Ao Nang, Krabi
After the touristy buzz of Kata, Ao Nang felt like a breath of jungle-scented air. Set against dramatic limestone cliffs and fringed by island-studded waters, it offered a more relaxed pace without losing the sense of adventure.
From lazy mornings in our hillside villa to island-hopping on a private longtail boat and navigating chaotic night markets, this stop gave us our first real taste of freedom and a whole lot of unexpected charm.
🧾 Quick look
🛏️ Stayed: Fiore Ao Nang Resort (฿29,160 (~£613, ~$765, €700) / 5 nights)
🛶 Tour: Private longtail tour to Hong Islands (฿9,000 (£189, ~$236, €216) for two)
🍛 Best meal: Curry at Tandoori Night’s (฿1,800 (£38, ~$47, ~€43) total)
👕 Custom shirts: Garry’s Custom Tailors
📅 Weather: Hot (high 20s–low 30s °C), 80–100% humidity, with occasional rain showers
👥 Crowd level: Busy but more relaxed and European-feeling than Kata
🚫 Warnings: Tour prices vary, and some market stalls will try to overcharge
💡 Booking tip: Recheck prices close to travel, we saved money by cancelling and rebooking
✅ Would we return? No, we loved it, but there’s too much world left to see
✔️ Would suit you if… You want good beaches, jungle vibes, and access to great island tours
❌ Avoid if… You dislike hilly resorts or aren’t keen on walking steep paths
Getting There
We arranged our transfer to Ao Nang through a local tour stand conveniently located beside our resort in Kata. The total cost was ฿1,500 for two people (~£32, ~$41, ~€38), which covered a shared minivan to the ferry pier, the ferry crossing itself, and a second minivan straight to our accommodation in Ao Nang.
For an extra ฿300 per person (~£6.50, ~$8.20, ~€7.60), we upgraded to first class on the ferry—and it was well worth it. The upgrade included access to an air-conditioned cabin with cushioned seating, a quieter atmosphere, access to the open-air top deck, and complimentary snacks and drinks. It made a real difference during the heat of the day, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable start to our time in Krabi.
Where We Stayed
Tucked into the lush hills just outside Ao Nang, Fiore Ao Nang Resort offers a peaceful, jungle-inspired escape that feels a world away from the town’s busy beachfront. Built into the hillside, the resort delivers a treehouse-style experience with stone paths winding through tropical gardens, brightly coloured lizards darting across foliage, and monkeys occasionally swinging by for a visit on the private decks.
Our villa was a highlight. A huge four-poster bed anchored the space, complemented by a beautifully designed, oversized bathroom and a private hot tub overlooking the treetops. Tranquil and tastefully furnished, it felt indulgent without being overdone.
Breakfast was included and served each morning in an open-air restaurant at the base of the hill. The spread was generous and varied: made-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries, and a few rotating Thai dishes. Getting there meant a steep walk downhill, which was easy enough on the way down but a proper leg-burner on the return. Buggies were available to shuttle guests up and down, but we usually opted to walk.
The resort is not within walking distance of Ao Nang Beach, but complimentary shuttles into town made exploring hassle-free. We typically used the hotel’s transport into the centre and took a tuk-tuk back at night (฿300, ~£6.45, ~$7.95, ~€7.10). Being slightly removed from the main strip was actually a plus, offering a quiet, romantic base for exploring the region.
Fiore also features a restaurant, a poolside bar and snack area, and a nearby jungle adventure park with ziplining, rope courses, and elevated walkways. They organise local tours from the front desk too, though we didn’t take advantage of these.
Service was excellent across the board. The staff were warm, friendly, and eager to help, even insisting on carrying our bags to the room, which felt a little formal for us, but the thoughtfulness was appreciated.
Travel Tip: Keep an eye on your reservation after booking. We saved a significant amount by rebooking the same villa when the price dropped — a savvy move that’s well worth the effort.
💡 Alternative Options
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Ban Sainai Resort
A serene hideaway nestled in tropical gardens, Ban Sainai feels a world away from Ao Nang’s buzz, yet remains within easy reach. Private cottages with mountain or garden views are scattered across peaceful grounds, making it ideal for couples craving calm. The natural setting and exceptional service earn this resort consistent praise.
From ฿2,400 per night (~£51, ~$61, ~€57)
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Phu Pha Aonang Resort & Spa
With rustic wooden bungalows tucked beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, Phu Pha offers a classic Thai jungle experience just minutes from the beach. Guests enjoy the quiet atmosphere, leafy surroundings, and solid mid-range comfort, plus an inviting pool and on-site restaurant.
From ฿1,500 per night (~£32, ~$38, ~€36)
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Aonang Hill @ 11/1
Set on the hillside with panoramic views over Ao Nang and the sea beyond, this modern boutique hotel delivers clean lines, large rooms, and an infinity pool that captures golden sunsets. With a complimentary shuttle into town, it’s a great choice for travellers seeking stylish tranquillity just above the action.
