Ao Nang has brilliant white beaches, stunningly clear waters, and extraordinary scenery.
There is an absolute wealth of beautiful bays and beaches for those looking to relax in the sun.
This idyllic beach getaway also has a host of relaxing activities and exciting adventures for you to enjoy.
Located only 10km from Krabi Airport, this remarkable beach paradise is easily accessible by boat from Phuket.
Ao Nang is the perfect place to head to as a base for your holiday in Southern Thailand.
The area has plenty to offer for both the single tourist and vacationing families.
Here are our Top 15 Best Things to do in Ao Nang.
1. Take A Boat To The Beach On Railay Peninsula
There is an absolute mass of appealing beaches in Ao Nang, but Railay Beach is the most famous and arguably the most stunning.
This oasis is cut off from the mainland by the huge limestone cliffs which border it, so you can only reach it by a 10-minute boat ride.
Once you hit the island, you will be greeted by a lush, dense jungle, massive staggering cliff faces, and utterly gorgeous sands.
You can lay down and soak up the sun, explore the jungle and mangrove trees, swim in the clear lagoon, and watch a breath-taking sunset.
This island is a true tropical paradise which may be the perfect place to kick off your trip to the area.
2. Go Island Hopping Amongst Over 80 Islands
Hopping by boat from one remarkable island to another is one of the most popular activities for tourists.
You can explore some of the most gorgeous islands by taking a ride with one of the many local boat tour companies.
The Krabi4 Island tour is easy to book in town and will take you on a wonderful, guided trip to the outstanding four islands of – Koh Tup, Chicken Island, Koh Mor, and Poda Island.
This is a great, adventurous way to spend a day and will allow you to experience and explore the islands quickly and easily.
3. Relax In The Hot Springs Surrounded By Waterfalls
If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend a few hours, you should head to the Namtok Ron Hot Spring Waterfall.
The hot springs reach a temperature of 40 Degrees Celsius and the natural healing properties of mineral salts are contained in the waters.
Dip into the springs surrounded by lush wildlife and take a break from the more active and tiring parts of your vacation.
The man-made springs sit between cascading waterfalls and are the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate during your trip.
4. Tiger Cave Temple
Big Buddha on the top of Tiger Cave Temple, Wat Thum Sua, Krabi, Thailand. Credit:Aum Studio
The Tiger Cave Temple is surrounded by jungle and local legends say a Tiger once lived here.
Nowadays Buddhist Monks live and worship in the caves.
You can pay a visit to this holy site, experience the Buddhist relics and statues, and visit the tiger shrine dedicated to the cave’s original inhabitant.
Take up the challenge to conquer the 1,260 steps leading up to the top of Tiger Cave Temple Mountain and enjoy the glorious views.
On your way up, you will be able to enjoy spotting the monkeys who populate the mountain and the exotic scenery all around.
5. Pay A Visit To The Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool in Krabi in southern Thailand, Thung Teao forest national park Credit:sitriel
Experience the most appealing nature Thailand has to offer with a trip to the gorgeous Emerald Pool.
Hike through the tropical rainforest of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, seeing the local wildlife up close as you make your way to the pool.
Blue Pond in Emerald Pool park Krabi in southern Thailand redit:sitriel
Then once you reach the brilliant Emerald Pool, you can spend a few hours bathing in the warm waters before you begin another adventurous trip back through the jungle.
This is a truly magical experience and the memory of this delightful natural pool and your trek through the rainforest to reach it will remain in your memory for years to come.
6. Ao Nang Night Market
Try a wide array of Thai Street Food at affordable prices with a visit to the Ao Nang Street Market.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and sample local delicacies from the market’s food vendors.
This is a terrific location to spend an evening, walk amongst the locals, take in the sights, and eat some delicious food along the way.
If you want a break from some of the more obviously touristy activities on your trip, a visit to this small market will supply a refreshing change.
7. Spend A Night Out On The Town
There is a multitude of bars, nightclubs, and night cafes in Ao Nang Town for you to enjoy once the sun goes down.
Ao Nang has a lot of partying options for night revelers, and you are guaranteed an epic night out dancing and drinking with your fellow travelers.
If you are in search of a more chill, laid-back night out then you can enjoy one of the many beachfront restaurants on Noppharat Thara Beach, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink while looking out at the gorgeous night-time beach scene.
8. Visit The Similan Islands For A Day
Take in some of the most pristine beach locations in Thailand with a boat tour of the Similan Islands.
