Krabi is a big province in the Southern region of Thailand and is known for its stunning beaches and islands. It is home to the vibrant beach town Ao Nang and the laid-back Krabi Town, as well as famous islands such as Four Islands, Hong Island, Phi Phi islands, and Koh Lanta.
Ao Nang often served as a gateway to famous attractions in the Krabi province. Its strategic location makes it a popular base for many tourists visiting Krabi’s breathtaking beaches and islands.
In this article, I will cover the best things to do and see in Ao Nang and Krabi. I will share my list of the best beaches, island hopping tours, night markets, temples, and hiking trails in and around Ao Nang, Krabi.
Krabi is a beach heaven. The beaches often have white sand, crystal clear water, and dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of the sea. You can easily find both lively and laid back beaches. Famous beaches include Ao Nang beach, Nopparat Thara Beach, Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and TonSai Beach.
In addition to beaches on the mainland, you can take boat tours to nearby islands for more pristine Beaches. Popular islands near Ao Nang and Krabi include Hong Islands, Four Island, and Phi Phi Islands. These islands are great for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking to the viewpoints for sweeping views.
If you want to break from beach activities, you can explore many inland attractions and activities such as temples, natural springs, and hiking. I recommend visiting the Tiger Cave Temple and hiking the Dragon’s Crest Mountain.
Krabi mainland which includes Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Railay has a great nightlife scene. Ao Nang is the best place for the party and nightlife with a high concentration of bars and nightclubs. There are also many night markets to explore like Ao Nang Landmark night market and Krabi Town night markets.
If you want the detail of my itinerary and how I get around Ao Nang/ Krabi, you can read these articles:
- Where to Stay in Krabi
- Where to Stay in Ao Nang
- Where to Stay in Railay Beach
- Is it Worth Staying in Krabi Town?
- Is it better in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?
- My Itinerary for 5-7 Days In Krabi
I traveled around Ao Nang on foot, long tail boats, scooter, and sometimes using riding share services like Grab Bike and InDrive. When I stayed in Ao Nang, I walked around the beach town, hiked the monkey trail, and took a long tail boat to Railay.
I rented a scooter in Krabi Town for further inland attractions such as Dragon Crest Mountain, Tiger Cave temple, Tubkaek Beach, and Klong Muang Beach.
If you don’t plan to rent a motorbike, you can easily get around by tuk tuk, songthaews, taxi, Grab, long tail boats, and by walking. As a popular tourist destination, there are also many organized tours to take to visit different attractions in the region.
Here are the top things to do and see in Ao Nang, Krabi:
27 Best Things to Do in Krabi & Ao Nang
Beaches
Krabi is home to many postcard-like beaches with towering limestone cliffs rising above the clear turquoise waters. They are great places for swimming, sunbathing, taking photos, and enjoying the scenic sunset views. You can easily get to these beaches by scooter, taxi, and long tail boats.
#1. Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, and chilling. It has golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and stunning views of limestone cliffs.
The beach road is lined with lots of tourist amenities such as restaurants, bars, resorts, boat ticket shops, and massage shops. It is also a popular spot for watching breathtaking sunsets, enjoying fire shows, and seeing people practice yoga.
The beach has lots of shades espelly the section on Soi Ao Nang 17 toward Monkey trail. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the beachfront restaurants and bars, or just simply bring your own beach mat.
There is a dock for long tail boats in the middle of the beach at the intersection between Soi Ao Nang 17 and highway 4203. You can book boat tickets from the counter on the main road, to get to other popular destinations such as Railay, Tonsai, Four Islands, or Hong Islands.
You can get to the beach easily by walking, taking a short Grab Bike or tuk tuk ride if you stay in Ao Nang. If you stay in further places such as Krabi Town, you’ll need to get a taxi or ride shared services such as Grab, Bolt, and InDrive to get to Ao Nang Beach.
