accessible only by boat.

The name Railay can be confusing, as it's also written Raileh, Reilay and Railey – so take your pick , though the former is the most common.
The beaches are inaccessible from the mainland, visiting the resorts by long tail boats is one of its attractions, though the scenery is spectacular, with the high multi coloured limestone cliffs forming an impressive back drop to the beaches.

There are 3 sides to the Railay Beach peninsula, all within walking distance. Both the north and south side have spectacular white sandy beaches, the west side offers some amazing sunsets.
The small beach at Phra Nang has a cave – dedicated to an Indian princess Sri Kunlathewi.
If you feel full of energy despite the heat – try taking the rugged path – though it is a dangerous route- up to cliff and view the hidden lagoon.

The cliffs around Railay bay are popular with rock climbers both experienced and novice.
The quiet nightlife of Railay, attracts those tired of the excesses of some of the back packer locations such as Ko Phi Phi.

Chicken island lies just off  Krabi's main land and is easily accessible as part of a day trip.

Chicken Island takes its name from the remarkable funny rock shape – looking like a chickens head.

The island is a popular location for excellent snorkeling, the marine life here – within a few metres of crystal clear water is swarming with multi colour fish and sea urchins and large clams.

Even if you don't swim the boat operator can provide you with a life jacket so you can float around – the sights will amaze you.

A glimpse of some of the wildlife – usually found during day light hours.