If you book a trip with the Similan Islands Day Tour Company, you enjoy a wonderful, guided trip through the best these dazzling islands have to offer.
You can snorkel amongst the magnificent Stonehenge rocks and swim at Christmas point where you just might meet some dolphins also taking a dip!
The trip also includes a visit to the breathtaking Honeymoon Bay and a lunch of traditional Thai food on the appealing Koh Miang Island.
This day trip is a very enjoyable and memorable way to explore and experience some of the many islands that surround the Ao Nang coast.
This experience is truly deserving of a spot in our best things to do in Ao Nang.
9. Visit the Phra Nang Cave
A visit to Phra Nang Cave will give you a memorable insight into a very individual local custom.
Set within the scenic Railay Beach, this cave inlet is decorated with wooden penis representations placed by the local people.
The wooden statues stand covered with bright, colorful traditional offerings from locals to thank the gods for granting their prayers.
You will be able to enjoy the dazzling beach scenery on your trip to the cave and when you arrive you will experience a unique insight into local customs and beliefs.
This is not a sight you are likely to forget.
10. Explore The Khao Sok National Park
This is the oldest evergreen rainforest in the country, and you should make sure to take a once-in-a-lifetime trek into its depths.
The 2D1N Khao Sok National Park tour from Krabi offers a 2-day safari experience in this spectacular natural environment.
You can immerse yourself amongst the plants and local wildlife as you drift along the Khao Sok river on a bamboo raft.
You will be led by an English-speaking guide into the Tonepariwat Wildlife Sanctuary deep within the jungle and can stand in awe before the limestone rock cliff faces.
This is a magical opportunity for you to properly delve into the exotic nature and wildlife Thailand is renowned for.
11. Take Some Time To Walk The Monkey Trial
The Monkey Trial will take you from the Southwest of Ao Nang Beach, along a mountain path through the dense forest so that you end up at the idyllic Pai Plong Beach.
Although this may initially sound like an intimidating hike, the trail is not long and at the end, you can reward yourself with a visit to the Centara Grand Beach Resort.
As the name of the trail hints, along your way, you will be able to spot members of the large monkey colony who call the forest home.
Remember these are wild animals and although spotting these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat is incredibly thrilling, you should always exercise caution and common sense in your encounters.
This is an exciting and beautiful stroll for animal lovers and one where you can capture lots of striking wildlife photos and create memories that will last a lifetime.
12. Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint (Dragon Crest Mountain)
About 30 minutes from Ao Nang is the wonderous Khao Hang Nak Mountain, one of the highest points in the district where you can head to enjoy a panoramic view of the gorgeous scenery around you.
If you are athletic, with good stamina, this picturesque hike is the perfect way to escape the noise and activity of the more touristy spots and spend a few hours in relative solitude.
It will typically take two and half hours to reach the viewpoint and you should bring some decent quality hiking boots, a hiking stick, and plenty of water.
We promise that the view you’ll enjoy when you reach the top will be well worth the effort to get there!
If you are not particularly athletic or have health problems, you can still enjoy a remarkable view of this beautiful mountain from ground level.
13. Visit Bamboo Island
If you traveled to Thailand seeking beautiful beaches, powder-white sands, and crystal-clear waters, then a trip to Bamboo Island is an absolute necessity.
This wonderful island is part of a National Park, and you will have to pay 400 Baht to enter, but the stunning scenery means that this beautiful beach cannot be bettered.
Enjoy a relaxing ride by boat to the island and spend the day luxuriating in the sun. Or, stroll along the sands whilst photographing the sensational scenery that surrounds you.
You should make sure to claim your spot on the sand early, as this place can get quite crowded during the high season.
14. Visit The Phi Phi Islands By Boat
You can take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands, one of the most famous destinations in Krabi.
When you reach the islands you can take a stroll along Maya beach, the stunning stretch of sands made famous in Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie “The Beach.”
You can also snorkel amongst the vibrant colorful coral and sea life that Thailand is famous for, in the lovely Monkey Bay.
There are several different companies offering boat trips to this famous landmark, many will have connections to local restaurants or possibly the hotel you are staying in.
You can opt for a more relaxing boat ride or else choose a lively trip over the sea by speedboat.
Whichever way you make it over to the islands, we are sure you will absolutely agree that this is truly one of the Best Things to do in Ao Nang.
If you’re visiting Phi Phi, you can read our article; The Best Things To Do In Koh Phi Phi, Thailand for ideas of fun things to do.