#2. Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach is a small beach located in front of Centara Grand Resort. The beach is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs. It has clean water, soft sand, and breathtaking views of the cliffs.
The beach is a great place to relax, swim, and take a walk along the shores. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboarding at the resort.
You can get to Pai Plong Beach by walking for around 15 walks on the Monkey trail with steep stairs or take a long tail boat ride from Ao Nang Beach.
#3. Nopparat Thara Beach
Nopparat Thara Beach is a long beach located north of Ao Nang Beach. This beach is quieter than Ao Nang Beach, with fewer long-tail boats docking along the shore. You can swim at high tide, and go for a long walk on the sandbar toward nearby islets at low tide.
It is a great place to chill and watch the sunset. The best spot to watch the sunset, in my opinion, is the intersection of the beach with the canal near Nopparat Thara Park.
The beach road running parallel with Nopparat Thara Beach is packed with amenities such as seafood restaurants, bars, travel agencies. The popular Ao Nang Landmark night market is also located in this area.
There is a port at one end of the beach near Hat Nopparat Thara park, where you can take long tail boats and speed boats to nearby islands.
If you stay in Ao Nang, you can walk to the beach. If you don’t feel like walking, there are lots of tuk tuk to use. It is only a short ride. If you stay further away from Ao Nang, it is best to get a taxi to get to the beach.
#4. Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach is one of the best beaches in Krabi. The beach has soft white sand, crystal clean water, and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery. It is ideal for swimming, kayaking to nearby islands, and enjoying breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs.
As a popular beach, it is a crowded place, especially the area near Phra Nang Cave Shrine. If you want some quiet moments, I recommend walking to the end of the beach toward Bat Cave. If you up for a little hike, you can find a little path that leads to Bat Cave.
In addition to water activities, Phra Nang Beach is also a popular spot for rock climbing. There are a few restaurants on the beach. I didn’t see any sun loungers. People just bring their own beach mats.
You can get to Phra Nang Beach by taking long tail boats from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Long tails boat is 100 baht from Ao Nang and it takes around 10-15 minutes. From the docking area on Ao Nang West Beach, you will walk for 20 minutes to reach the beach.
#5. Railay Beach
Railay Beach, or Railay West Beach, is a beautiful white-sand beach located just a 10-minute long-tail boat ride from Ao Nang. The beach has crystale turquoise water and is surrounded by breathtaking limestones. It is an ideal place for swimming, sunbathing, and rock climbing.
The beachfront is lined with resorts, restaurants, and beach bars. If you like hiking, you can head to the southern end of the beach for some hiking and easy rock climbing. There are some nice viewpoints along the way and you can watch people with the tour guides rock climbing.
At the northern end of the beach, you can find the trail to head to TonSai Beach. The trail is easy to spot at low tide, and it is around a 10 minute walk.
At the middle of the beach is where the long tail boats dock. You can buy tickets from here to get back to Ao Nang. From this section, you can walk to Railay Walking Street which is lined with many restaurants, bars, travel agencies, and rock climbing school.
If you are staying in Railay or Tonsai, you can easily get to Railay West Beach by walking. If you are in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, you can reach Railay Beach by long tail boats or by taking a Four Island hopping tour that includes a visit to Railay Beach.
Railay East Beach is located 10 minutes walk from Railay West Beach via Railay Walking Street. The beach is home to a long floating pier where visitors arrive on speed boats from other islands such Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Phuket. This part is muddy and not good for swimming.
#6. Ton Sai Beach
Ton Sai Beach is a beautiful quiet beach located right north of Railay West Beach. This beach has a hippie atmosphere and is a popular place for rock climbing.
The beachfront is lined with several resorts. At the northern end of the beach is where long tail boat docks. You can buy boat tickets here to get back to Ao Nang. From the boatman pier, you can walk to the village, where you can find more restaurants to eat.
