Ao Nang, Krabi

Ao Nang is Krabi's main tourist beach town on the Andaman coast, and the district covers its beach road, bars, massage shops and markets. Boats to Railay and the islands leave from the beach. Most visitors choose it as a base, since it has the most bars, restaurants and hotels in the province.

Small-scale and relaxed. A strip of beer bars around Ao Nang Center Point, sunset bars on the beach road and reggae bars fill with holidaymakers, and there is no gogo scene. It is a place for a drink after dinner, a walk to the night market and an early finish.

No named hub is listed. The closest thing is the beer bar cluster around Ao Nang Center Point, with six beer bars including Amy's Bar, Crystal Bar and Kiss Bar Ao Nang. It is a modest scene of simple, low-key bars. For a full red-light district, go to Phuket's Bangla Road.

Of 43 places, 22 are bars, 13 are massage shops, 6 are beer bars and 2 are markets. The bars include Ao Nang beach road bars, Jojo Reggae Bar and Sands Beach Club and Bar. There are no clubs, gogo bars or malls, which fits Krabi's quieter scene.

Ao Nang is the larger base, with 43 listings, a beach road, massage shops and markets. Railay lists 13 and is reached only by boat, with reggae and beach bars and no road. Ao Nang has more nightlife and easier transport, while Railay offers cliffs and quiet evenings.

Stay in Ao Nang if you want a bar within walking distance of your hotel, because it has the most choice in Krabi. A sunset drink on the beach road is the classic start, followed by the beer bars. Check the hotel's guest policy before you book.

Flights from Bangkok land at Krabi International Airport, and Ao Nang is usually 30 to 45 minutes by road: use the airport taxi counter, a shared minibus, or Grab or Bolt. In town you walk, and longtail boats leave from the beach. Agree songthaew fares first.

Boats and scooters. Check the last boat time if you are staying in Ao Nang and going to Railay for an evening, because services stop in the evening and in rough weather. Hired scooters can cost you in damage claims, so photograph them first and keep your passport.