Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Several companies offer kayaking tours to mangroves and islands around Ao Nang. Popu-
lar destinations include the scenic sea lagoon at Ko Hong (1500B to 1800B) to view col-
lection points for sea-swallow nests (spurred by demand for bird's nest soup). There are
also trips to the lofty sea cliffs and wildlife-filled mangroves at Ao Thalane (half/full day
500/800B) and to the sea caves and 2000- to 3000-year-old paintings at Ban Bho Tho
(half/full day 700/900B). Rates will vary slightly, but always include lunch, fruit, drinking
water, sea kayaks and guides.
Diving & Snorkelling
Ao Nang has numerous dive schools offering trips to 15 local islands, including Ko Si, Ko
Ha, Yava Bon and Yava Son. It costs about 2500B to 3300B for two local dives. Ko Mae
Urai is one of the more unique local dives, with two submarine tunnels lined with soft and
hard corals. Other trips run further afield to King Cruiser (three dives from 4200B) and
Ko Phi-Phi (two dives 3400-3900B). A PADI Open Water course will set you back
14,900B to 16,000B. Reliable dive schools include
Kon-Tiki Diving & Snorkelling
( 0 7563
7826;
www.kontiki-thailand.com
; 161/1 Moo 2 Tambon Ao Nang; dive trips from 3900B; 9am-1pm & 4-9pm)
,
The Dive
( 08 2282 2537;
www.thediveaonang.com
; 249/2 Moo 2; Dive trips 2500-4200B)
and
Aqua Vision
(
0 7563 7415;
www.aqua-vision.net
; Ao Nang; around 3000B for two dives)
. Most dive companies can also
arrange snorkelling trips in the area.
Cycling
Krabi Eco Cycle
( 0 7563 7250;
www.krabiecocycle.com
;
41/2 Moo 5; half-/full-day tour 800/1700B)
Take a Tour de Krabi
by hooking up with Krabi Eco Cycle. The recommended full-day 15.5km pedal takes you
through rubber plantations, small villages, hot springs and, finally, a cooler dip at the aptly
named Emerald Pool. Lunch is included on all tours except the half-day bike-only tour.
CYCLING
Tours
Any travel agency worth its salt can book you on one of the popular four- or five-island
tours for around 2500B. The
Ao Nang Long-Tail Boat Service
( 0 7569 5313)
offers private
charters for up to six people to Hong Island (2500B) and Bamboo Island (3800B), and the
standard five-island tour, of course. You can also book half-day trips to Poda and Chicken
Islands (2000B, four hours) for up to four people.
