20 Amazing Things To Do in Ao Nang - Highlights & Hidden Gems

Whether you’re visiting for beaches, adventure or pure relaxation, Krabi is one of Thailand’s most magical destinations.

One thing to keep in mind is that because of its popularity it can get quite crowded and some areas might feel very touristy.

So if that’s not your scene this might not be the place for you, or at least it’s very important to choose your hotel and where you base yourself correctly.

Read my complete guide for the best places to base yourself.

After exploring Krabi extensively, here's my list of the top things you shouldn’t miss in Ao Nang, each with helpful tips and all the practical info you need to plan your trip.

20 Top Things to Do in Ao Nang and Krabi

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Ao Nang. If you also want more practical information like the best places to stay, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

If you're also visiting Krabi Town, you can read my article about the best things to do there as well.

Enjoy Sunset at Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach may not be Krabi’s prettiest beach, but the sunsets here are truly magical. I usually just grabbed some snacks, something to drink and relaxed on my blanket while watching the sun go down. It’s a really nice way to end the day.

Watch The Fire show at Ao Nang Beach

For something a bit more adventurous you can check out the fire shows on Ao Nang beach.

Every night different groups set up a fire show at multiple spots along the beach promenade. They’re really talented and it’s quite fun to watch.

The show is free, but they ask for tips after the show, which I highly recommend giving them if you've been watching their show.

There are usually two shows every day, one around sunset and one around 9PM. This might change of course, but it seems like a pretty stable schedule.

Explore Railay Beach & The Coves Around It

Railay isn’t an island, but it still feels like one. It’s surrounded by cliffs so it’s only accessible by boat.

When I go back to Krabi I would personally choose to base myself here for a couple of days, because it feels more peaceful than Ao Nang. But no matter where you base yourself, I would definitely visit Railey beach at least once.

You can spend your time on Railey West, Railey East or Phrna Nang beach. All of them absolutely stunning.

If you're into rock climbing this is also one of the best spots in the world, with routes suitable for everyone from beginners all the way to advanced climbers.

Even if you’ve never climbed before, you can sign up for a half-day course and learn how to do it. I didn’t try it, but it looked like so much fun!

If you’re based in Ao Nang it’s easy to take a longtail boat over to Railey. Just head down to the water front and you'll find a ticket office on each side of the promenade. It takes about 15 minutes to get there by boat so you can easily do it every day if you want. No need to book anything in advance.

Best Hotels on Railey

If you decide to spend a night or two on Railay, these are the hotels I would book.

Railay Bay Resort & Spa

This is one of the most popular places to stay on Railay. It's a beachfront resort with spacious rooms, two swimming pools, and direct access to both Railay West and Railay East. Its central location makes it easy to explore all of the peninsula.

Check prices and availability

Rayavadee

If you're looking for the ultimate luxury experience this one is hard to top. Nestled between Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach, this iconic five-star resort is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush tropical gardens and is one of Thailand's most unforgettable resorts.

Check prices and availability

Railay Garden View Resort

If you're travelling on a budget but still want to stay on Railay, this is the best option. Set on a hillside surrounded by tropical jungle, the simple wooden bungalows offer plenty of character and fantastic views. It's only a short walk from the beaches and provide a peaceful escape.

Check prices and availability

See Monkeys at Monkey Trail

At the far end of Ao Nang beach you’ll find a place called Monkey Trail. As you might've guessed, you can see plenty of monkeys here. They're really cute and some of them very playful.

There are a lot of them and I saw some kids get a bit frightened so it’s nice to be aware of if you're visiting with kids. Most of them stay to themselves, but some can come quite close.

I had one that jumped on my backpack and just sat there for a while. He didn't hurt me, but it was a bit strange not being able to get him off or see what he was doing. But all in all it was just fun.

Walk to Pai Plong Beach

If you follow the Monkey trail you'll end up at a beach called Pai Plong. This is in my opinion a much nicer beach than Ao Nang. And not so many people walk here, so it’s usually not so packed with people.

