Ao Nang is, along with Chiang Mai, one of Thailand’s two most exciting soft and extreme adventure sports destinations. The home of two of the best beaches on the planet, Railay, is fifteen minutes away by boat. The town’s location on the eastern coast of Phang Nga bay puts it within easy reach of all the fishing, diving and kayaking sites in the bay. A day-trip to Koh Phi Phi is a better way to visit the place than staying there.

Ao Nang has numerous spas, beauty shops and massage parlours to offer you a little bit of pampering. Thai full- body massages lasting an hour cost around 250 Baht and, though you may feel that you have been pushed and pulled in improbable directions, you will feel rejuvenated afterwards.

Ao Nang itself has two idyllic, unspoilt beaches, which are lapped by clear, warm water. Other, pristine beaches are located on a number of outlying islands which can be accessed cheaply and quickly from Ao Nang by local longtail boats.

For those people who need a break from Thai food, a whole host of Western options are available in Ao Nang; these include traditional English food, Indian Food, Scandinavian food, steaks, pizza and pasta (there are 6 Italian restaurants).

Ao Nang offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including snorkelling, kayaking, island-hopping, climbing, diving, spa/massage/beauty, shopping, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, temple visits, fishing parks, elephant trekking, cooking classes, massage classes, market exploration and fishing