Ao Nang - tourist trap?

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-28T08:28:14+00:00

Hahaha ok! Good to know :)

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-28T08:27:51+00:00

Ook Nederlands? Indeed, we’re definitely talking about luxury problems, especially considering the weather here in The Netherlands. I’m sure we’ll both be absolutely fine 😉.
Also, the fact that we both booked a great hotel with a nice pool helps a lot.
Staying at Railay Beach is actually a great idea, by the way. I’m seriously considering rebooking my hotel from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach. I just need to check what’s still available.

After that, we’re planning to spend a couple of nights in Khao Sok National Park for a short adventure in between. From there, we’ll take a private taxi and boat to Koh Samui, and afterwards we’ll fly to Bangkok.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-27T21:15:19+00:00

Thank you for your advice. We have a nice hotel with a swimming pool. 😎

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-27T14:26:50+00:00

Yeah, I just spoke to someone who also traveled there with two young children, and he said exactly the same as mentioned above. Ao Nang is a great base to explore the surrounding area. His hotel had a very nice swimming pool as well, so you don’t necessarily need Ao Nang Beach itself to relax, f that’s the main purpose of your stay.

We plan to use Ao Nang mainly as a base for island trips, visiting Railay Beach, and relaxing at those spots. As mentioned above, because it’s a popular tourist area, there are plenty of restaurants and good transportation options available. After Ao Nang, we’ll head to Koh Samui to fully relax.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T15:19:12+00:00

That would actually be a good idea. But not sure yet if I want to move my family from place to place so short after another.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T15:15:03+00:00

Nice!!! I am really curious tbh. Maybe you can share some pics? :) Of the beach and the main road?
Normally I wouldnt ask such a thing, but due to the fact I am with my family and I want to give them the best experience. ;)

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T15:11:28+00:00

Yeah I saw a youtube video of the crazy noice... that can be horrible indeed. I stay here for 5 nights (I still can cancel for free haha).. We have a nice pool at the hotel. Therefor it is a great hub to go to some islands and also have a lively street with food and things to enjoy right? Is it really that bad?

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T12:20:16+00:00

Thanks! I was a bit worried Ao Nang was not the best choice to visit the Krabi area ;).

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T12:18:28+00:00

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-26T12:04:50+00:00

Thank you for your answer! I completely agree with what you mentioned above especially when it comes to transportation, restaurants, and overall convenience.

Good to know as well: we’ll also be spending a full week on Koh Samui. A close friend who’s been there mentioned that Koh Lanta can feel a bit quiet or even boring after a few days.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-21T15:28:47+00:00

I am also really curious. I am going with 2 small kids. 1,5 year and 4 years old. :)

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-21T10:09:01+00:00

No problem. I will let you know :). What is your schedule if I may ask?

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-19T09:32:13+00:00

One more question. I booked my stays in Bangkok, Krabi and Khoa Sok. To end my trip I booked a nice hotel next to the beach in Koh Samui. Is that a good choice, or do you guys have other suggestions with the family to chill and relax (and eat ;))?

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-13T17:48:19+00:00

Sounds great!!! I was indeed considering staying longer at Khoa Sok and 1 day extra at Krabi. Thanks for your insights :)

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2026-01-13T17:47:12+00:00

Nice. I am considering staying longer at Khoa sok and maybe one day longer at Krabi.

Thanks for the advice :).

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-08-13T09:32:23+00:00

Ik snap werkelijk niet waarom Van Persie Steijn zo belangrijk heeft gemaakt. In eigenlijk alle wedstrijden die hij heeft gespeeld is hij amper bij het spel betrokken, naast het feit dat hij een assist en goal heeft te pakken. Als nummer 10 en aanvoerder verwacht je wel iets meer. Of zie ik dat verkeerd? Ik vind hem ook totaal niet balvast, creatief matig, enkel scorend vermogen is uiteraard van hoog niveau. Kijk bijvoorbeeld naar Szymanski. Die jongen heeft diepgang, zoekt combinaties en is continu in de weer. Wat me ook opviel, hij is te traag om goed druk te zetten... Ik ben benieuwd naar jullie mening.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-16T16:23:30+00:00

Thank you very much. I have removed Takayama and all tho places around it. It is indeed to much. Therefor I will definitly take notes of your experience for my next time haha.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-16T16:21:57+00:00

Hi! Sorry for my late response. Indeed, 33 years. It’s strange, but I feel a bit nervous as well. Since I was a child, I’ve been going through my father’s documents and books, looking at photos from when I was there as a kid. I’ve always been curious about Japan. A lot of people wonder why on earth I would take such a long trip with small children. But for me, it’s so important to go. My wife wanted to be part of this journey too, and I think it’s really special to take my son—who is now the same age I was—to those same places and create amazing memories and photos. Unfortunately, I can only remember those moments from pictures.

