5. Ao Nang
Ao Nang is Krabi’s most popular resort town and easier-to-access mainland beach. It’s always buzzing with excitement–the chatter of divers and snorkelers, the soft crash of the surf over the coastline, the comings and goings of tour boats. Ao Nang town can be easily reached by taxi and offers lots of accommodation options right on the waterfront, such as luxurious Anana Ecological Resort Krabi and Sea Seeker Krabi Resort.
Ao Nang beach–a one-kilometer stretch of powdery-soft sand–has a walking promenade full of restaurants and shops and it’s a very popular departing point for longtail boats heading to the surrounding islands. So while the beach is often free of sunbathers, it’s still busy most of the day. Come in the evening, however, and you’ll find people sitting on a blanket, watching as the sun sets down in a dance of reds and yellows over the deep blue waters. Once the sun is down, the promenade on Ao Nang offers plenty of entertainment, tons of places to grab a good plate of pad Thai, and many shops open late into the night.
6. Tub Kaek Beach
Just an hour but a world away from Ao Nang, Tu Kaek is one of the quietest beaches you’ll find in Krabi. Over the ocean, dotted distant islands create surreal sunset views. Blue warm water, no noise from boats or water skis, and thousands of tiny crabs scurrying around on the soft golden sand add to the magic.
Tub Kaek’s crystal-clear, shallow water is ideal for swimming, and the nearby conservation area provides visitors with plenty of shade and trails for exploring. This isn’t an active beach for extreme sports but one where you can just leave your worries behind and instead spend some time enjoying the feel of the sand between your toes. However, because of its location just a short walk away from resorts and many restaurants, Tub Kaek doesn’t feel isolated–once you’re ready to leave the quiet solitude of the sand behind, you can head to a local eatery with a great view of the sea.
