Jungle Trails and Island Tales: Our Wild Escape to Ao Nang, Thailand
- Steve Jenkins
- May 29
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
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When we left Phuket behind, we thought Ao Nang might offer a quieter, more laid-back leg of our Thailand trip. Spoiler: it did not. Between jungle rainstorms, failed wildlife encounters, and a sweaty hike to one of the best views in Krabi, this trip had it all. But it also gave us moments of total bliss, like sailing into postcard-perfect lagoons and having lunch in literal paradise.
Here’s how our chaotic, colourful Ao Nang adventure unfolded.
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Arriving in Ao Nang
After a whirlwind start to our Thailand adventure, we left the bustle of Phuket behind and boarded a ferry bound for Krabi. For just a few pounds extra, we treated ourselves to VIP tickets and found ourselves in a surprisingly serene first-class lounge. The two-hour ferry ride felt more like a scenic tour than a transfer, karst cliffs, turquoise waters, and scattered longtail boats created the perfect postcard panorama.
Once we docked, a shared taxi whisked us off to our accommodation, Fiore Ao Nang, a peaceful jungle resort tucked away in the hills. It was lush, green, and buzzing with life. Quite literally. The insects were deafening, the rain was biblical, and the stairs to our villa were enough to challenge even the fittest traveller.
But when we reached our private villa, any grumbles vanished. The space was stunning, a canopy bed, jungle views, a modern design that still felt in tune with nature, and a rain shower that let you bathe to the sound of tropical birds. We instantly loved it.
Monkey Trail Mayhem
The next morning brought dry skies and a renewed sense of adventure, so we decided to tackle the Monkey Trail, a steep wooden staircase that links Ao Nang to Pai Plong Beach. The name promised monkeys, but reality offered only sweat, steep inclines, and not a primate in sight.
Halfway up, drenched and panting in the 33-degree heat, we admitted defeat. We clambered back down and treated ourselves to smoothies as a reward for our mostly failed efforts.
Island-Hopping in Style
Redemption came the next day, when we set off on a private longtail boat tour. We booked this with a local tour operator but GetYourGuide have similar options.
This wasn’t just a highlight of Ao Nang, it was one of the best days of our entire trip. Our guide greeted us with a grin and an itinerary, and soon we were gliding across the sea.
Sailing across turquoise waters, we visited hidden coves, limestone cliffs, and mangrove forests. Hong Lagoon was our first major stop, and it was breath-taking. The narrow entrance opened into a peaceful emerald lagoon surrounded by soaring cliffs and trees growing straight out of the rock. It felt like a secret.
Next came Lao Lading, a small but stunning beach known for its dramatic rock formations and clear waters. We were lucky with our timing, almost no one was there when we arrived, but minutes later it was packed. Having our own boat meant we could leave the crowds behind and keep chasing that perfect beach.
We stopped briefly on Pakbia Island before heading back near Hong Lagoon for lunch.
Lunch in Paradise
Our guide laid out a picnic blanket and cushions right on the sand. Coconut drinks, beautifully presented Thai dishes, and fresh fruit, all in a setting that looked like something from a dream. No crowds, no noise, just us, the sea, and the sound of waves.
It wasn’t just a meal. It was a moment. One of those rare travel memories that lodges itself in your heart.
The Final Push: Hong Island Viewpoint
After lunch, we arrived at Hong Island itself, a popular national park where most tours tend to converge. We paid the entrance fee, dodged queues of tourists, and set our sights on the viewpoint.
427 steps. In 30-degree heat. After a big lunch.
Let’s just say it wasn’t our most graceful climb. We huffed and puffed, took breaks next to suspicious-looking lizards, and muttered many unrepeatable words. But when we reached the top? Worth it. The panoramic views across the Andaman Sea were unbelievable, jagged cliffs, tiny islands, and endless blue.
Why Private Tours Are Worth It
By the time we made it back down, the beach was packed. Dozens of tourists queued for the same return boats, but we just strolled back to our waiting longtail, waved to the crowds, and sailed off into the sunshine.
Booking a private tour wasn’t cheap, but it gave us time, freedom, and space to truly soak it all in. No waiting around. No awkward groups. Just the two of us, a brilliant guide, and some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen.
Looking Ahead
That night, we collapsed back at Fiore Ao Nang, tired, mildly sunburned, and ridiculously happy. The next leg of our journey would take us to Koh Samui, but Ao Nang had left its mark.
From sweat-soaked hikes to island bliss, it gave us the full Thai rollercoaster. And we wouldn’t have changed a thing.
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