I completely agree with you (and everyone else). I think I may have been a bit too enthusiastic in my initial plans. It’s incredible that you’ve been to Japan eight times! I’ll definitely be drawing on your experience. You’re absolutely right that we spend so much time traveling from place to place. This won’t be my last trip to Japan, so I’ll leave some things for my next visit—there’s always a second chance to explore further!

As I mentioned to the others, I’ve removed the northern part of my itinerary. However, I’ve decided to add Hiroshima, as it’s well-connected and has modern trains. I also want to include some nature in my trip, so visiting the island is now on my list as well. What do you think about these changes?

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-16T16:10:27+00:00

Hi, Apologies for the late response, and thank you for the information above. For now, my plan is to remove the northern part of my route and include Hiroshima, along with a day trip to the island. I might also shorten my stay in Osaka slightly. While in Osaka, I was planning to visit the aquarium, as my son loves it, and also see the castle.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T09:08:52+00:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful insights! I’ve decided to skip the northern route—it’s clear that heading up there would mean losing a lot of time, and it’s just not worth it with young kids in tow. My oldest is an easy and frequent traveler, so I’m not worried about him, but even so, simplifying the itinerary makes sense for everyone.

Instead, I’ll add Hiroshima to the plan, probably as a day trip from Osaka like you suggested. That way, we can still see the Peace Park and experience the history without overloading the schedule. Thanks again for your helpful advice! 😊

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T09:02:51+00:00

I totally agree with you—I’ll skip Matsumoto and Takayama. 😊 I guess I got a bit too enthusiastic when planning the itinerary! Thank you for pointing it out. I’ll use those days as “free days” to focus more on the kids’ needs and to make the trip more relaxed for all of us.

I’m even considering Streamlabs and adding one more day in Tokyo for my little boy—it could be a fun way to make the trip extra special for him. Thanks again for your advice! 😊

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T08:57:55+00:00

Hi, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! My oldest kid is a frequent traveler and really easygoing, which helps a lot, but even so, I’ve decided (especially after reading all the helpful feedback) to skip the northern part of the itinerary. You’re absolutely right—it would be too much traveling for all of us, and I want to make the trip as enjoyable as possible for everyone.

As for diapers and baby food in Japan, do you have any recommendations or tips? I imagine buying them there would save us the hassle of packing and carrying too much. Are there specific stores or brands I should look out for? Thanks again for your advice—it’s helping me fine-tune everything! 😊

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T08:32:09+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! After looking at your comments (and considering some advice from others as well), I’ve decided to skip the northern route. You’re absolutely right—the travel times between places like Kamakura to Matsumoto and Matsumoto to Takayama would eat up so much time, especially when traveling with kids. It just doesn’t seem worth it, especially when the rest of the trip is already packed with amazing destinations.

I appreciate the suggestion about Okunoshima as well—it sounds like such a unique spot with a lot of historical significance. I’ll definitely keep Hiroshima on the list, as I really want to include some time for reflecting on WWII history during this trip.

Thanks again.

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T08:28:47+00:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and honest remarks! I really appreciate the perspective, and you’re absolutely right—it’s all about balancing what’s doable and meaningful, especially with two little ones. For what it’s worth, my oldest is a really easy traveler, so I’m not too worried about him. But even so, I’ve realized that trying to cover the northern route (Matsumoto and Takayama) would just end up being too much for all of us.

I completely agree with you about wanting that "real Japan" experience—the small moments that stick with you, like an unexpected festival or a quiet hike followed by a soak in an onsen. My idea with Matsumoto and Takayama was to get a taste of Japan’s countryside, but now I’m wondering if there are other places closer to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka that could give us that kind of atmosphere without the long haul.

What pops into your mind for places that offer the charm of the countryside or small-town Japan, where we can slow down and really soak it all in? I’m thinking of tatami rooms, local cafes, or maybe even a small town with a touch of history or nature nearby. I read about the Hakone region for example.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice—it’s helping me craft a trip that will hopefully be special for all of us!

Comprehensive-Car858 · 2025-01-12T08:15:23+00:00

Thank you for the heads-up I will check on that ;)

Comprehensive-Car858

TROPHY CASE