The only thing is that you have to walk past all the monkeys to get here. I personally thought it was fine, but if you're afraid of monkeys this might not be the trail for you.

If you bring food or drinks make sure to pack it up really well, because the monkeys will definitely try to take it if they can see it. I saw several people getting robbed of their smoothies along the route.

Visit the Emerald Pool & Blue Lagoon

Tucked inside a national park about an hour from Krabi, you’ll find the Emerald Pool. It’s a natural spring you can swim in, or you can choose to just wander around one of the many jungle trails in the park.

There are a total of three lagoons, but you can only swim in the Emerald Lagoon.

When you enter the park you’ll find two trails, one will take you to the Blue Lagoon on one side and another will take you to Crystal lagoon on the other side.

The Blue Lagoon is beautiful and worth the walk. The Crystal Lagoon on the other side didn’t impress me that much, but if you chose to walk the longest path to the Emerald Lagoon you’ll walk past it anyways.

If you're short on time I would take the shorter path right to the Emerald Lagoon.

I visited on what turned out to be Father’s Day in Thailand so the place was more packed than usual, so keep in mind that it’s nice to avoid the weekends and public holidays. Even on a normal day I would recommend coming either early or near closing time to get the place more to yourself.

Since it’s an hour away you need to either rent a scooter to explore on your own or do a guided tour like I did. The trip I did also took me to the Hot Springs and the Tiger Cave Temple which was perfect!

This is the exact tour I did and recommend.

Wander the Krabi Night Market

In the City Center of Krabi you’ll find a couple of really fun night markets to explore. There are a couple of different ones, but all of them are pretty close so you can easily walk between them and see.

My favourite was the Walking Street Market because there’s a nice little area you can sit and enjoy your food, and it’s also where I found the most fun dishes to check out.

I personally think this night market feels more authentic and fun than the one right outside Ao Nang, so if you just have time for one I would take a trip here, even if you’re basing yourself in Ao Nang. It’s a longer drive but you can combine it with a trip to Krabi Town and explore the city.

Take an Island Trip to Hong Island

Hong Island is stunning with picture perfect white sand, turquoise waters and a lookout point that can take your breath away.

If you only do one day trip from Krabi I would recommend this one.

I personally did the guided tour everyone is doing where you also stop at a couple of other locations on the way. Yes, they were beautiful, but not as beautiful as Hong Island. So in hindsight I wish I’d taken this private tour where you can choose your schedule yourself and just visit Hong Island If that’s what you want.

It’s a bit more expensive, but not a lot and absolutely worth it in my opinion. If you’re a group, the price would probably be the same or cheaper than buying individual tickets for a guided tour. And you get to spend as long as you like on Hong Island.

On Hong Island there is a small kiosk selling drinks and some snacks, but no food, so remember to bring some if you decide to spend the whole day there.

Book a private tour to Hong Island

If you want to see Hong Island and actually spend some extra time there, this is the tour I recommend. You can also add on more stops as you please, just arrange with your guide.

Hike the Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint (Dragon Crest Mountain)

If you're up for a hike, the Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint, also known as Dragon Crest Mountain, is one of the most beautiful hikes in Krabi.

The trail is around 7.5 km (round trip) and takes around 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace. While the climb is steep in places, it's well-maintained and shaded by the jungle for much of the way. Just make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Krabi's dramatic landscape.

Take a Four Islands Tour

One of Krabi’s classic day trips takes you to Chicken Island, Tub Island, Poda Island, and Phra Nang Beach.

It’s a very popular tour, but also a bit hectic. If you prefer slow days on the beach this is not the tour for you. If you want to see as many beautiful spots as possible, this is perfect.

You'll get to snorkel at various spots and see some of the most beautiful beaches around Krabi.

I did this Four Island Tour and thought it was a great introduction to the area, but if I could choose just one island I would head to Poda Island and spend the day there.