From ฿2,000 per night (~£43, ~$51, ~€48)
What We Did
Ao Nang offered the balance we were looking for: lively without being overwhelming, with just enough energy to feel engaging but plenty of space to unwind. We didn’t arrive with a strict itinerary. Instead, we let the pace of the place guide us.
Most mornings began slowly. We’d linger over breakfast at the resort, accompanied by the sounds of the jungle and the occasional flash of a lizard crossing the path. From there, we took the hotel shuttle into town and wandered on foot, drifting between smoothie stalls, local markets, and the familiar chorus of scooters weaving along the narrow roads.
We spent one day island-hopping by private longtail boat and another visiting the dramatic cliffs of Railay Beach. Both had their moments, from cinematic scenery to unexpected chaos, but we’ve covered those in detail later on.
Evenings were spent exploring Ao Nang’s relaxed night markets. We had shirts tailored at Garry’s, picked up souvenirs, and found some of the best Indian food of our trip at Tandoori Night’s.
There were plenty of little pleasures here: cold beers by the water, the rustle of palm trees at night, and that rare kind of rhythm where it finally feels like a proper holiday.
Tours
Island-Hopping from Ao Nang: A Private Longtail Adventure
For an island-hopping experience that felt both exclusive and unforgettable, a private longtail boat tour from Ao Nang delivered one of the absolute highlights of our Thailand trip. We arranged it two days in advance through a small operator on the main beach road. The price included hotel pickup, a full-day itinerary with multiple island stops, snorkelling gear, drinks, a freshly prepared Thai lunch on a secluded beach, and the return transfer. The only extra cost was the national park fee, which we paid in cash on the day.
We were collected from our resort around 9am and taken straight to the beachfront, where our longtail boat awaited under a cloudless blue sky. The sea was calm and inviting as we set off, gliding across turquoise waters to our first stop at Hong Lagoon. Enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, the lagoon was quiet and serene, a perfect introduction. From there, we continued on to the craggy beauty of Lao Lading, then stopped at Pakbia with its dramatic sandbanks and views across the archipelago.
Lunch was served on a quiet, near-deserted beach tucked away near Hong Lagoon. Our guide laid out a blanket and cushions in the shade, turning it into a peaceful private dining spot. The food was superb: fragrant fried rice, Thai soup, a platter of tropical fruits, crisps, chilled coconuts to drink from, and cold cans of Coke. With only one other couple on the beach and limestone cliffs towering overhead, it felt like something out of a movie, understated, romantic, and totally unspoiled.
After lunch, we headed to the crown jewel of the day: Hong Island. We paid the park fee at the entrance and disembarked via a floating pontoon, which bobbed unpredictably in the increasing swell. From there, we made our way to the island’s famous viewpoint hike. The trail snakes up around 270 steep steps, with a few rest stops along the way. Some of the boards were worn and rickety, and the heat made it a sweaty challenge, but the views were breathtaking. From the top platform, we could see not only the island below but the whole scattered panorama of the Andaman Sea. It was busy at the summit, but worth every step. The full round trip took us about 40 minutes, and we descended flushed with heat and accomplishment.
Back at the bay, we tried snorkelling, but visibility was poor due to stirred-up sand. After a few minutes, we gave up and settled into the shade instead, sipping cold drinks and soaking up the last of the peace.
The only real downside came at the end. The floating pontoon had become overcrowded, with boats jostling for space and little shade. The boards were hot underfoot, and the atmosphere felt more like a festival queue than a beach escape. Boarding the boat was chaotic. And once we were off, the return journey was noticeably rougher. The longtail boat bounced and smacked over the waves hard enough that we worried about our spines. It wasn’t unsafe, but it wasn’t relaxing either.
We made it back to the resort just after 4pm, sun-tired, windswept, and completely satisfied. The entire day was structured with just the right amount of time at each stop, clearly timed, but never rushed. Our guide was exceptional. Warm, thoughtful, and quietly attentive, she made everything feel effortless. Her English was excellent, and she worked alongside the captain and first mate to make the day feel genuinely special.
