Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay) is a small fishing village, located in the heart of a well established natural network of intricate mangrove channels, surrounded by towering limestone canyon formations.The area is a hidden jewel 25 minutes drive from Ao Nang and 20km from Krabi town and overlooks beautiful Phang Nga Bay one of the most beautifu bays in the world.
Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay) is a small fishing village, located in the heart of a well established natural network of intricate mangrove channels, surrounded by towering limestone canyon formations.
The area is a hidden jewel just about 25 minutes drive from Ao Nang and 20km from Krabi town and overlooks beautiful Phang Nga Bay.
Phang Nga Bay is one of the 3 most beautiful bays in the world. It is famous for its gravity-defying limestone formations, including James Bond Island (Ko Tapu).
Krabi is more than beaches and beautiful islands and it should be known for the natural features it boasts too.
Tha Lane Bay is also dubbed as one of the most beautiful mangrove forests in Thailand and due to its pristine ecosystem and unspoiled condition, it may soon as well become an official National Park of Thailand.
A regular ferry leaves from a pier in the village transporting workers and merchandise to Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi which are islands mid way between Krabi and Phuket. These islands are not touristy and feature laid back communities that allow for cultural home stay experiences.
Beaches in and around Ao Thalane
The beaches are very undeveloped in this area as it is the beauty and the nature that is the draw here. Most of the beaches are not swimming beaches, being that it is mangrove country. However, there are the islands offshore that offer a deserted sandy beach where you can swim and relax amongst nature.
Koh Ten
Right in front of one of our private Krabi Villas at Thalane Bay is the island of Koh Ten which has a white sandy beach area set in a secluded small bay where you can swim to your hearts content and relax amongst nature.
Koh Sai
This is another little island with a similar secluded beach, it is just 10 minutes by longboat. The return trip is offered free of charge whilst staying at our Tha Lane bay villas.
Coco Nut beach
This beach is on a west facing coast on the way down to the village and is only 1km away from our Thalane Bay villas, an easy bike ride.
There are plenty of things to do in Thalane Bay. It is a good base for taking a boat adventure and exploring the picturesque nearby islands like Chicken Island and Koh Poda or grab a kayak and head out to discover the natural wonders of Krabi.
Suggestions of activities and attractions local to Ao Thalane are as follows
Kayaking
This bay is also popular and probably the best place for kayaking. Many tour-operators from Ao Nang offer either a half or full day exploring the mangrove forest and more, or it can be booked on site.Kayaking is always a favourite marine sport but at Tha Lane Bay, you will experience it differently.
The route takes you through a series of towering limestone canyons and the lagoons that have forms inside the sheltered bays. Kingfishers, Herons and crab eating Maceques inhabit this area. Along with the ever present monkeys, who will keep you company and sometimes even hitch a ride on your kayak. The area is undeveloped and tranquil, with caves and steep cliffs jutting straight out of the water. Its a great place for taking some photos of real Krabi nature.
A recommended tour to take would be the Ao Talane Sunset and BBQ Dinner tour with KrabiTrek and leaves at 3pm to return at 8pm.
http://krabitrek.com/tours/tour_krabi_kayak_thalane.php.
Boat Trips
In addition to the complimentary short boat trips to Koh Ten and Koh Sai, boat trips are available to other beaches including the amazing and popular Koh Hong (25 mins) and Koh Kai (Chicken Island) and Koh Poda by longtail boat which can depart from the pier at Ao Thalane.
Restaurants
Most of our Ao Thalane Villas come with a chef service serving up delicious food on request as there is very few restaurants in this tranquil area, but some small bungalow resorts on the road to the pier serve food mostly to passing trade.
Khao Tong Terrace Restaurant
Located opposite our Thalane Bay villas this retaurant offers an alternative to in villa dining, serving Thai food as well as some western favourites.
Le Passe-Temps
A French managed resort located on more or less a private beach on the way to the village is well worth a visit for a spot of lunch on the sand and to enjoy the amazing view of Phang Nga Bay.
(www.lepassetemps-krabi.com)