15. Walk Across The Sand Bank At Tup Island
Experience the thrill of walking between Tup Island and Domino Island as the tide goes down to reveal a sandbank you can use to travel between them.
You can spend a day in this stunning location, exploring the two small islands, sunbathing, and swimming.
Experience the plentiful sea life as you snorkel amongst the colorful fish and coral.
When you feel peckish you can head to the inexpensive beach restaurant for some delicious local cuisine.
If you are only planning to spend a couple of hours at the beach, make sure to check local tide times so you can still make the magical stroll between the two islands.
Summary: Best Things To Do In Ao Nang, Thailand
So, as you can see from our list of the Best Things to do in Ao Nang, this beach paradise has enough remarkable locations, relaxing beaches, and exciting adventures to make your visit to Thailand the trip of a lifetime.
Hopefully, you are now full of excitement and inspiration for your upcoming trip!
When you plan your itinerary for your vacation to this spectacular part of Thailand, make sure to check out at least some of the activities we have listed above.
We are certain that you will have an absolutely wonderful time in Ao Nang and go home full of stories and memories you will treasure forever.
For more inspiration and recommendations on where to go and what to do on your trip to Thailand, make sure to explore more of our articles on The Best Things To Do In Thailand.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ao Nang, Krabi?
The best time to visit Ao Nang, Krabi depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for… For those who want to enjoy the beach and the warm weather, the best time to visit is between November and April when temperatures are between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. During this time, the beaches are usually quite crowded, but the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
For those who prefer a quieter holiday, the best time to visit Ao Nang, Krabi is during the monsoon season from May to October. Although the weather can be unpredictable during this time, it’s still a great time to explore the area’s natural beauty as the rainforest and limestone cliffs are at their most beautiful. It’s also a great time to enjoy some peace and quiet, as the beaches are usually much less crowded.
No matter when you choose to visit, Ao Nang, Krabi is an incredible destination that is sure to leave you with lasting memories!
How To Get From Bangkok To Ao Nang, Krabi
Getting to Ao Nang, Krabi is an easy and affordable journey from Bangkok. With both air and ground transportation options, you can get to Ao Nang in as little as three hours.
Fly from Bangkok to Ao Nang (Krabi):
If you’re looking for the quickest way to get to Ao Nang, Krabi, flying is the way to go. From Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a direct flight to Krabi Airport, which takes about an hour. From there, you can take a taxi, minivan, or bus to Ao Nang. The ride takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. The cost for a one-way flight from Bangkok to Krabi is around $70-100 USD.
Bus from Bangkok to Ao Nang (Krabi):
If you’re on a budget, ground transport (Bus or Train) is a great option. Taking a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi Town is the cheapest option, and the ride takes about 10 hours. The cost of a bus ticket is around $20-30 USD. From Krabi Town, you can take a taxi, minivan, or bus to Ao Nang. The ride takes about an hour and the cost is around $5-10 USD.
Train from Bangkok to Ao Nang (Krabi):
The train from Bangkok to Ao Nang takes approximately 12 hours and costs around 1,500 baht ($50), but can be found cheaper. The first leg of your journey is via train from Hua Lamphong Train Station in Bangkok, to Surat Thani Station. You’ll then continue the second leg and the remainder of your journey via minivan or bus. Both are available from the train station and cost approximately 200 baht ($7) for the two-hour journey from Surat Thani to Ao Nang, Krabi. In total, the journey from Bangkok to Ao Nang takes approximately 14 hours and will cost approximately 1,700 baht ($57).
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok. The journey is exciting and you’ll enjoy some stunning views along the way, as well as a fairly comfortable ride and the convenience of just one ticket for the entire journey.
No matter what transportation option you choose, getting to Ao Nang, Krabi is easy and affordable. With direct flights and ground transportation available, you can get to Ao Nang in as little as three hours and for as little as $25 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ao Nang, Krabi
The average cost of a taxi from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang is around 400-600 THB, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
The best way to get to Ao Nang is by plane, as Krabi International Airport is just a short drive away. Alternatively, it is possible to get to Ao Nang by bus or boat.
Yes, there is public transportation in Ao Nang. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available, as well as public buses.
Ao Nang offers a wide range of activities, including island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, and elephant trekking.
Yes, Ao Nang, Krabi is definitely worth visiting, as it offers stunning scenery, white sand beaches, and a wide range of activities including island hopping, rock climbing, elephant trekking, snorkeling, kayaking and much more!
Map of Ao Nang, Krabi
Ao Nang (Krabi) by Video
