The Andaman coast and islands

by Sophie · 3rd December 2013

We stayed at Ao Nang for almost two weeks. It is on the coast close to Krabi town and has pictures perfect beaches as well as plenty of taxi boats to take you to your choice of islands. It was also very wet and we were drenched by the rain many times!

Rain isn’t so bad once you’re in the water though, so it didn’t hamper our dips in the nearby hot water streams and Emerald pool. And it even helped to keep us cool on the lungs challenging 1237 steps at Tiger Temple!

Krabi night market had a great atmosphere, as well as plenty of new foods for us to try. We loved the papaya salad lady, the bamboo cocktails and Olly found his latest snack – caramel rice cakes.

When the sun appeared, we made the most of it, cruising on long boats and whizzing on a speedboat to the endless beautiful beaches and islands which are just a hop away. Phi phi island was crowded, very different from Sophie’s last visit 8 years ago. Hong island had pretty beaches and gave us the opportunity to test our new snorkels. Tub island felt like our own desert island once the morning visitors had returned to their boat trips. Railay beach had a good vibe, a small selection of great restaurants and music in the evenings.

Krabi Tips:

Get away from busy Ao Nang beach for a day and take a long boat to one of the small islands.
Don’t go on a tour to The Beach beach!
If there is an option for a long boat or a speed boat, always take the long boat. Yes, it may be slower, but they don’t get as packed, and you actually get to take in the scenery on the journey.