Krabi's Ao Nang

Krabi is one of Thailand's most popular beach resorts and it is easy to see why, with its golden sand beaches, luscious green islands and crystal clear turquoise water. Krabi lies to the east of Phuket province on the mainland coast, and south east of Phang-nga province, covering an area of 4,708 sq. km. Krabi is rich in forests, marine life and minerals, and features many interesting and unspoiled tourist attractions.

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is a large bay with scenic beaches and 17 islands, just 18 km away from Krabi. It is a bustling place, but has not lost its laid back, small town feel. Majestic looking limestone cliffs rise straight from calm, clear waters and a long sandy beach runs the whole length of the resort. The deserted beach of Pai Plong is easily accessible on foot when the tide is low.

The facilities for boat trips are well organized in the beach. Ao Nang tourists may hire boats to visit nearby islands of Poda, Thap and Mo, which have stunning white sandy beaches, clear water and beautiful corals.

Diving from Ao Nang

The Ao Nang area consists of seven main islands that are dotted around Koh Poda. These are Koh Ha, Koh Si, Koh Yawabon, Koh Dor, Koh Talu, G.K. Island and Koh Yawasam. Local marine life is both diverse and prolific, with over 200 recorded species of fish and 80 species of coral.

Local trips are made to the islands close to Ao Nang. Most are reached within 30 minutes by long-tail boat. As these sites are closer, a local trip can be made in half a day, including 2 dives with lunch and refreshments on the boat.

Day trips are also made to the popular sites located further south and west from Ao Nang, such as Shark Point, Anemone Reef, King Cruiser Wreck and Koh Phi Phi.

Diving operates year round from Krabi, but the peak diving conditions exist from November to April with the water rarely dropping below 27°C.

Kon-Tiki Diving Centre – Krabi

Kon-Tiki are a very established dive centre, initially set up in 1989. They have been operating in Krabi since 1999 and are a 5-star PADI IDC centre, offering a range of diving services and courses. Kon-Tiki own their own day-boats and the centre is in the heart of Ao Nang, with boats moored in Ao Lang and Krabi Town.

The dive centre is just a 7 minute stroll from Ao Nang Villa. Kon-Tiki can transfer to and from the dive centre and the other hotels in Ao Nang and Klong Muang.

The diving from Krabi is leisurely and suits divers wanting to add a relaxing add-on after a liveaboard, or divers who like to enjoy a destination equally below and above the water line. From the dive centre centre in Ao Nang, you can visit Phi Phi, Bida Islands, Shark Point and King Cruiser for diving.

Dive PackS

Book your dive pack or course with Regaldive prior to departure. Our prices are lower than those in resort. Options available include 3, 4, 5 and 6 days diving packages (local islands, Phi Phi, Shark Point), all including 2 boat dives per day. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Extras in Resort

Prices listed below are an indication only, and subject to change.

• Nitrox:  300 THB / fill
• Extra dive:  800 THB
• Marine Park Fee (Koh Haa Marine Park):  600THB + Additional cost as not included in package

Guideline Equipment Rental Prices - payable in resort per day:

• Regulator:  200 THB
• Digital Camera:  1000 THB
• BCD:  200 THB
• Wetsuit:  200 THB
• DIN adaptors are available free of charge

Thailand, in South East Asia, is roughly the size of France. It is bordered by Myanmar on the north and west, and by Laos and Cambodia on the east. The country has an equatorial climate in the extreme south, while the centre and north have a tropical monsoon climate.

The north of Thailand is hilly and even mountainous, with land rising over 1,000 metres. Most of the centre and east of Thailand, however, is low-lying with gentle hills and slopes.

Getting Around Phuket and Krabi

If you have organised all your travel arrangements with Regaldive, then your transfers to and from the airport and boats will be included for you, unless you have specifically requested otherwise. It is easy to build a twin centre stay between Phuket and Krabi - please see individual hotel pages for details. In the area of Patong Beach, Phuket and outlying resorts, local taxis and 'Tuk tuks' are easy to come by.

Climate

Phuket and Krabi do have a high and low season (monsoon season May to October) but do not be put off by guidebooks that may advise you against travelling to Thailand between May - October. Low season is often a great time to be in Thailand, the temperatures are more manageable, there are fewer visitors, prices are less expensive and June - August usually offers great visibility for diving. It rains, but not consistently and often just at night so you can still top up your tan during the day.

Most of the year the temperature is between 28-34°C & humidity is 80%.

Water temperature is stable around 27 - 30°C.

In Water Protection

Generally, a 3mm wetsuit is suitable throughout the year. Some divers only wear a thermal skin. However, this would leave you exposed to any thermoclines and may not be suitable for repetitive dives on liveaboards. Please ensure you take a hooded vest or extra layer and we recommned a long suit for the extra protection it affords.

Language

Thai is the official language of Thailand. Whilst most Thai’s will speak some English, they appreciate the effort taken to speak a few words. The majority of Thai involved with tourism speak English as a second language.

Time

Thailand is +7 hours GMT.

Currency

Thai Baht. £1 = 38 Thai Baht

Most of the more developed resorts accept credit cards and payment in $ and € at their local exchange rate. ATMs are readily available.

Activities

It is possible to extend your diving holiday to take in the other cultural aspects of this beautiful country. Regaldive feature Bangkok, Phuket and Ao Nang, but you may request us to extend your flights should want to make other travel arrangements within the country outside of the diving.

The coast accommodates those who seek modern hotels and entertainment as well as unspoilt beaches. Aside from diving, there are many watersports and activities available to entertain guests.

Bangkok is a thriving exciting city with an array of good restaurants, markets, theatre and music, and impressive architecture both ancient and modern.

Shopping

Thailand is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Local woodcarving is well known and batik prints are popular. Bartering is expected in most shops and street stalls.

Land Clothing

With the exception of some smart hotels in Bangkok, Thailand is a casual country above water. You should pack for hot days and nights, but a light layer to cope with airconditioned buildings and cooler evenings is recommended. A sarong is useful for covering up in temples etc. Please note you will need to cover your legs and arms to visit any religious sanctuaries.

Flight Information

Prices are based on flights with Thai International, flying via Bangkok. Flights are also available with other airlines, including Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines. Daily flights are available and stopovers in Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur can also be organised.

Flight time: Approx. 16 hours, with a change in either Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur depending on the airline you are travelling with.

Departure tax: N/A

Passports

Passengers travelling to Thailand must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

British citizens do not require a visa for tourism stays of less than 30 days. For longer stays, please check the FCO website. Other nationalities should consult their consular office.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Thailand, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice about malaria, and different prophylaxis available. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure by consulting your local GP or travel clinic. Further information on vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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Aonang Villa Resort

The Cliff Ao Nang Resort