You can get to Tonsai Beach by walking for 10 minutes on the trail from Railay West Beach. If you are staying in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, the only way to reach the beach is to take long tail boats.
#7. Ao Nam Mao Beach
Ao Nam Mao Beach is a golden sand beach located 6 km east of Ao Nang. The beach has golden sand with some stunning views of limestones. At low tide, you can see many big rocks at the bottom of the beach. I don’t think it is a good place to swim, but you can chill at the beach bars.
The Ao Nam Mao area is home to the pier, where you can take boats to Railay Beach, and other islands nearby. There are several resorts, beach bars, and restaurants on the beach road running parallel on the beach.
You can access the beach through these establishments. You can buy meals or drinks to be able to use their beach loungers. I recommend combining the trip to Ao Nam Mao Beach with a visit to nearby Shell Cemetery.
If you are staying in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, you can get to Ao Nam Mao by rental scooter, taxi, or Grab. It is also a short long tail boat ride from Railay beach. It is possible to walk to Railay Beach from the west end of Ao Nam Mao at low tide.
#8. Tubkaek Beach
Tubkaek Beach is a tranquil beach located 15 km north west of Ao Nang. The beach is lined with several high end resorts and is a great place to chill. The beach is a good place to swim at low tide. There are beach loungers, restaurants, and bars on the beach that belong to the beachfront resorts.
Access to it easily by scooter, taxi, and songthaews pickup trucks. It is located just within 100 m from the main road 6024. I recommend having a quick visit to this beach when you go hiking at the nearby Dragon’s Crest Mountain.
#9. Klong Muang Beach
Klong Muang Beach is a quiet beach located just south of Tubkaek Beach. You can combine a visit to Klong Muang, Tubkaek Beach, and Dragon’s Crest Mountain within a single trip.
The beach has white sand, lots of shades, and is a great place for swimming and sunbathing. There are some nice restaurants and bars on the beach. It is a good spot to watch the beautiful sunset too.
Klong Muang Beach is easily accessible from highway 6024 by car and scooter. It is 600m from the main road and the road is the beach is home to several restaurants, guest houses, and a minimart.
Island Hopping
Surrounded by many stunning islands, you can have many boat trips and island hopping tours from Ao Nang and Krabi Town. The most popular islands are Hong Islands, the four Islands, and Koh Phi Phi island.
You can easily get to these islands by taking organised tours, or range it by yourself by hiring a private or shared long tails boat. A visit to one of these islands from Ao Nang usually takes a full day.
#10. Four Islands (Poda, Mor, Chicken, and Tub Island)
The groups of the small beautiful island located just 7 km south of Ao Nang. These islands, Koh Poda, Koh Kai (Chicken Island), Mor Island, and Tub Island are known for their pristine beaches and beautiful rock formations. They are great places for snorkeling and swimming.
If you are visiting these islands on guided tours, it will usually include a visit to Railay Beach on the way. You can book tours online, from your hotel, or at local travel agencies (many of them can be found on the main street of Ao Nang).
#11. Hong Islands
Hong Islands is a group of breathing islands located 20 km north west of Ao Nang. They’re famous for their stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and incredible snorkeling opportunities.
Koh Hong is the main island of the group and is known for its powdery white sand and clear blue waters beach, a hidden lagoon, and a viewpoint with 360 degree views of the ocean and limestones. You can see colorful marine life above the water without using snorkeling equipment.
There are many tours taking you to Hong Island from Ao Nang. If you have a group of friends or a generous budget, you can hire private long tail boats for a few hours.
If you take an organised tour, the boat man will take you to the main island, as well as several other small islands (Koh Lao Lading or Koh Pak Bia) along the way for swimming and snorkeling.
#12. Phi Phi islands
Phi Phi islands are the famous islands located 30 km south of Ao Nang. The islands are renowned for their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant marine life.
The guided tour will usually take you to the most famous attractions on Phi Phi Leh island. They are Maya Bay, which is the iconic beach from The Beach. Other stops are Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo island.
