Discovering Ao Nang: A Perfect Blend of Relaxation and Adventure

• What Makes Ao Nang Special
• The Beauty of the Krabi Region
• Top 10 Things to Do in Ao Nang
• Tours & Day Trips to Consider
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Local Eats
• Interacting with Locals
• Best Places to See Sunrise & Sunset
• Best Way to Get There
• Fun Facts About Ao Nang

🌊 Top 10 Things to Do in Ao Nang, Krabi

Ao Nang may be laid-back but it’s surrounded by adventures that will keep you busy for days. From iconic beaches and island-hopping tours to jungle hikes and local experiences, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are some of the highlights that make Ao Nang such a rewarding base.

• Walk the Monkey Trail
  • This quirky little trail lives up to its name with monkeys often spotted along the way. The wooden stairs are steep, rickety and uneven in places but they lead to a tucked-away beach that feels like a reward after the climb.

• Visit Railay Beach
  • Accessible only by boat, Railay is a world of its own. Towering limestone cliffs frame soft white sand and turquoise waters, creating a postcard-perfect escape. You can swim, sunbathe, explore hidden caves or even try your hand at rock climbing — a Railay specialty.
• Go on a Four-Island Tour
  • This classic longtail boat trip takes you to Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tub Island and Poda Island. Each stop offers something different from snorkelling in clear waters to lounging on sandbars that appear at low tide.
• Explore the Phi Phi Islands
  • A bit further afield but worth the journey, the Phi Phi Islands are famous for their dramatic landscapes and thriving marine life. Snorkel among colourful fish, enjoy pristine beaches and see the legendary Maya Bay, backdrop to The Beach.
• Kayak Through Ao Thalane Mangroves
  • Swap the beaches for something quieter by paddling through the mangroves of Ao Thalane. Gliding through canyons and lagoons, you’ll likely spot monkeys, birds and other wildlife along the way.
• Hike Dragon Crest (Khao Ngon Nak)
  • About 30 minutes from Ao Nang, this 3.7 km trek is a serious workout. We found it tougher than expected — uneven boulders, broken steps and the unrelenting heat made it a challenge. While the views were striking, they didn’t quite justify the exhaustion for us. If you go, bring plenty of water, snacks and stamina — this hike isn’t for the faint-hearted.

• Relax at Ao Nang Beach
  • Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. Ao Nang Beach is lively and central with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. It’s perfect for a lazy day of swimming, sunbathing or watching the sky turn golden at sunset.
• Visit the Emerald Pool & Hot Springs
  • A day trip inland takes you to Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, where you can swim in the naturally green-hued Emerald Pool and soak in nearby hot springs. It’s a refreshing change from saltwater and sand.
• Snorkel or Dive at Koh Hong
  • Koh Hong is a gem for water lovers. With its lagoon, secluded beaches, and thriving coral reefs, it’s one of the best spots around Ao Nang for snorkelling and diving.

• Join a Thai Cooking Class
  • After days of eating Thai food, why not learn how to cook it? Local cooking schools in Ao Nang offer hands-on lessons, so you can take authentic recipes and memories home with you.

🚤 Tours & Day Trips to Consider

Some experiences in Krabi go beyond a simple “thing to do” — they’re full-day adventures or deserve a little more attention than a short list can give. That’s why we’ve highlighted them separately here. From bustling night markets to unforgettable island-hopping tours, these are the outings that truly add depth to an Ao Nang stay.

Night Markets in Krabi

Night markets are a highlight of the region, blending local food, crafts and entertainment into one lively evening experience. They’re a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.

• Ao Nang Night Market – Located at Nopparat Thara Beach near the Ao Nang Landmark, this market is perfect if you want fun close to your accommodation. Expect fresh seafood BBQ, fried snacks, smoothies, handmade crafts and live performances. It’s open daily from 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm and has plenty of seating areas. Bring cash for small purchases and bargaining.
• Krabi Town Night Market – A bigger, more local option about 20–30 minutes from Ao Nang. Held in the heart of Krabi Town, this weekend market (open Friday–Sunday, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm) is buzzing with street food, handmade goods and live music. It has a more authentic feel compared to Ao Nang, making it worth the trip if your timing lines up.

The Four Island Tour

The Four Island Tour is one of Krabi’s most popular day trips, packing multiple beaches and islands into a single adventure. Stops usually include:

• Chicken Island (Koh Gai): A snorkeller’s paradise with shallow reefs and colourful marine life.
• Poda Island (Koh Poda): Palm-fringed beaches and limestone cliffs perfect for swimming or sunbathing.
• Tup Island (Koh Tub): Famous for its sandbar that emerges at low tide, letting you walk across the sea.
• Phra Nang Cave Beach: On the Railay Peninsula, home to dramatic cliffs, a sacred cave shrine and climbing routes.

💡 Tip: Book through Viator or GetYourGuide for peace of mind or negotiate in Ao Nang when boats are looking to fill up — you can often secure a better deal.

Koh Hong

Part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, Koh Hong is a pristine island in Phang Nga Bay. Its name means room in Thai, referring to the hidden Hong Lagoon — a sheltered, emerald-green bay surrounded by cliffs.

Highlights

• Kayak or boat into the Hong Lagoon.
• Snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
• Relax on the calm, sandy beach, perfect for families.
• Stroll short nature trails through tropical forest and spot exotic birds.

Koh Hong is about 20–30 minutes from Ao Nang by speedboat (slightly longer by long-tail boat). Entrance to the national park is 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children.