If you want a slower paced day, you can book a private long tail boat here and decide where to go yourself.

Take a Longtail to Tonsai Beach

Tonsai Beach is located between Ao Nang and Railey, and is only accessible by boat. I visited so many beaches in Krabi, but never made it here unfortunately.

Based on what I’ve heard it’s Railay’s bohemian neighbour. Quieter, more rustic, and perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed, backpacker-friendly atmosphere.

You can rock-climb, lounge in hammocks, or enjoy fresh fruit shakes by the water.

Need mobile data when you land?

I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

Phi Phi Islands

This one is personally a bit debatable, but I’m adding it here so you can make up your own mind.

It’s one of the most popular day trips from Krabi and Phuket and I absolutely understand why.

I’ve been there once, and the island is absolutely stunning. Maya bay, famous from the movie “The Beach” is gorgeous, but have also had to close for periods due to too much tourism.

I didn’t go there on my most recent trip to Thailand because so many people said it was too packed and hectic to go for a day trip. That’s why I personally decided to come back and stay a couple of nights on my next visit instead.

It’s much easier to enjoy the beauty before or after the day-trippers have left. However, if you're short one time and really want to see it I understand completely. It's really stunning!

Hike the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

I visited the Tiger Cave Temple on my last day in Krabi and even though it was a really rough climb, it was absolutely worth it.

It’s one of the best viewpoints in southern Thailand, but you have to climb 1,260 steps straight up to get there.

It’s definitely a leg burner, and I spent more time getting up than I’d thought. Most of that was due to the intense heat and we had to take several breaks to cool down.

It took us about 1 hour to get to the top, and we were rewarded with beautiful views of the area and the golden Buddha that sits at the top.

My advice is to go early in the morning before the heat intensifies, or later in the day when it cools down a bit, because that heat was intense!

Want everything organized in advance?

Then I recommend this full day trip that takes you to the Tiger Caves as well as both the Hot Springs and the Emerald Pool. I personally did this exact tour and loved it

Dragon View Bar & Restaurant

This is a spot I really wanted to visit, but never got around to unfortunatly.

It’s perched on a hillside overlooking Ao Nang and it’s supposed to give you some really amazing views of the bay around. It looks absolutely amazing, and I know I’ll head there on my next visit.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

Visit the Krabi Hot Springs

The Krabi Hot Springs are located about an hour drive from Krabi, but well worth a visit if you want to do something a bit different.

There are 4 different pools to relax in, all with different temperatures, some pleasant and some very, very hot!

I came here as part of this guided tour which gave me around one hour at the hot springs. Even though I wish I’d had more time here, there's a limit to how long one should stay in a hot spring, so I don't think I would've ended up spending much more anyways.

If you want more time you can get there on your own by renting a scooter for the day.

Bamboo Beach Club Krabi

If you're looking for a relaxed beachfront spot to enjoy good food, cocktails, and sunset views, and some fun parties later on, Bamboo Beach Club Krabi is one of the best places to visit in Ao Nang.

It's set right on the sand, and has a really laid-back atmosphere and beautiful decor. It's the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, enjoy a sunset drink, or settle in for dinner with live music.

It was one of my favourite spots both for just relaxing, but also for a bit of party in the evening.

Kayak Through The Mangroves

There are a couple of different spots you can kayak in Krabi. Either at the Ao Thalane Mangroves or at Klong Root.

I personally went to Klong Root because I thought it looked more exciting, but I never want to Ao Thalane so that might be equally as nice.

I do however recommend going to one of the spots because kayaking around Klong Root was super peaceful and beautiful.

You can get there on your own with a scooter, but I did this tour and highly recommend it.

Even if you go on your own I recommend getting a guide at the spot to take you around the area because it was a bit tricky to navigate and I got stuck at various places and it was really nice with some help.

Take a Day Trip to Koh Lanta

I personally spent weeks on Koh Lanta and fell in love with the island.

