For people living in Phuket, the first question about visiting Ao Nang must be, ‘why?’ After all, our island is already a famous destination for millions of tourists worldwide, drawn by its tropical charm and sandy shores – so what does Ao Nang have that Phuket doesn’t?
The answer is easy – it doesn’t have all the tourists. Geographically similar in size, Ao Nang is like Patong was a few decades ago, much quieter, more easygoing, and mostly undeveloped.
It’s what makes it so attractive for northern European tourists, who during high season come to relax by the beach, stroll along the night market, and take a longtail boat to the nearby offshore islands.
During the low season, Ao Nang sees more Thai and Southeast Asian visitors, which makes it a popular destination all year-round. Here, our quick guide.
Stay
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi
Ao Nang Beach
The new Holiday Inn says it has the largest pool in the area. It undoubtedly has some of the best views – early morning sunrises over moored longtail boats, and dreamy sunsets over the craggy outcrops of Phang Nga Bay. (holidayinnkrabi.com)
Dine
Blue Mango
With its chic blue and white theme, cool logo, and al fresco and air-conditioned seating, this is one of the smartest restaurants on the Ao Nang waterfront – parents will particularly love the children’s club out back. (T: 075 637 689)
A-One
Located down the quieter of Ao Nang’s two main beaches, A-One stands apart from the neighbouring neon-lit Thai eateries with its romantic atmosphere and broad Western menu – the Sunday roast is the stuff of local legend. (No tel.)
Drink
The Irish Rover
Alongside its sister outlet Paddy’s in Klong Muang, this Irish drinking hole offers the most authentic pub atmosphere in Krabi. When you’ve had your fill, go for a stroll along the night market that runs on the street outside. (irishpubskrabi.com)
Red Devil Grill & Lounge
No, it’s not a Manchester United bar, rather a friendly lounge founded by a couple of local expatriates. Wash down a meal from their decent grill with one of their range of Belgian beverages. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (reddevilaonang.com)
Shop
Krabi Town Walking Street
As well as the regular evening market in Ao Nang, which offers a variety of souvenirs, don’t miss the famous weekend night market in nearby Krabi Town, which runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. For dinner, wander down to Chao Fah Pier for a variety of cheap eats (nightly 6pm-11pm).
Spa
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
Almost every hotel offers its own in-house spa treatment, while there are always the 300 baht places along the street, however the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach offers a particularly value for money massage. (holidayinnkrabi.com)
Do
Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi
Take to the skies with the Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi’s ziplines, climbs and swings. French experts have brought the know-how and techniques to do this activity safely. There’s even a tightrope walk for the brave. (treetopadventurepark.com)
5 QUESTIONS FOR THE GM
Steve Ng
General Manager
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
1 Do you see Ao Nang becoming a more popular destination?
Krabi is expanding.
We have an international airport, with scheduled flights from Bangkok and charter flights from Scandinavia and Germany.
Krabi is not as packed as Phuket. Phuket is overcrowded. People know Phuket, they know Pattaya, they know Samui, and now they know Krabi.
2 Does the kind of visitor depend on the season?
I see the Krabi market as separated into different categories: during high season there are a lot of Germans. December, January, February, and sometimes March will be a good European season.
But when it comes to April, I was surprised [when I came here] that a lot of Asians come during that period. Singaporean, Malaysians, Indonesians, Indians, they come during this season because it’s cheap.
The rates are reasonable, and there are school holidays in their countries.
3 Tell me about the hotel expansion plans
By next October the whole Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach expansion will be complete, and actually we are now ahead of time. There will be another 129 rooms, a huge kids club, and more family-orientated facilities.
The pool we currently have is already one of the largest pools in Ao Nang. In the new phase we’ll have a pool three times the size of the existing one, and on top of that we’ll have slides.
The designer is White Water West, who have worked on huge theme parks around the world.
4 Your ‘manning’ philosophy sounds intriguing
In resorts we don’t have the luxury of full manning (staffing), so I applied my background and experience as a chef, a kitchen mentality.
Whenever a guest orders, they will order appetiser, soup, main course and dessert. They don’t come and ask you for the whole set in one go.
So should I have my whole manning in each section of the hotel, or move my manning to different areas for different times? The latter of course.
During busy time everyone will be in front desk, then breakfast time everyone come ups to help, then when the guest checks out even I help strip beds.
5 Best thing about being in hospitality?
It’s not easy in hospitality, but it’s fun. You have something different everyday. Every day.
Photos: Kiri Heald.