✨ Whether you spend the day snorkelling, kayaking, or simply relaxing, Koh Hong is the perfect mix of adventure and serenity.

🏡 Accommodation

We booked our stay through Trip.com, though Ao Nang has no shortage of options on Airbnb and other booking platforms. The central strip of Ao Nang is lively — full of bars, restaurants and beach access. If you enjoy being right in the action, this is the perfect spot.

We preferred staying slightly outside the main hub. It was quieter, more affordable and gave us the chance to support locally owned eateries instead of sticking to resort dining. For us, the peaceful evenings and authentic vibe made all the difference.

🛵 Transportation

Hiring a scooter is by far the best way to explore Ao Nang and beyond. We rented a 125cc motorbike for 250–300 baht per day, with helmets included. Petrol was surprisingly cheap, and you’ll spot it sold in glass bottles along the roadside everywhere  for approx. 40-50baht a bottle— so there’s no chance of running out. This meant we could cover all the places on our list without worrying about costs.

The freedom of pulling over at scenic viewpoints or stopping at small roadside food stalls made every ride worthwhile. A trip to Krabi Town by scooter was straightforward and far easier than I expected — not nearly as hair-raising as I had imagined. Plus, all accommodations provide free parking for scooters, so it’s hassle-free from start to finish.

💡 Travel Tip: When hiring, ask the office if you can quickly take photos or videos of the bike before leaving the premises. This way you’re covered if anything gets blamed on you unnecessarily.

🍲 Local Eats

Skip the resort breakfast and follow the locals instead. The best meals are always in small eateries with one-page menus and packed tables — a sure sign everything is cooked with care. Some of our favourites included flaky rotis with chicken curry, comforting Thai congee, frothy Teh Tarik (iced or hot) and of course, our go-to treat: fresh coconut smoothies.

💡 Money-Saving Tip: Our accommodation offered a breakfast package for about $10 NZD per person with a basic European meal. Just down the road, we enjoyed hearty local dishes for $3–5 NZD — fresher, more authentic and far better value.

🤝 Interacting with Locals

Engaging with locals adds so much depth to your stay. Many will happily point you toward hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. Just keep in mind that hotels often recommend tours with partner operators (sometimes for a commission), but in reality, most tours are fairly similar no matter where you book. The best way to choose is by reading reviews first and then deciding what suits your style.

We booked most of our tours through Viator and GetYourGuide — everything was prepaid and organised, which meant no stress about negotiating prices. That said, if you already have a clear idea of costs, it’s worth heading down to the beachfront or tour stands to haggle for a better deal. When operators are trying to fill the last spots on a boat or bus, they’re often open to negotiation.

💡 Tip: Always check reviews of operators before booking. It’s the easiest way to spot which ones are reliable and which to avoid.

🌅 Best Places to See Sunrise and Sunset

Watching the sky light up over Krabi’s coastline is an experience in itself. Ao Nang offers some stunning spots where sunrise and sunset feel extra magical.

🌄 Sunrise

• Railay Beach: Take an early long-tail boat to Railay East for a peaceful sunrise framed by limestone cliffs.
• Ao Nang Beach (early morning): While not as dramatic, it’s quiet at dawn with fishing boats heading out to sea.

🌇 Sunset

• Ao Nang Beach: The easiest spot to catch the sun dipping into the Andaman Sea. The beachfront restaurants and bars make it perfect for a relaxed evening.
• Nopparat Thara Beach: Quieter than central Ao Nang, with wide sands and fewer crowds — a favourite for a peaceful sunset walk.
• Four Island or Hong Island Tour: If you time it right, some tours bring you back as the sky turns golden, offering incredible views from the water.

✨ Whether you rise early or stay out late, Krabi’s skies put on a show that’s worth slowing down for.

✈️ Best Ways to Get to Ao Nang

Ao Nang is well connected, making it an easy destination to add to your Thailand itinerary. Whether you’re arriving by air, land or sea, there are several convenient options.

• Flights: The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport (KBV), about 40 minutes from Ao Nang. It has frequent domestic connections from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as international flights from nearby hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shared minivan or pre-arranged transfer straight to Ao Nang.
• Buses & Minivans: If you’re coming from Phuket, Surat Thani, or other southern towns, buses and minivans are a budget-friendly choice. They usually arrive at Krabi Town, where you can transfer to a songthaew (shared taxi) or minivan for the 20–30 minute ride to Ao Nang.
• Ferries: Ao Nang can also be reached by ferry from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta. It’s a scenic way to travel, and ferries typically dock at Nopparat Thara Pier, just a short drive from town.

✨ Tip: If you’re travelling light and want flexibility, minivans and ferries are great options. For comfort and speed, flying into Krabi Airport is the easiest way.

5 Fun Facts About Ao Nang

1. Monkey Trail Mischief: The Monkey Trail isn’t just named for fun — the cheeky residents are known to snatch snacks and even sunglasses, so keep your belongings close.
2. Longtail Boat Culture: Ao Nang’s beachfront is lined with traditional longtail boats, which aren’t just tourist rides — many are still owned and operated by local fishing families.
3. Climbing Capital: Railay (just minutes from Ao Nang by boat) is considered one of the world’s top rock-climbing destinations, drawing climbers from across the globe.
4. Spiritual Shrines: Along the beaches, you’ll find small spirit houses and shrines tucked into caves or by the cliffs. Locals leave offerings here for protection and good fortune at sea.
5. Island Count: Krabi Province has over 150 islands, and Ao Nang is one of the most convenient bases to reach many of them, including Koh Poda, Koh Hong, and the Phi Phi Islands.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.