If you plan to visit these islands on day trips, I recommend booking a tour with speed boats. Otherwise, spend a couple of nights on Koh Phi Phi Don, enjoy its nightlife, and do some hiking to the viewpoints.
Night Markets
Krabi has a vibrant night market scene. They are great places to eat street food, buy souvenirs, and enjoy live performances. You can find major night markets in Ao Nang and Krabi Town.
Krabi Town has lots of night markets in the city center. They are the City Night Market, the Weekend Walking Street, the Black Crab Night Market, and the night market along the river. You can easily go night market hopping while visiting this part of Krabi.
#13. Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
The Landmark Night Market is a major night market in Ao Nang, located right on the main road. It is next to Nopparat Thara Beach. The market has everything from street food to souvenirs, a children ‘s playground, live music, and Muay Thai Stadium.
The market has a wide range of Thai and international dishes such as Japanese and Korean. You can try traditional Thai food such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and all kinds of curries. There are lots of halal food options as Krabi has a large Muslim community.
The market is open daily from 5pm to 11pm. It is easily accessible by scooter, taxi, and tuk tuk. If you are in Ao Nang, you can walk to the market. If you don’t want to negotiate the price, you can use Grab.
#14. Krabi City Night Market
Krabi Town Night Market is open everyday from 10am to 11pm. It is located at the intersection of Maharaj 10 street and Phruksauthit Road. The market has everything to buy. The highlight of the market is some good review restaurants, and really cheap fruit shops.
You can have a good cup of smoothies or plate of mixed fruits for just 30 baht, half price compared to the more touristy Ao Nang. The City Night Market is very close to the river. After the market, you can visit other night markets in Krabi Town or walk to the river for some relaxation.
You can easily get to City Night Market on foot if you stay in Krabi Town. If you stay in Ao Nang, you can visit the market as part of an organized tour. You can hire private drivers, or use apps such as Grab, Bolt, and InDrive to reach the market.
#15. Krabi Walking Street
Krabi Walking Street is a weekend night market in Krabi Town, only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. It is located in Maharaj 8 Alley, right next to Vogue Shopping Center, and is within walking distance to many other night markets.
You can buy some cute handmade jewelry at the market, as well as some trendy clothing stalls. They had a food section with live music performances. There are tables and chairs to sit.
After exploring the Walking Street, you can take a look at Vogue Shopping Center and the daily city night market nearby.
#16. Black Crab Night Market
Black Crab is one of the many Night Markets in Krabi Town. It is located right just opposite the river and The Mud Crabs Sculpture. The market is open everyday from 4pm to 10pm.
Like other night markets, it has a wide selection of street food stalls and some cute bars. You can try some delicious food options, buy mixed fruits, smoothies, or just simply take a walk around the market.
If you want to chill at the river, you can just walk across the road to the Mud Crabs Sculpture. It is a great place to take photos and observe local life.
#17. Chao Fah Park Pier Night Market
This is a street food night market located on Khlong Kha Road close to Chao Fah Park Pier. The market is a perfect place to eat some authentic Thai food at a reasonable price. It is home to many nice food stalls with tables and chairs to sit.
I chose a random stall to eat. I ordered steamed rice with ginger fish and papaya salad. It was delicious and cheap. If you want to check out, the place is called Chao Fan Pho Chana.
You can reach Chao Fah Night Market market by taxi, Grab, and scooter. I went there by scooter and parked my scooter on the side of the road near Kong Ka Pier area.
Temples and Cultural Attractions
In addition to the beaches, island hopping, night markets, Krabi has several temples and cultural attractions to explore. The most famous one is the Tiger Cave Temple. Another place to look at is the Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Phothisat. They are all located close to Krabi Town.
#18. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Tiger Cave Temple is one of the top inland’s attractions in Krabi. It’s famous for its stunning views, and the challenging climb to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of surrounding limestones.
