4. Longtail boats

Many of the most beautiful beaches are only accessible by boat. Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach. The boats depart when there are enough passengers, so waiting times are possible. We never had to wait very long, though.

For a round trip to the Railay Peninsula, you currently have to pay 200 THB per person. The first boats depart from Ao Nang Beach around 8:00 a.m. The last boats depart from Railay around 6:30 p.m. If you simply show your ticket on the beach, the staff will guide you to the right boat.

5. Taxis & Private Transfers

Taxis are more expensive than songthaews, but more comfortable. However, you should always negotiate fixed prices in advance or use a taxi app like Bolt or Grab. Private transfers from hotels to more distant locations can be organized through accommodations or tour operators. We occasionally used Bolt and, for example, got us to Koh Phangan. For example, you can take a shuttle from the pier to your accommodation (approx. €7 | 250 THB for 9 kilometers).

Staying overnight in Ao Nang – our hotel tip

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet in Ao Nang, away from the main road, and want to do something for the environment at the same time, then the Ao Nang Eco Villa* is a real insider tip. Here, you’ll sleep surrounded by greenery, wake up to birdsong in the morning, and rest assured that your peace and quiet won’t be disturbed by any noise.

The small, stylish complex with just 10 bungalows focuses on sustainability without sacrificing comfort. The spacious rooms are furnished with plenty of wood and natural materials, creating a cozy yet modern atmosphere. Large windows and sliding doors provide plenty of light and a beautiful view of the greenery.

A real highlight is the beautifully landscaped pool, perfect for cooling off after a hot day at the beach. The entire complex is lovingly maintained, with plenty of greenery and a super relaxed atmosphere. The small, open-air lobby also invites you to relax and read.

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but they can organize a small breakfast for you in the morning. Alternatively, you’ll find excellent cafés and restaurants nearby. You can also get good coffee and a few other delicious drinks on-site. Despite the location off the main road, you are in the middle of the action in just a few minutes.

Other plus points:

• Air conditioning runs very quietly
• No noise from outside
• Bungalows are not close together
• A lot of privacy
• Fresh drinking water every day (2 bottles)
• Hammock on the terrace
• Very clean and beautiful pool

Other beautiful hotels in Ao Nang

There is a wide range of accommodation in Ao Nang – from stylish boutique hotels to luxurious resorts with sea views. Here are some beautiful hotels in Ao Nang that we shortlisted:

Rayavadee Krabi*: One of the most luxurious resorts in Krabi, it is located directly on Railay Beach and features stunning bungalows and villas. The hotel is nestled in a tropical garden landscape with breathtaking views of the limestone cliffs.

Ban Sainai Resort*: This resort is beautifully situated in a tropical garden with views of the impressive cliffs. A quiet location awaits you, just a few minutes from the center.

Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai Beach Krabi*: The Tinidee Hideaway is located on Tonsai Beach, which is only accessible by boat from Ao Nang or Railay. There is no direct road connection, which means no traffic, no noise, just nature and the sea.

Anana Ecological Resort Krabi*: The Anana Ecological Resort is not directly on the beach, but rather a little further inland from Ao Nang, surrounded by tropical nature and with a beautiful view of the cliffs.

The most beautiful beaches in Ao Nang

In and around Ao Nang, you’ll find many beautiful beaches that invite you to sunbathe, swim, and relax. Important to note right from the start: You won’t be alone on these beaches, as the region is one of the most popular in all of Thailand. Accordingly, there are always many vacationers, especially during the high season between November and March.

️ Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach is located right in the heart of the resort and is therefore easily accessible. Restaurants, shops, clubs, accommodations, and bars are located directly on the main road – perfect if you don’t want to walk too far after a day at the beach. However, the main road is also the busiest area.

The view of the offshore islands is a real highlight, especially at sunset. However, the beach is often busy, and the water here is not quite as clear as at other beaches in the region. If you prefer a more secluded swim, you’ll find even more beautiful alternatives in the area.

Noppharat Thara Beach

At the western end of Ao Nang lies Noppharat Thara Beach – a super relaxed alternative to the busy main beach. It is easily accessible on foot or by scooter and is much less busy.

The wide sandy beach invites you to take long walks, especially at low tide, when you can almost walk to the small islands off the coast. Perfect for those looking for a quieter atmosphere but still want to stay close to Ao Nang.

