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.

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.

Travel Adventures in Ao Nang, Thailand – A Holiday of a Lifetime!

Ao Nang is known for its long and gorgeous Andaman coast and the fantastic diving opportunities that await just beyond it. Long-tail boat tours are also another highlight here.

kallerna, Macaca fascicularis Ao Nang 2, CC BY-SA 3.0

Four-island Long-tail Boat Tour

This is one of the most exciting things to do in Ao Nang. It’s where you can explore the best of Krabi in less than 7 hours. Visit the famous “Chicken Island”, named for its odd rock formation, and the lesser-known islands of Koh Tub and Koh Mor on this tour. Exploring the Phra Nang Cave Beach shouldn’t be missed when you’re on the Railay Peninsula.

Climb Ngorn Nak Mountain

While in Ao Nang, the hike up the Ngorn Nak Mountain will treat you to some of the best views around. This is the highest mountain in the Krabi region and is located approximately a 28-minute drive away from Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

A Day Trip to Krabi Hot Springs

While holidaying at one of the Ao Nang hotels, why not organise a day trip to Krabi Hot Springs. These natural “hot tubs” average 35-40°C and are full of mineral salts that offer a range of health benefits.

Hit the Monkey Trail

From one end of Ao Nang Beach towards Pai Plong Beach, you’ll find a trail with wooden flooring and rails. This is home to a large troupe of monkeys and offers incredible views of Pai Plong Bay.

Rock Climbing in Krabi Thailand – For an exciting adventure like no other

If you are interested in learning something new on your holiday to the rip-roaring island of Krabi, well, you’ve certainly picked the right destination to get started! The islands got rocks that are perfect for the novice climbers out there and you can sign up for lessons too.

Sign up for a lesson

If you are planning your vacation with a travel agent, then you can discuss with your agent about the best rock-climbing package for you. However, if you’ve planned your trip on your own, you might need to inquire with your local hotel, the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort for more information on how to get started.

Phranang Cave Beach

The beach here is absolutely amazing with a wide shoreline, crystal blue waters and limestone cliffs on either side. Try your skills at rock climbing and enjoy the mesmerising views as a reward for sweating it out.

Maksym Kozlenko, Phra Nang Cave Beach, CC BY-SA 4.0

A guide for every step

Arriving at the beach and taking a look at the cliffs could hit your nerves quite hard if this is our first time. But never fear, your guide on the excursion will carefully advise you on how to conquer what seems impossible at first.

Deepwater solo climbing

Of all the Ao Nang things to do, this is one of the most thrilling. You will be taken by boat to an island where the rock cliffs are in the water. Next, you will climb the rock formation without a harness, reach the top and take the plunge into the water from there. Exhilarating indeed!

Snorkelling in Thailand – Dive deep and be awed

If you are heading to Thailand anytime soon and want to go snorkelling at the many great sites in the country, read on.

About Snorkelling

To explore what the waters of Thailand have to offer, the best thing to do is go snorkelling during your vacation. If you are put up at Ao Nang beach hotels the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, you can ask your hotel if they have excursion packages for snorkelling sites nearby.

Image via piqsels

Ao Mae Yai Bay

This is the most visited snorkelling site in all of Thailand. A combination of 5 islands form the bay area and it falls under the Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park control. Thus, you can rest assured the place is well maintained and safe to explore.

Koh Nang Yuan

Following the Ao Mae Yai Bay is Koh Nang Yuan. Yet another place formed with 3 islands, you can find this site at the northeast part of Koh Tao. Connected by an exotic sandbar, the waters here are home to rich coral life and more. Since the place is shallow, even amateur divers can go snorkelling freely.

Aow Leuk Beach

Known as Turtle Island locally, Aow Leuk is found on the southwest coast of Krabi. If you want to snorkel here, you can grab some snorkelling gear right on the beach as you will find many water sports centres right on the sands. The waters here are rich in marine life and corals too.

A Travel Guide to Ao Nang, Thailand – Vacations spent in serenity

Don’t ever assume the awesomeness of a destination based on its size. Small towns also have many surprises for travellers, and Ao Nang in Thailand is one such beautiful example.

Image via maxpixel

Getting to Ao Nang

Since Krabi International (KBV) is located so close to Ao Nang, you can easily come here on a domestic flight. If not, busses and boats (or ferries) are available as good options.

Getting around

Choose to get around Ao Nang by tuk-tuks or scooters. You don’t have to spend much on these, and the experience is just so wow. Since Ao Nang is small, you may also choose to cover the distances on foot.

Best time for your tour

From December to March, Ao Nang will be all dry and pleasant. Beach getaways tend to get ruined if there is rainfall, and much more awesome with ample sunshine.

Accommodation facilities

Ao Nang hotels the likes of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort offer the best accommodation facilities in the town. They also offer the best dining facilities.

Must-have experiences

In addition to enjoying the Ao Nang Beach, explore Railay, and the four islands Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Tup, and Koh Mor.