It’s just a short ferry or speedboat ride from Krabi so you can choose to take a day trip here. However, I do recommend spending more days here to really get the feel of the place.

But if you just want to see another island, this is great spot for nice beaches, cozy cafés, beach clubs and a laid-back atmosphere.

It’s a great escape if you’re craving somewhere calmer and more spacious.

You can book a ferry or van that takes you to Koh Lanta here.

If you're decide to visit Koh Lanta, either for a day or for a couple of nights check out my guide on the Top Things To do in Koh Lanta.

Klong Haeng Saturday Market

If you're in Ao Nang over the weekend, Klong Haeng Saturday Market is well worth adding to your itinerary.

This lively local market is much less touristy than some of the area's night markets, giving you a chance to experience everyday life in Krabi while sampling some fantastic Thai street food.

You'll find everything from grilled seafood, satay skewers, fresh fruit smoothies, and crispy roti to homemade desserts and affordable local dishes.

Beyond the food, there are stalls selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and household goods, making it a fun place to browse even if you're not planning to shop.

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Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Almost every night there's a fight going on somewhere in Krabi. So if you want to witness Thailands national sport, you'll have plenty of chances.

You'll see cars driving around the area promoting the different fights, so no need to book anything in advance, just hear where it’s at from the promoters and get your tickets when you're in Krabi.

If you want there are also lots of places in Krabi you can join a class and learn some Muay Thai yourself. You’ll learn some technique and get a fantastic workout at the same time.

Learn How To Make Thai Food

Every time I leave Thailand I know I'm going to miss the food. There's just so many good dishes!

I've done a couple of cooking classes throughout Asia, but Thai food is still my favourite. So if you want to be able to make some really good Thai food at home it's always fun to join a cooking class.

Where to Stay in Krabi: Best Areas & Best Hotels for Every Budget

Krabi has various areas travellers choose to base themselves in, but the most popular are: Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Railay.

Each one has a different vibe and here's a short description of the different ones. If you want more information read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Krabi.

Ao Nang: Best for First-Time Visitors, Solo Travellers & People Who Want It All

Ao Nang is lively, social, walkable, and full of restaurants, shops, massage places, and longtail boats leaving for the islands. It’s the easiest base and perfect if you want nightlife and convenience.

Best Hotels in Ao Nang

WakeUp Ao Nang Hotel

This is one of the best-value hotels in Ao Nang. It offers modern and clean rooms just a short walk from the beach. You'll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and tour operators right outside. It's an excellent choice for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers who still want comfort.

Check prices and availability

BlueSotel Krabi

This is one of the most popular hotels in Ao Nang. It has spacious rooms, beautiful swimming pool, mountain views, and an excellent location. You're only a few minutes walk from Ao Nang Beach, but still enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.

Check prices and availability

Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort

This is an excellent choice for families. It features multiple swimming pools, including dedicated children's areas, fitness centre, spa, and several dining options. Its convenient location means you're just minutes from Ao Nang's restaurants and shops.

Check prices and availability

Klong Muang: Best for Couples, Relaxation & Upscale Resorts

Quieter and more upscale, Klong Muang is ideal if you want a beach holiday without the crowds. The sands here are wide and peaceful, and the sunsets are dreamy.

Best Hotels in Klong Muang

Pine Bungalow Krabi

Just a short walk from the beach, Pine Bungalow is a simple but comfortable Hotel surrounded by tropical gardens. It's a fantastic budget-friendly option for travellers who want to stay close to the coast without spending a fortune.

Check prices and availability

Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

This is one of Krabi's most established luxury resorts. It offers direct beach access, multiple pools, outstanding restaurants, and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens. It's ideal for families and couples wanting a luxury beach holiday away from the crowds.