️ Railay Beach (West & East)

The popular Railay Beach is only accessible by longtail boat from Ao Nang (200 THB pp round trip), but a spectacular backdrop awaits you: fine sand, emerald-green water, and imposing limestone cliffs. Besides the beach, there are several highlights to discover – including the legendary viewpoint, the hidden Princess Lagoon, the impressive Diamond Cave, and the mystical Princess Cave with its opulent offerings.

However, Railay is no longer an insider tip. It can get quite crowded here during the day, especially in high season. There’s also now a small “party mile” with many restaurants, bars, and cannabis shops. It wasn’t our taste. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the bay in peace, you should come early in the morning or towards the evening.

️ Pai Plong Beach

Pai Plong Beach is only accessible on foot via the Monkey Trail – a short but steep path through the jungle. After about 15 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet cove framed by rocks. As the name suggests, you’ll occasionally spot a few monkeys along the way.

Here you’ll find fine sand, clear water, and hardly any crowds – perfect for relaxing and swimming. But: no infrastructure. No restaurants or public restrooms, just a 5-star hotel on the beach. If you plan to stay longer, it’s best to bring snacks and water.

️ Tonsai Beach

Tonsai Beach is located between Railay and Ao Nang and can be reached either by boat or via a short jungle path. It’s more relaxed and alternative than the famous Railay Beach – with small bars, hammocks, and a real backpacker atmosphere.

Tonsai is especially popular with climbers, who find some of the best routes in the region here. The beach is less ideal for swimming, as the water is often shallow and many boats anchor in the bay. Anyone looking for a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere has come to the right place.

️ Phra Nang Cave Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the region – and it shows: crystal-clear water, fine sand, and impressive cliffs make Phra Nang Cave Beach a real highlight. It is located right next to Railay Beach and can only be reached by boat or on foot.

In addition to sunbathing and snorkeling, there is a special attraction here: the Princess Cave, a cave with curious offerings in the form of wooden phalluses. A very spiritual place with unusual symbolism.

Disadvantage: As beautiful as the beach is, it has long since ceased to be an insider tip. It gets crowded here during the day – if you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s best to come early in the morning on one of the first boats or late in the afternoon.

️ Klong Muang Beach

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Ao Nang, this is the place for you. Klong Muang Beach is located a little west and is easily accessible by scooter or taxi. A wide, quiet sandy beach surrounded by untouched nature awaits you – perfect for long walks or simply to unwind.

However, there is hardly any infrastructure here. Restaurants and bars are rare, so it’s best to bring everything you need. On the other hand, you’ll often have the beach almost to yourself.

️ Hong Island

A real highlight for a day trip! Hong Island is located about 45 minutes by boat from Ao Nang and offers crystal-clear waters, a hidden lagoon, and fine sand—ideal for snorkeling or relaxing.

But: You’re not alone here. Hong Island is a popular tourist attraction and can get crowded quickly. There’s also an entrance fee of 300 THB per person. If you arrive early in the morning, you have the best chance of experiencing the island in a more peaceful setting.

️ Poda Island (Koh Poda)

Just 25 minutes by boat from Ao Nang lies Poda Island, a small tropical island with a fine sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Directly off the coast, a striking limestone island rises out of the sea – a truly great photo opportunity!

Here you can snorkel, swim, or simply relax. But be warned: Poda Island is no longer an insider tip and is visited by many day trips. There is also an entrance fee of 200 THB per person. If you want to experience the beach in a relatively quiet environment, it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

Sights in Ao Nang & Excursions

If you don’t want to just relax on the beach in Ao Nang, you’ll also find some worthwhile excursions in the surrounding area. Whether island hopping, visiting temples, watching the sunrise in the hinterland, taking a cooking class with locals, or hiking tours through the mountains – Ao Nang is diverse and varied.

Hong Island

For us, a trip to Hong Island is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have from Ao Nang. The island is known for its breathtaking lagoon, fine sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. We recently rented a longtail boat with friends (3,300 THB) and explored Hong Island and the surrounding area.

The main beach of Hong Island (Koh Hong) is a beautiful postcard scene: fine sand surrounded by huge limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. A nature trail also leads you to magnificent viewpoints from where you can gaze out over the sea and the many small islands.

Most tour operators head to the same spots, and you should keep in mind that boats depart here daily, not only from Ao Nang, but also from Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Yao Noi. Especially in high season, the popular islands and beaches can get quite crowded.

