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Location and Atmosphere
Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is conveniently located just across from Noppharat Thara Beach. Open every day from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the market’s lively atmosphere kicks off with daily live music at 7:00 pm. There’s even Muay Thai fights at the nearby stadium, and almost every night, you can catch captivating fire shows that add a touch of magic to your shopping and dining experience.
Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Getting There
Situated in the heart of Ao Nang Beach, the market is easily accessible. Depending on your hotel’s location, you can walk, rent a bike, or hop on a tuk-tuk to reach the market. If you’re coming from Railay Beach, it’s very convenient as it’s just across from where the long-tail boat drops you off. Once there, you’ll find an array of food options, including traditional Thai food, fresh seafood, and even Western dishes like pizza and spaghetti.
The $5 Challenge
Starting with 180 baht, we set out to see just how much delicious food we could get for $5 at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market. The market, with its numerous food stalls, was the perfect place for our culinary challenge adventure. From the moment we stepped in, the mouthwatering aromas of grilled meats, spices, and sweet treats filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. We wanted to try so many things, but we had a budget! At the end of this blog, we’ll also show you what else you can eat at the market that we got on different days when we were off this challenge. Our mission was simple yet exciting: explore the market, interact with the friendly vendors, and see how much tasty food we could buy without exceeding our budget. Here’s what we discovered on our flavorful journey through the night market:
1. Thai Spring Rolls – 15 THB
Our first stop was a stall selling crispy, golden Thai spring rolls. The lady behind the stall was very friendly, offering us even chili sauce for the rolls. For just 15 baht, we enjoyed delightful appetizers filled with fresh vegetables and a touch of spice. The spring rolls were a perfect start, crunchy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside.
2. Fried Shrimp – 20 THB
Next, we couldn’t resist a classic fried shrimp. For 20 baht, we got a big, crispy shrimp with homemade sour chili sauce. The shrimp was cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside, making it a delightful treat.
3. Shrimp Cheese Donuts – 20 THB
Similar to the cheese balls, the shrimp cheese donuts were crispy and had a unique combination of shrimp and cheese. For 20 baht, these donuts offered a savory and satisfying bite, combining two of our favorite flavors.
4. Cheese Chicken Balls – 10 THB
We couldn’t pass up the cheese chicken balls, which were very crispy on the outside, with cheese that melted in our mouths. For just 10 baht, this snack was a cheesy delight that we thoroughly enjoyed.
5. Sushi – 10 to 25 THB
Walking and hunting for what else to get, we stopped by a stall where a few ladies called us to try their sushi. Once we noticed the price was within our budget, we couldn’t resist and got three different pieces. The sushi was fresh and flavorful, a delightful addition to our market meal.
6. Sticky Rice – 10 THB
No Thai food adventure is complete without sticky rice. It was very nicely prepared and added variety to our dinner. The sticky rice was a great accompaniment to the other dishes, providing a soft and chewy texture that complemented the flavors well.
7. Garlic Chicken Drumsticks – 15 THB
We also added to our plate two garlic chicken drumsticks, which we could smell the garlic sauce from afar. These drumsticks were juicy and packed with a garlicky punch, making us even hungrier.
8. Thai Chicken Skewers – 10 THB
We couldn’t pass the chicken skewers, which were BBQ’d right in front of us. We were asked what herbs and sauces we liked to be topped on them. The smell from the BBQ was so yummy and tasteful that we couldn’t wait to try them. The skewers were flavorful and tender, a true highlight of our night.
9. Mixed Fruits – 30 THB
At the end, we had 30 baht left and wanted some dessert, but all the dessert options were more than 30 baht. We kept walking until we saw a stall full of fruits. Fruits were sold between 40-69 baht, but we asked for a mix of fruits for 30 baht. This is how our $5 dinner was completed and ready to be indulged. The mixed fruits provided a refreshing end to our meal.
Our Delicious $5 Feast
Our challenge proved that you can enjoy a variety of delicious foods at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market for just 180 baht. The food in the pictures is enough for two people, showing that it’s possible to have a fulfilling dinner on a budget in Thailand. We both ate the food and found it to be more than enough. Each item added a unique flavor to our meal, making this challenge not only fun but also a testament to the affordable street food culture in Thailand.
Total Cost Breakdown:
- Thai Spring Rolls: 15 THB
- Fried Shrimp: 15 THB
- Sticky Rice: 10 THB
- Cheese Balls: 10 THB
- Shrimp Cheese Donuts: 20 THB
- Thai Spring Rolls: 15 THB
- Garlic Chicken Drumsticks: 2 x 15 = 30 THB
- Sushi: 3x 10 = 30 THB
- Mixed Fruits: 30 THB
Total: 180 THB = 5 USD
After successfully completing our $5 food challenge at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by enjoying a cold Leo beer and the lively live music. Cheers to happy eating and exploring!
