As one of Krabi's most breathtaking beach villages, Ao Nang is a captivating part of Thailand that every visitor should explore. Although the beauty of Ao Nang Beach is well known, most tourists are unaware of why this area of Krabi warrants deeper exploration. From the area's exciting shopping hotspots to engaging nature trails and observation hubs, here are the top reasons why Ao Nang must be a pit stop on every traveller's Krabi travel itinerary.

This well-loved hiking trail is the main reason why avid trekkers always schedule a day trip to Ao Nang as it involves hiking up tropical forests to reach a stunning viewpoint. While the hike is anything but arduous, the 800-metre excursion takes about 20 minutes to complete and is one of the best trails in Krabi for newbies. The Monkey Trail earned its curious name due to the countless monkey species that tourists come across along the way to the viewpoint, which not only includes crab-eating macaques and long-tailed macaques but also pig-tailed macaques.

Occupying pride of place in the city centre of Ao Nang lies the famous Aonang Walking Street, one of Krabi's top retail hotspots and dining hubs. Offering visitors based at Avani Ao Nang and other rests a selection of restaurants, cafes and shops to choose from, Ao Nang Walking Street is the ideal venue for those looking to grab a bite to eat or pick up souvenirs in local marketplaces. Located within easy driving distance of some of the best resorts in Krabi, the area is also a haven for those on the lookout for handmade products and handicrafts.

When it comes to compelling reasons to include Ao Nang as a stopover during a trip to Krabi, the water sports activities accessible in the area is an undeniable point-earner for the beach capital. Offering holidaymakers the chance to engage in kayaking and snorkelling excursions, scuba diving sites scattered around Ao Nang also allow visitors to marvel at its coral and marine life heritage as well as its submerged caves. Klong Root is arguably the finest kayaking hotspot in all of Krabi and is just 20 minutes away from the heart of Ao Nang. Home to mangrove forests and staggering limestone cliffs, Ao Nang is also tailor-made for sailing excursions and boat tours.

Foodies will find that the bustling and vibrant Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is a great place to sample local street food and experience live musical performances in a captivating beachfront environment. As a thoroughfare with more than fifty stalls, Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is where the area's best Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice and Tom Yum Kung are available at unbelievably low price points. This night market is considered one of the region's best after-dark entertainment heartlands. There's also a beach bar where one can order cocktails or sample local craft beers such as Leo, Singha and Chang.

Less than 25 minutes away on foot from Ao Nang Beach, Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park remains another reason to holiday in this sun-kissed area of Krabi. Visitors can enjoy picnics or work up a sweat jogging along the tracks crisscrossing the parkland.

Considered one of the finest sunset viewing locations in Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara Beach is a gorgeous sandy beach that is ideal for spending quality time with loved ones. Locals usually grab snacks from the Ao Nang Landmark Night market to create their picnic baskets before heading over to this beach to catch the last rays of the sun.