Booking & Costs

• Price: Approx. 900–1,200 baht per person, depending on the provider and boat.
• Duration: 5-8 hours (usually including water, lunch & snorkeling set)
• Highlights: Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Pakbia Island & Lading Island
• But: Very touristy and very busy in high season!
• Booking: Book your tour in advance here*

IMPORTANT INFO: As these islands are part of the Thanbok Khoranee National Park, a fee of 300 THB per person must be paid on Hong Island (cash only).

4 Islands Tour

One of the most popular excursions is definitely the so-called 4 Islands Tour*, which you can book at pretty much any tour desk, no matter how small, in Ao Nang and Krabi. On this trip you will travel by traditional longtail boat or speedboat to four different destinations with turquoise blue water, white sandy beaches and impressive rock formations in the sea (Tub Island, Poda Island, Chicken Island & Phra Nang Beach).

Booking & Costs

• Price: Approx. 500–1,500 baht per person, depending on the provider and boat.
• Duration: Half-day or full-day (usually including lunch and water).
• Highlights: Snorkeling, beaches, rock formations
• But: Very touristy and overcrowded in peak season!
• Booking: Book the tour in advance here*

Railay Beach

A popular excursion destination is Railay Beach. Although Railay is not actually an island, the place is only accessible by boat, as imposing limestone cliffs cut it off from the rest of the mainland. This makes it a great paradise for beach lovers, climbers, and adventurers.

The Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang Beach and Noppharat Beach at 8am. The trip takes around 10-15 minutes and costs 100 THB per person each way.>. The last boats return around 6:30 p.m. You don’t need to book anything in advance; you can simply buy your ticket at the counter on site.

The boats only depart when there are enough passengers, which doesn’t take long during peak season. It’s best to head to the Railay Peninsula as early as possible to enjoy the picturesque scenery without the crowds. Be sure to visit Railay Beach West, Phra Nang Beach, and the viewpoint.

Booking & Costs

• Price: 200 baht per person for a round trip.
• Duration: 10-15 minutes to Railay
• Highlights: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, beaches, rock formations, climbing.
• But: Very touristy and crowded in peak season!

Phi Phi Islands

One of the most popular day trips is the trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh became world famous through the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Since then, it has been one of the most famous bays in the world. From Ao Nang, the speedboat ride takes around 45-60 minutes each way.

During the tour you will make various stops and explore the famous Maya Bay, the Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, the Viking Cave and Bamboo Island, among others. Depending on the provider, snorkeling, lunch, drinks and national park fees are already included.

Slower ferries also depart from Ao Nang to the Phi Phi Islands (duration approx. 2 hours each way). This ferry trip is suitable if you are staying overnight on Phi Phi Island and are staying longer. For a day trip from Ao Nang, we recommend taking the speedboat to save time.

Booking & Costs

• Price: approx. 1,500–3,500 THB (including lunch, snorkeling equipment)
• Duration: usually 6-8 hours
• Highlights: Sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, beaches, rock formations.
• But: Very touristy and overcrowded in high season!
• Booking: Book the tour in advance here*

Mountain Buddha Temple

If you have some time left, we recommend a trip to the very beautiful Mountain Buddha Temple in Ao Nang (Wat Phu Khao Phra Maha Bodhisattva). A steep staircase with around 140 steps leads up to the temple. On the way up and at the top, you will find various impressive statues, including a large golden Buddha statue and depictions of the Chinese goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape with its many green hills and rocks. Since this is a religious site, you should make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. Early in the morning or late afternoon, the temperatures are more pleasant, and the light is ideal for photos.

Booking & Costs

• Price: free
• Duration: approx. 1 hour for exploration
• Highlights: numerous golden statues + view from the top
• Important: pay attention to clothing, bring enough water

Ao Nang Night Market

The Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is located directly on Nopparat Thara Beach, just a few steps from the Holiday Inn Resort. It is open daily from 5 pm to 11 pm and is the largest and most modern night market in Ao Nang. There are numerous food stalls, clothing, souvenirs, and live music. Perfect for a relaxed end to the evening.

If you’re hungry, you can try typical Thai dishes – from Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice to freshly grilled seafood and Roti, the delicious Thai pancakes. Be sure to bring enough cash, as you usually can’t pay with a card at the stalls.