To reach the top of the main temple, you will need to climb the 1,260 steep stairs. I recommend allowing 1 hour each way, and that includes lots of rest along the way. It climbed up within 45 minutes, and down for 30 minutes.
Make sure you’re physically fit to do it and not afraid of heights. There are monkeys near the summit. Consider visiting in the early morning to avoid the heat.
There are several Buddha statues at the top including a Big seated Buddha. You can wander around, take photos, enjoy the views, and rest as much as you want before coming down.
When you go down, you can treat yourself with smoothies, coconut water, meals, or snacks at the restaurants inside the temple. Be aware of the monkeys as they steal food and drinks.
If you are still up for exploration, you can check out another route to Tiger Hand cave and Tanoo Cave. It is easier to walk through the jungle visiting different caves and big trees. It is just a short stairs at the beginning then flat the rest of the trail.
The temple is open everyday from 6am to 6pm. Admission fee is 50 baht for foreigners. It is located 11km north of Krabi Town and 20 km north east of Ao Nang.
You can get to Tiger Cave Temple as a part of an organised tour. This tour usually combines visits with the night markets in Krabi Town, and the natural hot springs. If you don’t take a tour, you can use a taxi, grab, Indrive, or Bolt. I got to the temple by scooter, and there were plenty of onsite parkings.
#19. Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Phothisat
Also known as Mountain Buddha Temple, this is a lesser-known temple located 17 km west of Krabi Town and 9 km east of Ao Nang. You can combine a visit to this temple with a visit to the nearby Ao Nam Mao Beach and the Shell Cemetery.
The temple is free to enter. You can climb around 300 steep stairs to reach the top. It has stunning views of the village below and the striking limestone in the background. You will hardly see any tourists at the temple, so you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Hiking
Krabi is an amazing destination for hiking, offering everything from scenic coastal trails to rugged mountain treks. Some popular hiking routes close to Ao Nang and Krabi Town include the Tiger Cave Temple, Monkey trail, Dragon’s Crest Mountain, and Railay East Viewpoint & Lagoon.
#20. Monkey Trail
The Monkey Trail is a beautiful trail along the forested cliffs in Ao Nang, connecting Ao Nang Beach and Pai Plong Beach. You can see monkeys at the beginning of the trail on the Ao Nang Beach side. You will need to climb up and down through steep wooden stairs with bamboo handrails.
It took me 15 minutes to hike the trail with several stops along the way. At the end, you will reach a beautiful sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe, chill, and kayak.
If you stay in Ao Nang, you can reach the Monkey trail by walking. From highway 4203, turn into the beach road Soi Ao Nang 17 and walk till the end to reach the starting point.
#21. Dragon’s Crest Mountain
If you like hiking, you must check out Dragon’s Crest Mountain, aka Khao Ngon Nak. It is one of the most rewarding hikes in Krabi, offering stunning views of lush rainforests, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the sea.
The trail is a combination of dirt paths, wooden stairs, rocks climbing, and sometimes muddy areas, especially after rain, so it’s best to hike in dry conditions.
The hike typically takes about 2 to 3 hours one-way, depending on your fitness level, the weather, and how many breaks you take. The hike up is a bit challenging due to the steep sections and occasional rocky paths, but the view at the top makes it all worthwhile.
It generally takes 5-6 hours to explore the mountain. I recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the heats and have lots of time to explore. If you arrive around 1-2pm, you will need to rush to hike and get down before dark.
Dragon’s Crest Mountain is located 16km north west of Ao Nang. It is open every day from 8 am to 2pm. Entrance fee is 200 baht for foreigners. You can reach the area by soccer, taxi, and Grab. Make sure you arrange the ride back to Ao Nang in advance as it can be difficult to find transport near the park.