Check prices and availability

Varana Krabi Hotel

This is one of the area's standout luxury properties. It offers beautifully designed rooms, multiple swimming pools, wellness facilities, fitness classes, and exceptional service. If you're looking for a luxury stay while remaining close to Ao Nang's attractions, it's hard to beat.

Check prices and availability

Railay: Best for Beach Lovers, Adventure Travellers & Dreamy Views

Railay is only accessible by longtail boat, which gives it that “island” feel. The beaches are gorgeous, the cliffs iconic, and the atmosphere relaxed yet adventurous.

Best Hotels in Railay

Railay Garden View Resort

If you're travelling on a budget but still want to stay on Railay, this is the best option. Set on a hillside surrounded by tropical jungle, the simple wooden bungalows offer plenty of character and fantastic views. It's only a short walk from the beaches and provide a peaceful escape.

Check prices and availability

Railay Bay Resort & Spa

This is one of the most popular places to stay on Railay. It's a beachfront resort with spacious rooms, two swimming pools, and direct access to both Railay West and Railay East. Its central location makes it easy to explore all of the peninsula.

Check prices and availability

Rayavadee

If you're looking for the ultimate luxury experience this one is hard to top. Nestled between Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach, this iconic five-star resort is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush tropical gardens and is one of Thailand's most unforgettable resorts.

Check prices and availability

How Do You Get to Krabi?

One of the reasons Krabi is such a popular destination is that it's incredibly easy to reach.

Whether you're flying in from another part of Thailand, arriving by ferry from one of the nearby islands, or travelling overland by bus, there are plenty of convenient options.

Flying to Krabi

The fastest and easiest way to reach Krabi is by flying into Krabi International Airport (KBV).

There are direct flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and several other cities across Southeast Asia, making Krabi an excellent starting point for exploring southern Thailand.

To find the cheapest flights, I always recommend comparing prices on Skyscanner, which lets you search across multiple airlines and dates to find the best deal.

Once you land, the airport is around 15 km (9 miles) from Krabi Town and about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Ao Nang. You can take an airport shuttle, taxi, or arrange a private transfer in advance if you want the easiest arrival after your flight.

Arriving in Krabi by Ferry

If you're island hopping around southern Thailand, arriving by ferry is one of the most scenic ways to get to Krabi. Regular ferry and speedboat services connect Krabi with multiple destinations including:

• Phuket
• Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Lanta
• Railay Beach
• Koh Lipe (seasonal)
• Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi

I recommend booking ferry tickets online in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your preferred departure time and avoid long queues at the pier.

I always use 12Go when I book ferries, trains and busses in Asia.

Travelling to Krabi by Bus

Krabi is also well connected by long-distance buses from many destinations across Thailand.

Overnight buses from Bangkok are a popular budget option, while shorter routes operate from places like Phuket, Surat Thani, Khao Sok, Hua Hin, and Hat Yai.

How to Get Around in Krabi?

Once you arrive, getting around Krabi is straightforward.

Songthaews (shared taxis) operate between Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and nearby beaches, while taxis and Grab are widely available for longer distances.

If you're planning to explore beyond the main tourist areas, renting a scooter or car offers the most freedom.

Many of Krabi's top attractions, including the Hong Islands, Four Islands, James Bond Island, and Phi Phi Islands, are best visited on organised day trips.

Want to make the most of your trip?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

No matter how you choose to travel, getting to Krabi is easy, and once you arrive you'll have no shortage of incredible beaches, islands, viewpoints, and adventures waiting to be explored.

Final Thoughts: Is Krabi Worth It?

Krabi is one of Thailand’s most diverse and magical destinations. It's a place where adventure meets relaxation, and where every day can be a different blend of beaches, jungle, islands, and unforgettable sunsets.

If you're looking for a convenient spot in Thailand with lots of things to do, Krabi is a fantastic spot. However, if you're looking for a less touristy area with secluded beaches you might end up a bit dissapointed if you only visit Krabi on your trip to Thailand.

Plan Your Trip to Krabi

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Krabi. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Thailand, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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