Trip to Krabi Town

Krabi Town is the administrative center of the region and offers a more relaxed alternative to Ao Nang. Here you will find local markets, cheap street food and a small night market. Worth seeing are the Tiger Cave Temple outside of town and a boat tour through the mangroves. The town itself is not so worth seeing purely visually, but is suitable as a short detour.

What you can do locally in Krabi Town:

• Tiger Cave Temple (1,237 steps for a view over Krabi)
• Khao Khanab Nam (interesting cave with history)
• Krabi Night Market (street food, clothing, souvenirs & live music)
• Boat tour on the Krabi River with mangrove forests, fishing villages & Rocks
• Wat Kaew Korawaram (small, white temple in the middle of town)
• Maharaj Market (authentic local market)
• HM Lanta War Ship Museum

Extra tip 1: Trip to the Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint

We have a very special tip for you. If you like sunrises or sunsets, you should take a trip to the Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint. The small café with a viewing platform is located in the middle of a spectacular landscape and is surrounded by green hills and imposing limestone cliffs.

We were there for sunrise and can assure you that it’s worth getting up early! There’s a large viewing platform with several seating areas. The owners run a small café there where you can order a simple breakfast, so be sure to pack cash to enjoy a coffee or breakfast at sunrise.

Note: At the parking lot, you will be asked to pay a fee of 70 baht per person. At sunrise, you will be taken in a jeep in the dark up the mogul road to the café. Alternatively, you can also walk the distance (about 15 minutes). However, since we were very late, we gratefully accepted the transfer.

Booking & Costs

• Price: 70 Baht per person (parking & short transfer to the top)
• Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Duration: Plan at least 2 hours
• Highlights: Magnificent view of the landscape
• Important: Pack cash for breakfast after sunrise!
• Booking: Book a guided tour in advance here*

Extra tip 2: Trip to the Tree House Café

If you’re looking for a little break from the hustle and bustle of the beach in Ao Nang, then you should put the Tree House Café on your list. This hidden café is surrounded by greenery and is not just a café—it’s a little paradise in the jungle. It’s only a 10-15 minute scooter ride to this café.

Surrounded by tall trees, plenty of bamboo, and tropical plants, it feels like you’re miles away from the touristy Ao Nang. Be sure to take some time for a visit, as there’s so much to discover. Hammocks, tree houses, swings, a treetop walkway, and plenty of attention to detail await you here.

Do you love a hearty breakfast? Then you’ll love the Tree House Café! Whether you prefer a classic start with bread, egg, and avocado or try spicy Thai specialties – you’ll find everything your heart desires here. Fresh smoothie bowls, homemade pancakes, and healthy juices are also on the menu.

Extra Tip 3: Kayak Tour on Mirror Lake

We have another great tip for you. If you fancy a relaxing kayak tour away from the tourist crowds, you should definitely take a trip to the so-called Mirror Lake in Ao Nang. Surrounded by dense mangroves and impressive limestone cliffs, you’ll paddle through a scenery that seems almost unreal.

The lake lives up to its name – when there’s no wind, the landscape is perfectly reflected on the water’s surface. Since there are no waves or currents, this type of tour is perfect for beginners who just want to glide along in a relaxed manner. Away from the beaches, a kayak tour on Mirror Lake offers a completely different side of Ao Nang.

From the lake, a small canal leads through the mangroves to a kind of small lagoon, where you can jump into the cool water. So, it’s best to put on your swimsuit right away so you can jump into the water from the boat. There’s also a restaurant on the lake’s shore where you can order local Thai dishes at super reasonable prices.

You can book a guided tour or explore the area on your own. There are numerous companies that rent kayaks (starting at 300 baht per boat). We highly recommend Baan Suan Kayak. A very nice family who rents out a few kayaks to tourists on the shore.

Booking & Costs

• Price: 300 Baht per boat (Provider: Baan Suan Kayak)
• Duration: Plan at least 2 to 3 hours
• Highlights: Magnificent scenery with high cliffs and a lagoon
• Important: Payment in cash only
• Booking: Book the guided tour here in advance*

Other excursions & Tours

• Ao Nang: James Bond & Hong Islands with Speedboat Canoe Trip*
• Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake Day Trip*
• Dragon Crest Mountain Hike, ATV & Kayaking Full-Day Private Tour*
• Kayaking Adventure through the Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest*
• From Krabi: Snorkeling Trip to the Similan Islands by Speedboat*
• Tiger Cave Temple, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool*
• Discover the Tham Khlang Cave and the Blue Lagoon Adventure*

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Restaurants and Cafes

In Ao Nang you will find countless restaurants, cafes, bars and street food stalls – the selection is particularly huge along the busy main street. Be sure to try: Massaman Curry, Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Panang Gai, Khao Soi, or Gaeng Kiew Wan – true classics of Thai cuisine.

