Ao Nang attracts the two-week jet-set camp to its showy resorts, which outshine the beaches. Sadly, the beach is zippo spectacular and the extensive ‘European’–style esplanade that tourism-boosters boast virtually is really but one large mall with souvenir shops, tailors and restaurants. Still, there are some spiffy midrange and top-end resorts with lovely garden pools, appealing enough to make the placement irrelevant.
Ao Nang serves equally the chief jumping-off channelise for Railay, only a 20-minute long-tail ride away. For your money, Railay is a heaps nicer berth to stay. Ao Nang is appealing, however, if you want to partake in popular island-hopping tours or sea-kayaking adventures, equally virtually companies are based here. Plus, if having booze with meals is paramount, Ao Nang will do a improve business quenching your thirst: many of Railay’s resorts are Muslim owned and don’t dish alcohol in their restaurants (although you can purchase beer at the local shop and convey it into restaurants that don’t serve).