Things to Do in Ao Nang: Beaches, Islands, Temples & Nightlife

The main beach in town, with clean white sand, clear water, and longtail boats waiting to take you further out.

• 0.9 miles of sand between two jungle cliffs
• Swimming zone in the southeast half with no boats
• Food stalls, beach chairs, and Thai massage huts
• Shallow water, good for kids, no lifeguards

Ao Nang Beach is the main stretch of sand in this part of Krabi. It's 0.9 miles long and sits between two jungle-covered promontories. The water is shallow and calm - at high tide you can walk far out and still only be waist deep. The southeast half of the beach is where you'll find food stalls, beach chairs and mats to rent, and several Thai massage huts. There are no lifeguards on duty. The northwest half is where the longtail boats park, so swimming is better on the other side. At low tide, the beach turns to mud. It's not the most pristine beach in Thailand - trash can show up on busier days - but the sunsets here can be spectacular. I spent two days just relaxing on the sand and walking along the shore.

A short hike through the jungle to a quieter beach, with monkeys along the way.

• Hike is less than 1,000 feet, takes about 15 minutes
• Dozens of monkeys in the trees along the trail
• Pai Plong Beach is less crowded than Ao Nang
• Hike leads to Pai Plong Beach, not to Tonsai or Railay

At the far left end of Ao Nang Beach you'll find a small trail leading into the jungle. It's the Monkey Trail, and it's only about 1,000 feet long. The hike takes about 15 minutes, but it's through thick greenery. The trail is named for the monkeys - dozens of them hang around in the trees. They're curious and will grab anything within reach, even from your pockets. Keep your bags closed and don't try to stop them if they snatch something, or they might bite. The trail ends at Pai Plong Beach, which is quieter and less packed than Ao Nang Beach. Just know you can't get to Tonsai Beach or Railay Beach from here - those are only reachable by boat.

A full-day boat trip to some of the best islands around Ao Nang, with snorkeling and lunch included.

• Visits Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach
• Includes lunch, water, and snorkeling equipment
• Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang Beach
• National park fee of about 400 THB per person on arrival

If you stand on Ao Nang Beach and look out to sea, you'll see four main islands. That's where this tour takes you. The Four Island Tour covers Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach at Railay. Most tours include lunch, drinking water, and snorkeling gear. Private longtail boat charters for a small group run around 2,000 THB for the three islands. Keep in mind that a national park fee of around 400 THB per person is due when you arrive at the islands. Food options on the islands are limited or nonexistent, so bring snacks if you think you'll get hungry. Snorkeling is a big part of the trip, and the water is clear. I didn't take the boat tour myself - I found Ao Nang Beach relaxing enough - but everyone I met who did said it was worth it.

A stunning peninsula accessible only by boat, with towering limestone cliffs and clear water.

• 10-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang Beach
• Towering limestone cliffs rising from the sea
• Clear water and a totally different feel from Ao Nang
• Round trip ticket costs around 300 THB

Railay Beach isn't an island - it's a peninsula cut off by cliffs, so you can only reach it by boat. From Ao Nang Beach, the longtail ride takes about 10 minutes. A round trip ticket costs around 300 THB. The cliffs here are dramatic and rise straight out of the sea. The vibe is different from Ao Nang's main strip - quieter and more laid back. You can spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or rock climbing if you're into that. There's also Phra Nang Cave Beach on the same peninsula. One thing to keep in mind: the last longtail back to Ao Nang leaves at 5 pm, so if you want to watch the sunset from Railay West Beach, you'll need to stay overnight. Otherwise, head back before the boats stop running.

A Buddhist temple with over 1,200 steps leading to a golden Buddha and panoramic views of Krabi.

• Over 1,200 steps to the top
• Golden Buddha statue and views over the jungle and Andaman Sea
• About 30 minutes from Ao Nang by road
• Best visited as part of a jungle tour or on its own with a driver

Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Sua, is one of Krabi's most visited spots. It's about 30 minutes from Ao Nang. The main draw is the climb - over 1,200 steps up to a golden Buddha statue at the top. From there you get panoramic views over the jungle, limestone cliffs, and the Andaman Sea. It's a tough hike and takes some time. Bring water and go early to beat the heat. You can visit it as part of an organized jungle tour that also includes the Emerald Pool and hot springs, or you can arrange a driver on your own. I didn't make it here during my stay and that's one of my main regrets. Don't make the same mistake.

The night market at the edge of the walking street is small but packed with Thai street food and a fun atmosphere.

• Located just outside the main walking street
• Serves street food, cheap beers, and occasional shows
• Smaller than other Thai night markets but still lively
• Great place to try local dishes like pad thai and mango sticky rice

The night market in Ao Nang is not huge compared to the big markets in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. But it's got a good atmosphere. It sits just off the main walking street and fills up in the evening with travelers and locals. You'll find the usual Thai street food - pad thai, grilled meats on sticks, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes. Cheap beers are available too, and there are sometimes small shows happening. If you're eating on a budget, the Food Center about half a mile up the road is a great alternative. It's nearly across from Sleeper Hostel and cheaper than the beachfront options. I ate there most nights and loved every meal. Pad thai, tom yum goong, barbecued pork, and Thai pancakes filled with banana - all good.