Many restaurants also offer Western dishes such as burgers, fries, schnitzel, pancakes, or chicken nuggets. Perfect if someone in your group or your own child isn’t (yet) so adventurous. Fresh fruit smoothies, iced coffee, soft drinks, and beer are available almost everywhere.

Our food tips for Ao Nang:

• KK Café Aonang Krabi (good breakfast)
• Del Dia Café (super delicious breakfast & coffee)
• Ceasars Pizza (incredibly good pizza and pasta)
• PLANT-ERIAN (good vegan restaurant)
• Café 8.98 (fancy café, always busy)
• The Coffee Club (good coffee)
• The Hilltop Ao Nang (good food + great view)
• Umberto’s Cuisine (very popular Italian restaurant)
• 23 Roasters Café Krabi (very good coffee & small pastries)
• Ruen Mai Restaurant (very good Thai restaurant)
• The Tree House Café (very photogenic spot with good food)
• Rot chaat paak saep (very good local Thai restaurant)

Our best travel tips for Ao Nang

⚕️Pharmacies: There are numerous pharmacies (“pharmacy”) in Ao Nang that sell common medications and first aid products. If you’re unsure, just ask on site – many speak English.

Supermarkets: In addition to the many mini-markets like 7-Eleven, Big C Mini, or MiniMart, you’ll also find larger supermarkets like Lotus’s or Makro along the main road, which offer a wider selection. For fresh fruit and snacks, it’s worth stopping by the local stalls.

⛽ Gas Stations: There are official gas stations as well as small pumps at mini-markets. You can buy gas in glass bottles (40–60 THB) at many street stalls, but the gas at the larger gas stations is cheaper and of significantly better quality.

Laundry Service: Small shops and hotels throughout Ao Nang offer laundry services. Prices vary—you’ll typically pay between 40 and 50 THB per kilo, depending on whether you want a simple machine wash or a full service including ironing.

ATMs: ATMs are found on almost every corner, but most charge a fee of around 220 THB per withdrawal (Krungsri and SCB). Card payments are accepted in some restaurants and shops, but most only accept cash.

Medical Care: Several clinics, including the Ao Nang Medical Clinic and the Krabi Nakharin International Hospital, offer quick assistance for minor problems. For more serious cases, the large Krabi Hospital in town is the best option.

Sale of Alcohol: There are set times for the sale of alcohol in Thailand. Supermarkets, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and other stores are only allowed to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to midnight. On certain holidays, such as Buddhist holidays or elections, there is even a complete ban on alcohol sales.

Internet: We used the e-SIM from Airalo* (30 days of unlimited internet) the entire time we were in Thailand and always had a very good and stable connection. We were connected to the internet immediately after landing. With our code “NICOLE2629” you get €3 credit for free (and we’ll give you €3 too as a thank you). More on this topic here: eSim for Thailand – providers, prices & Our recommendation.

Drone: In Thailand, flying a drone is only permitted with registration with the CAAT and approval from the NBTC – violations can result in heavy fines. We used the great drone service* from Max and Mild. We had all the necessary documents in no time. Simply fantastic!

Ao Nang Costs – Our Expenses

Our expenses for Ao Nang totaled €1,589.31 for two people, or €794.65 per person. This includes, among other things, travel to and from the airport (€57.14), the hotel for 7 nights (€1,016.00), the scooter and gasoline (€65.00), and restaurant visits (€202.50). Massages, street food, laundry service, and tips add up, but remain manageable—making the area a budget-friendly destination overall.

Conclusion on Ao Nang

Even though Ao Nang is very touristy overall, there are certainly beautiful corners that aren’t overrun by crowds. We knew that the area would be very busy during peak season and that we wouldn’t find any secluded spots. If you’re willing to explore the area off the main roads, you might discover small oases.

Most people mill around along the main road in Ao Nang and on the beautiful beaches of the surrounding islands. That was also the case 10 years ago when we first visited the region. We really enjoyed the mix of exploration, relaxation, and adventure, and we wouldn’t rule out a third visit.