The entertainment at Ao Nang Landmark Night Market adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience, making each visit truly special. Thai dancers gracefully perform traditional routines while talented bands fill the air with lively music, creating a festive atmosphere. What’s even better is that the entertainment varies each night, ensuring you won’t get bored even if you go every evening. Whether it’s a new band, a different dance troupe, or unique performances, there’s always something fresh and exciting to look forward to, making every night a memorable one.
At Ao Nang Landmark Market, you’ll also have the chance to see traditional Thai dance performances known as Khon. This classical dance is a vibrant and expressive art form characterized by elaborate costumes, intricate movements, and expressive storytelling. The dancers often wear stunning outfits with long, ornate nails, and their graceful performances bring Thai legends and folklore to life. It’s a captivating experience that offers a deeper appreciation of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Fire Shows and Muay Thai Fights
Ao Nang Landmark Market in Krabi, Thailand not only offers a fantastic array of local foods but also features nightly entertainment that sets it apart: exhilarating fire shows and electrifying Muay Thai fights.
As the sun sets and the market comes alive, the air fills with anticipation for the nightly fire show. Talented performers dazzle the crowd with their mastery of flaming poi, staffs, and hoops. The choreography is very skillful, with flames dancing in sync with dynamic music. The fire show creates an atmosphere of excitement and wonder, making it a highlight of the evening.
Alongside the fire shows, the market hosts thrilling Muay Thai fights. Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” this traditional Thai martial art utilizes punches, kicks, elbows, and knees in a display of athleticism and strategy. The energy of the fight, combined with the skill of the fighters, offers a captivating glimpse into Thailand’s rich martial arts heritage.
Check Out the Souvenirs at Ao Nang Landmark Market
Don’t miss the chance to shop for souvenirs at Ao Nang Landmark Market, where you’ll find a wide variety of unique and handmade items. From crafts to beautiful textiles, the market offers a treasure trove of gifts to remember your trip. While many vendors are open to negotiation, just remember, a small discount for you can mean a lot to them, so be fair and considerate. Happy shopping!
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Bonus: Exploring More Delicacies at Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
After successfully completing our $5 food challenge, we also want to share with you some of the other amazing delights we discovered at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market on different visits. The variety of food available is truly astounding. If you’re feeling adventurous, the market also features some truly exotic delicacies. Ever wondered what snails, scorpions, crickets, silk worms, giant Thai grasshoppers, and crocodile taste like? This is your chance to find out! These unique foods add an extra layer of excitement to your culinary adventure, making every bite a memorable experience. So, gather up your courage and dive into the exotic side of Thai street food! If you want to see our experience trying all these exotic snacks, jump to our YouTube channel.
This snails are cooked in a rich, aromatic curry sauce made with coconut milk, curry paste, and a variety of herbs and spices. It’s a flavorful and comforting dish often served with rice.
We loved eating fish at the market—just select your fish, and they’ll BBQ it for you right on the spot! There’s a fantastic variety of fish on offer, each prepared with unique and flavorful techniques. The grilling process brings out a smoky, savory taste that perfectly complements the fresh, tender fish.
We love trying new foods when we travel, and it’s no coincidence that we have a whole section dedicated to food on our blog. Here’s a table of the delicious dishes we enjoyed at the market.
Mango smoothie!!!! Our favorite smoothie in Thailand has to be the mango smoothie. We’ve tried mango smoothies all over the country, but the ones at Ao Nang Market are truly the best! Krabi knows how to perfect their smoothies, and the mango smoothie here is exceptional. Don’t miss out—make sure to grab one when you visit Ao Nang Market!
Ao Nang Market wouldn’t be complete without dessert! We had to sample all the delicious treats, from mouthwatering crepes and ice creams to scrumptious cakes. I can honestly say we tried every dessert the market had to offer, and each one was a delightful end to our culinary adventures.
If you visit Krabi for New Year, it’s truly magical! The market is filled with dazzling lights, creating a festive atmosphere. You’ve got to try all the delicious desserts, enjoy the live music, and take part in the holiday events. It’s a wonderful way to soak up the New Year spirit in Thailand. We even wrote a blog about it: How to Celebrate New Year in Krabi, Thailand. Check it out for more details on how to make the most of your holiday season in this beautiful destination!
