Ao Nang

Ao Nang is the most convenient and social base in Krabi, with plenty of restaurants and tours and a fairly mild nightlife. It works well for a first visit. The downsides are higher prices, a commercial main strip, and tout and rental scams.

Ao Nang is Krabi's main beach resort and the easiest base for someone on their own. The beach has a promenade, and behind it runs a long strip of restaurants, cafes, massage shops and tour desks. With the Landmark night market, the centre stays busy well into the evening. Solo travellers, couples and families all mix here, so eating or walking alone draws no attention. Longtail boats leave from the beach for Railay and the nearby islands, and most day trips pick up from hotels. The bar streets behind the beach get noisy at night, with some catcalling and touts, though it is usually only verbal. Beach Road is well lit, but the stretches toward the edges of town are darker and quieter. Prices are higher than in Krabi Town and the main strip feels commercial, but the food choices, English-speaking staff and tour options make it simple to plan your days.