AO NANG BEACH
THAILAND
From Bangkok to Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, we experienced a rainy retreat, quirky hotel quirks, and stunning scenery. After two months of adventure, we look back with excitement for future travels.
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi, Thailand: A Relaxing, Rainy Getaway
From Siem Reap, we hopped on a quick flight to Bangkok, where we enjoyed five lovely days at the Navalai Hotel. Our time in the city was spent dining at our favorite restaurant, Hemlock, and savoring the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok.
Next, we flew down to Krabi and made our way to Ao Nang Beach. This picturesque destination, though quite touristy, offered a beautiful setting with its stunning coastline and clear waters. Fortunately, the off-season kept the crowds to a minimum, allowing us to enjoy the area more peacefully.
We checked into a hotel that promised a pool, only to discover that the pool was actually located at a hotel up the road. To make matters worse, the hotel’s breakfast area played rap and hip-hop at ear-splitting volumes, which, to our surprise, was considered “cool” by the management. Despite these quirks, Ao Nang Beach still held its charm.
Our stay was intended to include a trip to the Phi Phi Islands, but our plans were thwarted by relentless monsoonal rain from a typhoon in the South China Sea. Instead, we spent the entire week at Ao Nang Beach, which turned out to be a pleasant enough place to wait out the weather, even if it didn’t quite live up to our original plans.
After our time in Krabi, we headed back to Bangkok for another five nights at the Navalai Hotel. Reflecting on our journey as we prepared for our flight to Sydney, we marveled at the incredible experiences we’d packed into our two-month adventure across three countries.
Trip Summary
In the course of our travels, we navigated through 17 tuk-tuks, 13 mini-vans, 8 buses, 6 taxis, 3 planes, 2 canoes, 1 river boat, 1 songthaew, the back of a ute, and even a homemade catamaran. We encountered amazing people, witnessed breathtaking sights, and tasted some truly unique and memorable foods. Although some of the dishes remain a mystery, the journey provided us with a rich tapestry of experiences and a glimpse into the everyday life of the countries we visited.
As we boarded our flight to Sydney, we couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’d had. It’s been a blast, and we’re eagerly looking forward to our next travel adventure.
