Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches of Ao Nang, Thailand
Towering limestone cliffs, white sands and turquoise seas make Ao Nang a Thailand paradise. Each stunning beach has its own character and selling point. Here are our recommendations of the best things to do on each beach, from sunset-watching to cave exploration.
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1. Ao Nang Beach
Natural Feature
Featured on Culture Trip’s very own 10-day tour of Southern Thailand, blissful Ao Nang Beach is a 1km(0.6mi) stretch of soft sand lined with colourful long-tail boats and overlooked by those famous limestone cliffs. The huge, jagged rocks with their luscious greenery protrude from the sea, and this landscape makes Ao Nang Beach the perfect spot to catch the sunset. Grab yourself a Chang (refreshing local beer) from a nearby shop, and watch the sky flush with colour as the sun dips behind the sea. For some true Thailand magic, perch on one of the rope swings to the left of the main sitting area. They’re fit for two and, as the stars come out, you really can’t beat it.
2. Nopparat Thara Beach
Natural Feature
What better way to spend a day than enjoying a picnic on the beach? At Nopparat Thara, you’ll find locals doing just that. Visit nearby food markets for the best street food, then join Thai families and friends on the sands to the west side of Ao Nang. Nopparat Thara Beach is less busy than the main stretch and, thus, much more peaceful. There are lots of tall trees providing shade, which makes it a good sitting spot for lunch or dinner. There are nice restaurants here, too, if you fancy a cocktail or two after sunset, and the port, where you can see traditional wooden boats nestled amongst palm trees, is also nearby. Perhaps best of all, when the tide is low, you can explore the tiny island of Koh Khao Pak Khlong by walking through the shallow sea – it’s the perfect day out.
4. Railay Beach
Natural Feature
5. PhraNang Cave Beach
Natural Feature
Once you’re at Railay, walk over to PhraNang Cave Beach. The huge rock formations are otherworldly. Inject some excitement into your break by climbing inside and exploring the cave. If the tide is right, you can even swim in it – floating underneath the gigantic stalactites is truly awesome. For a bit of the unusual, visit the smaller cave next door, called Princess Cave. Locals have created a shrine to the gods of fertility, where, in difficult times, they leave wooden penises. Marvel at the hundreds lined up inside the rocky walls and bask in the power of the hopes and prayers left here over the years.
6. Tup Island
Natural Feature
This tiny paradise, accessible by a short boat ride from mainland Ao Nang, is unique in its setup. Two lovely beaches are connected by a sandbank, so explorers can hop between them via a refreshing walk through the shallow part of the sea. If visitors are sparse, sit on the bank and spot tropical fish as the gentle waves lap over you. Make sure you’re back at the beach where your boat landed before the tide engulfs the walkway, or be prepared to wade through the water.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
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