Located in southern Thailand, in the province of Krabi, Ao Nang is a fairly touristy seaside resort. You can get there by land or sea, depending on where you’re coming from in the Andaman Sea basin. To make the most of your stay and choose the accommodation best suited to your needs, it’s nevertheless crucial to choose where to stay in Ao Nang when planning your trip.
In this article, you’ll find different accommodation options in and around Ao Nang. You’ll also find our recommendations for each area. They offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Ao Nang, here are some key things you need to know about the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Ao Nang:
- $ this youth hostel in the city center
- $$ this hotel, near the previous one
- $$$ this luxury hotel on the Railay peninsula, reached by boat from Ao Nang.
Map of different areas to stay in Ao Nang
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Areas where to stay in Ao Nang
Here are the different places where you can choose to stay in Ao Nang.
Staying in the center of Ao Nang
Ao Nang is a seaside town in Krabi province, east of Phuket. It's a popular tourist destination for many reasons.
Its beach is renowned for its white sand and crystal-clear water, in which you can enjoy a swim. In the evening, you can also stop off to watch the sunset. From here, you can also take a boat to the Railay peninsula.
Finally, it's a booming village. Which makes it very pleasant and still sparsely populated.
The heart of Ao Nang itself is lively and vibrant, with numerous hotels, bars and boutiques. You'll find a wide variety of international restaurants, as well as more authentic Thai eateries, all on one main street. Nightlife is equally enjoyable, with bars and discos for those who like to party.
If you want to be in the heart of the action and close to all amenities, this is simply the area to choose for your accommodation in Ao Nang.
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This youth hostel is one of the best value for money in the area. The common areas and rooms are very pleasant and well decorated, and you'll enjoy getting out and about in the heart of the city.
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At this hotel, the only thing you'll notice is the pool built into the heart of the resort. Another pool is located on the rooftop, and many other activities await you. The rooms are spacious.
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This luxury hotel is tastefully decorated and offers all the comforts you need for a memorable stay. With direct access to the private pool and quality meals, you'll enjoy relaxing at this resort, just a few minutes from the center of Ao Nang.
Staying in Ao Nang near Noppharat Thara beach
This area is slightly off the center of Ao Nang. Here, travelers are primarily looking for more upscale accommodations, but above all for peace and quiet.
This area, which is mainly hotel-based, is very quiet indeed. You'll love meeting up here with your family, partner or friends during your trip to southern Thailand. You'll be able to stroll and enjoy the typical landscapes of Krabi province, and stay peacefully in a protected area.
Indeed, Noppharat Thara Beach is a protected national park. This means that there are strict rules governing environmental protection, and it's important to respect these rules when you visit. It's forbidden to collect coral, feed the fish or throw garbage into the water.
You'll enjoy strolling around the preserved beach and taking advantage of the many restaurants and boutiques that line the shore.
If you're looking for something a little more unusual, you've come to the right place. You may be less well located, but the experience will be different and more exclusive.
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Rent this sumptuous, fully-equipped villa and enjoy an exceptional setting for your vacation in Ao Nang. Quietly located, you'll reach the heart of downtown in just a few minutes by scooter. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home.
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The All Season Beach Resort is a comfortable hotel, where you'll enjoy a fully-equipped room with a direct view of the hotel pool. Very quiet, the resort is very well located, just a few meters from Noppharat Thara beach.
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In this luxurious hotel, you can enjoy tailor-made service for the whole family. Relaxation and idleness are the order of the day in this restful setting. Perfectly located between the night market, the beach and the main street, you'll enjoy a memorable stay in this accommodation.
Staying on the Railay peninsula
The Railay Beach peninsula is only accessible from the sea. This means you can enjoy a secluded, tranquil atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the busier tourist areas. It's an excellent option when you're looking for a place to stay in Ao Nang away from the hustle and bustle.
Rock-climbing is very popular here, and there are plenty of spots to visit the island's natural beauties, such as the secret lagoon or Diamond Cave. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife on the island's only shopping street.
The street is divided into two main sections: east and west.
The former is the main arrival point for boats. It offers a livelier atmosphere, with restaurants, bars, boutiques and affordable accommodation.
The second, on the other hand, is renowned for its magnificent sunsets and tranquility, with quality, even luxury, accommodations for a peaceful night's sleep. This is where you arrive by longboat after just a few minutes' sail from Ao Nang.
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In these cottages lost in nature, enjoy an exceptional view of the Andaman Sea from your balcony! Live in the wild and observe the different species that inhabit the region. From monkeys to exotic birds, you'll have a memorable stay at this hotel.
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Located right on the beach, this establishment offers spacious cottages in the heart of the tropical jungle. There are plenty of activities for those wishing to discover more of the surrounding area.
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At this luxury establishment, you can enjoy a wide range of services, including various restaurants, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with everything you need for a quality stay.
Overview
As you can see, there’s a wide choice of accommodation in and around Ao Nang. From staying in a hotel in the heart of the city to staying in a remote cottage on the Railay peninsula, the experience won’t be at all the same depending on where you stay.
On the whole, accommodation in Thailand is inexpensive compared with what you might find in Europe or elsewhere.
If you really want to watch your budget, opt for a hostel or guesthouse. The latter are generally centrally located. You’ll also be able to enjoy the nightlife and the various bars and restaurants.
If, on the other hand, you want to get away from the city and the crowds to recharge your batteries, we strongly recommend that you travel to Railay from Ao Nang.
You’ll find plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets, different from the classic hotels you’ll find on the mainland.
This guide to choosing where to stay in Ao Nang is now complete. You should now have the keys to choosing the right accommodation for your trip.
Whether you prefer a luxury hotel or a cottage in the middle of nowhere, it’s up to you to choose the place that suits you best!