Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Several companies offer kayaking tours to mangroves and islands around Ao Nang. Pop-
ular destinations include the scenic sea lagoon at Ko Hong (1500B to 1800B) to view
collection points for sea swallow nests (spurred by the ecologically dubious 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 3400B to 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.
Tours
Any 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.
Several tour agencies offer tours to
Khlong Thom
, including visits to fresh-water pools,
hot springs and the
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
; the price per adult/child is 1500/1000B.
You can also arrange day tours to Ko Phi-Phi on the
Ao Nang Princess
(adult/child 1400/1000B)
.
The boat leaves from the Hat Noppharat Thara National Park headquarters at 9am and
visits Bamboo Island, Phi-Phi Don and Phi-Phi Leh. Free transfers from Ao Nang to Hat
Noppharat Thara are included in the price.
