A healthy escape to Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

PUBLISHED August 26th, 2013 02:19 am | UPDATED January 19th, 2016 04:00 pm

It just so happens that the title has somewhat of a double meaning, yes, this article is all about cool stuff for you health-conscious Nomads to do in Ao Nang, Krabi…but on a personal level, this coincides with the great haze that recently turned Singapore into something more like the set of Blade Runner, leaving everyone in a rather hazy mood. Thanks Indonesia.

Anyway, it’s 2pm and I’m now waiting at the dock on the beach in Ao Nang to be taken to my lovely little ‘cottage’ on Railey.

It’s been almost 10 years since I was last in Krabi, and from having been to Phuket so many times since then, within 30 minutes of landing I already remember why I so much preferred Krabi.

If you’ve been to Phuket but not Krabi, think of it like this…Imagine Phuket without everyone trying to hassle and rip you off, much nicer beaches, more genuine people, less drunk tourists and without the giant army of ladyboys and ladies of the night…That’s Krabi….Particularly the Ao Nang/Railey Beach area where I have decided to spend 4 days as a refugee from the nuclear apocalypse that Singapore has temporarily turned in to.

So what is there to do in Krabi and why is such a great place to come, relax and detox a bit…well, here’s a handy list of six great activities to do around Ao Nang that make it, in my opinion, one of the best weekend (or preferably longer) getaways within 3 hours of Singapore…

1. Chill at the beach

Ok, duh. Obvious, but you have to admit, they are quite nice, and granted I am going at an off-peak time, it’s wonderfully quiet. You might even want to spend a night on Railey beach…No cars, no motorbikes…just some yummy food and the sounds of reggae at various bars.

2. Yoga

Granted, I am not massively into yoga these days… but there is just something so wonderfully calming about having a good yogic stretch here. There’s plenty of studios welcoming all levels. One of the most highly rated is Ao Nang Yoga. To find out more information, visit their website here

3. Rock Climbing

Ao Nang/Railey beach is renowned for climbing but don’t be shy, there are routes and course at all levels, from beginners all the way to advanced. Courses cost between 800 baht ($35 SGD) to 1500 ($60) depending on the operator, location and length of excursion. A company that is particularly decent is Real Rocks, who also offer bouldering excursions right off the water itself. You have to get there by kayak! Visit their FB here

4. Muay Thai

Perhaps not the most ‘relaxing’ of activities, but if you’re out boozing too often in the CBD and are feeling like someone should probably be whipping you into shape, this is one incredible way to do it. Apart from being a lot of fun, and a great way to unleash all that angst you’re currently feeling towards the Indonesian government, it’s very good for you and is a great way to get in shape… fast!

If you’ve never tried it before, don’t be shy, the trainers are welcoming to foreigners and beginners. The most conveniently located of them is Emerald Muay Thai, located pretty central in Ao Nang. Sessions start at 300 bt ($12 SGD) – Visit their website here

5. Get your cooking apron on!

One of the main draws to visit Thailand has to be the food. Thai food is known the world over for its delicious blend of spice, sweet, sour and savoury. So if you’re stopping by, why not take part of one of the fun cooking classes that happen. Most of the schools, such as Smart Cook Thai Cookery School, also take you for a cool tour around the market, which is then followed by the cooking class and of course a very hearty lunch.

Prices are around 1500 Bt ($60 SGD) for market tour and cooking class with lunch. More information can be found here

Ao Nang Thai Cookery School is also a pretty good option. Find out more here

6. Motorbike touring

I love renting a motorbike on vacation. There’s something just so wonderfully free about picking up a bike and touring round the country with the wind blasting through your hair. Renting bikes in Krabi is super cheap, ranging from 200 – 500 bt ($8-20SGD) depending on the model and pretty much anyone can do it as long as you have some kind of drivers license. Just remember, you’re not going to be going massively fast so there’s no need to get some suped up 750cc Kawasaki. Just stick with a nice 150cc Honda or Fino and you’ll be whizzing around nicely.

Just remember, to drive safely, don’t drive like a maniac and be sure to stick to the main roads. You should do just fine.