Ao Nang (Thai: อ่าวนาง) is a small resort town and subdistrict in the Mueang Krabi District of Krabi Province, Thailand.
Phra Nang Beach is a central point of the coastal province of Krabi, Thailand. The town consists chiefly of a main street, which is dominated by restaurants, pubs, shops and other commerce aimed at tourists. The main beach is used by sunbathers to a certain extent, but there are a large number of longtail boats which offer access to other beaches on the mainland and on nearby islands.
Scuba Diving
There are a number of scuba diving centers in Ao Nang, offering dive course from basic up to instructor level. The "Local" islands in Ao Nang Bay are relatively easy to access and uncrowded compared to many of the diving sites around Phi Phi Island. Other options include Shark Point Marine sanctuary and the King Cruiser wreck which is suitable for intermediate divers, and mini safaris to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and the Ko Ha Yai Islands for experienced or deep qualified divers.
Rock Climbing
Ao Nang was originally put on the travel map by backpackers, many of whom who came for the excellent climbing that Krabi's unique Karst structure offers, and rock climbing is still widely available through centers in Ao Nang, although most of the climbs are in the areas around Railay, Tonsai and Phra Nang beaches.
Boat Tours / Transfers
The main beach at Ao Nang is the departure point for boats to a number of places, including the nearby resort of Railay (or Rai Leh), which cannot be accessed by road, Poda Island and Chicken Island, ticket booths with clear pricing structures are located at both ends of the beach.
Tsunami Monument
On December 26th 2004 Ao Nang was hit by the tsunami and suffered serious damage to most coastal areas. With help from the local and international communities most of the damage was cleared up fairly quickly, and today the only visual memory the Tsunami is the Tsunami Memorial dedicated to the thousands of locals and foreigners who lost their lives on the day. The monument is located at Noppharat Thara, close to the National Park offices.
Nightlife
Ao Nang's nightlife centers on two main areas, which are known locally as "Center Point" and "The Soi", another nightlife area, the strip of bars along Bamboo Soi was demolished in 2014 to be replaced by a new Resort Building. Both Center point (located along the main beach road) and The Soi or Soi RCA (about 200 meters up from the beach on the right just before McDonald's) contain bars offering loud music, bar girls and free pool. Popular bars in Ao Nang include KR Bar, Rocky Bar, Amy's 69 Bar, Moo 2 House and Chilli Bar.
