Not far from Thailand's peninsular southern border with Malaysia, the province of Krabi and its capital of the same name were until recently relatively unspoiled destinations for those looking to experience the natural wonders of Thailand's south. The seaside town of Ao Nang and the Nopparat Thara Marine National Park and its many offshore islands seemed almost Edenic, resplendent with palm-tree- and casuarina-lined coasts, limestone cliffs and karsts arising from the sea, and sparkling, often virtually empty beaches. Unfortunately, as with other such extraordinarily appealing locations, the area is now overrun with tourists and with all manner of vendors eager to cash in on the surge. Despite all that, there is still much natural beauty to be enjoyed here.

Ao Nang and Krabi

Longtail boats in a cove, and offshore islands, seen from the beach at Ao Nang, on the Andaman Sea in the southern province of Krabi
Ao Nang
Beach and offshore islets at Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Hunting for shellfish at Ao Nang
Longtail boats at anchor in a harbor at Ao Nang
On weekends and holidays, the beaches along the bay at Ao Nang undergo a transformation as droves of local residents and visitors descend on the area to get together with friends and family—eating and singing or simply relaxing and enjoying the ambiance of the lovely tropical setting.
From Daily Life : Working / Relaxing
Father with his children on the beach at Ao Nang at sunset
The low-hovering offshore cloud formations can be quite spectacular.
An offshore squall at sunset off Ao Nang
Longtail boats returning to shore at Ao Nang (and—what else?—a selfie-taker, of course!)
Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Early-morning light along the shore at Ao Nang
No: Not Diamond Head! View of Ao Nang from the water
Picnickers enjoying the view from the beach at Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Returning to shore at Ao Nang
Longtail boats beached at a cove at Ao Nang
Sunsets at Ao Nang can be spectacular.
Ao Nang
And post-sunset skies can be rather amazing too.
Ao Nang
Limestone outcroppings and mangrove forests make for beautiful scenery at Krabi.
Krabi
The mangrove forests that line the waterways at Krabi play an important role in the ecosystem of the region, serving to protect against erosion and providing habitat for diverse species of wildlife, including birds, macaques, crocodiles, fish, and shellfish.
Krabi
Entrance to a limestone cave on an island at Krabi
Limestone passageway, Krabi . . .
. . . and the view at the end of the passageway
Limestone outcrops at Krabi
Krabi
Krabi
Krabi
Fishermen at Krabi
Mangroves at Krabi
Krabi
Krabi
Longtail boatman navigating the waterways at Krabi
Krabi
Back at Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Another beautiful sunset from the beach at Ao Nang
Ao Nang
Ao Nang

jim wageman | photos i am

Ao Nang and Krabi