#22. Railay East Viewpoint and Lagoon
This is a free rock climbing destination in Railay. If you love hiking, rock climbing, and are not afraid of the height, you must check out this hiking trail. It is a dirt steep trail with rope along the way to hold on. You should avoid climbing it after the rainy day and in the dark.
It took me around 20 minutes to get to Railay East Viewpoint. The viewpoint has stunning views of Railay West and East Beach, as well as the village, the coconut trees, and striking limestone karts.
From the viewpoint, you walk back to the trail and head to another direction to the Lagoon. It was around 10 minutes. The last bits to the Lagoon involve climbing down the steep cliff. Many people skip this part and just see the lagoon from above.
I climbed down all the way to the lagoon. I believe it was low tide. The lagoon is muddy with red water. Some people jump in for swimming, and take video for their Instagram. I just had a look and climbed back to the trail.
To get to Railay East Viewpoint and Lagoon, you need to take the boat ride from Ao Nang/ Krabi Town to Railay first. Once in Railay Beach, you can walk for 10-15 minutes to the trailhead.
Other Attractions and Activities
There are many other small attractions scattering around Ao Nang and Krabi Town. To explore these places, it is best to rent a scooter.
#23. Mangrove Walkway
Mangrove Walkway is a 0.5km long walkway running through the mangrove forest. At the middle of the walk way, you can check out the observation deck for stunning views of the river and the mangrove forest.
There are long tails boats at the end of the walkway. The boatman will approach you and ask if you want to take a boat ride along the river, or visit a cave on the other side of the river. I skipped this part and walked back to the parking area.
Mangrove Walkway is open every day and admission is free. If you stay in Krabi Town, you can walk along the river to reach Mangrove Walkway.
If you stay in other places such as Ao Nang, you will need to use a taxi or Grab to reach here. You can combine a visit to the Mangrove Walkway with the night markets, and local temples in Krabi Town.
#24. Shell Cemetery
Shell Cemetery is a tourist attraction located in Ao Nam Mao, 18 km from Krabi town. It is a unique geological site that features shellfish fossils that have formed into concrete block-like shapes.
The ticket to the sites is 200 baht for foreigners. I didn’t go inside, just drove into the parking area, and had a look around. You can see the fossil beach or look around souvenir shops in the parking area.
#25. Mud Crabs Sculpture and Krabi Town River
Pak Nam River runs on the eastern side of Krabi Town and is a great place to take a leisure walk along the river. Mud Crabs Sculpture is a popular spot for taking photos. It is also a popular hang out spot for locals.
There are also several night markets along the river, offering opportunities to eat with river views. There are a couple of piers along the river, where you can take long tails to places like Railay and Tonsai beach.
#26. Rock Climbing
Krabi, particularly Railay and Tonsai beach, is one of the top destinations in Thailand for rock climbing. With its towering limestone cliffs and craggy peaks, it has options for both professional climbers and beginners.
There are many rock climbing schools in both Ao nang and Railay. You can take half day, full day, or few days courses. If you don’t take a tour, there are also many opportunities for free rock climbing such as the trail to Railay East Viewpoint and lagoon.
#27. Hot Springs & Emerald Pool
The Emerald Pool and Klong Thom Hot Springs are popular inland attractions in Krabi, located around 1 hour drive from south east of Krabi town and Ao Nang. If you want to swim into the jungle, you can check out these attractions.
There are many organised tours taking you to The Emerald Pool and Klong Thom Hot Springs. You can rent a motorbike to visit these places. Tickets are quite expensive for foreigners, 400 bahts for entrance to Emerald Pool, and 200 baht to Klong Thom Hot Springs.
See more:
- How to get to Railay Beach & Get Around
- How to get to Krabi Town & Get Around
- How to Get to Ao Nang & Get Around
These are my list of the 27 wonderful things to do and see in Ao Nang, Krabi. You can explore its beautiful beaches, do island hopping, enjoy the nightlife, and visit some temples and cultural attractions. I hope you enjoy reading my article and have a great trip to Krabi.