If your budget allows, this is one experience worth splurging on. Private tours offer a level of calm, intimacy, and flexibility that group trips simply can’t match. Instead of jostling for snorkel gear or racing to keep up with a guide, we were able to explore at our own pace, enjoy a peaceful lunch, and take in one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with space to breathe. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
💡 Quick Reference: 4 Islands Private Longtail Boat Tour
🚤 Tour Type: Private longtail boat island-hopping experience
💰 Cost: ฿9,000 for two (approx. £189, $234, €216), plus a ฿300 national park fee per person (approx. £6.30, $7.80, €7.20)
📍 Location: Ao Nang Beach, Krabi
⏱️ Duration: Around 7 hours
💬 Highlights: Tranquil island visits, picnic lunch on a secluded beach, and a rewarding hike to the Hong Island viewpoint
⚠️ Tips: Wear proper footwear for hiking, bring reef-safe sunscreen, and carry extra water
🔗 Booked via: Local stand beside Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service office
🧭 Verdict: A splurge that delivers; calm, personalised, and far superior to standard group tours
💡 Quick Reference: Railay Beach Day Trip
🚤 Tour Type: Self-organised longtail boat trip
💰 Cost: ฿100 (approx. £2.10, $2.60, €2.40) per person, one way
📍 Location: Railay Beach, Krabi
⏱️ Duration: Half-day to full-day depending on your pace
💬 Highlights: Towering limestone cliffs, dramatic coastal scenery, cave walk to Phra Nang Beach, laid-back cafés, and a strong backpacker vibe
⚠️ Tips: Visit early or late to avoid peak crowds, watch out for bold monkeys, and skip the swim if jellyfish are spotted
🔗 Booked via: Walk-up longtail stand on Ao Nang beachfront
🧭 Verdict: Visually stunning and easy to reach, ideal for a short visit, though not the tranquil escape many expect
Tours
Railay Beach Day Trip
Although we didn’t stay overnight in Railay, a day trip from Ao Nang was both simple and we hoped, worth the detour. Just beyond the curve where the main road meets the beach, longtail boats depart regularly for Railay. We barely waited before boarding, and within 15 minutes we were skimming past karst cliffs and into one of the most striking approaches in Thailand.
The arrival is spectacular: soaring limestone formations plunge into turquoise water, framing a crescent of impossibly soft sand. Stepping ashore, we followed a shaded path into Railay's laid-back centre. The atmosphere here is pure backpacker: a little rough around the edges, but colourful and easy-going, with beach cafés, smoothie stands, souvenir shops, and the occasional cannabis dispensary. It was busy, but still manageable.
We cooled off with smoothies, wandered the narrow walking street, and stopped briefly for coffee and a quick bathroom break before making our way to Phra Nang Beach, the area’s most famous drawcard, and the one most often featured on postcards.
The walk to Phra Nang is an experience in itself. The trail cuts through dramatic limestone formations, flanked by towering stalactites and tangled jungle. Shafts of sunlight filter through the gaps, giving the whole scene a primeval quality, like the entrance to some long-lost cavern.
Visually, the beach delivers. But the reality? Less serene. Phra Nang was absolutely packed. Climbers clung to the cliffs, swimmers jostled in the shallows, and every inch of sand seemed spoken for. At the far end, the infamous Phra Nang Cave drew a steady stream of curious visitors. Revered locally for its fertility symbolism, it’s filled with phallic wooden offerings that are both striking and, for some, a little startling.
We attempted to walk the length of the beach in search of a quiet patch, but the sheer volume of people, combined with intense heat and the sight of two jellyfish, one worryingly large and another possibly a Portuguese man o’ war, quickly drained our enthusiasm for a swim.
Then came the monkeys. Bold, unafraid, and clearly accustomed to tourists, they darted between groups in search of food. One grabbed a soft drink, another snatched snacks from an unattended bag, and in one particularly tense moment, a monkey lunged, baring its teeth at a woman who dared to shoo it away. That was enough for us. We didn’t hesitate; we were out of there.
We made our way back to the street area and grabbed a quick lunch at one of the cafés, but by that point, we were both feeling a little underwhelmed. Despite the dramatic setting, Railay hadn’t quite lived up to the hype for us. So, we called it early, hopped on a boat, and headed back to our resort in Ao Nang, where a peaceful afternoon by the pool sounded far more appealing.
What To Know Before You Go
Ao Nang Vibe Check
Still busy, but far less overwhelming than Kata. It had a more relaxed energy and felt easier to enjoy at your own pace.
Tailoring Highlight:
Getting clothes made at Garry’s Custom Tailors was a standout experience — professional, high quality, and great service.
Souvenir Shopping Tip
Prices vary wildly, so don’t buy from the first stall you see. A quick wander can save you a lot.
Longtail Boat Logistics
For day trips to nearby islands like Railay, Hong, or the Four Islands, head to the Longtail Boat Service Office down by the beach. Early mornings are best for calmer seas and fewer crowds. Always check the return boat times before departing.
Best Sunset Spot
The beachfront path near Ao Nang Landmark Night Market is one of the most scenic places to watch the sun dip behind the limestone karsts. Grab a coconut or a Chang beer and enjoy the view.
Final Thoughts
Ao Nang was exactly what we’d been craving, a laid-back coastal town framed by jungle cliffs, where adventure felt effortless and the vibe was easy-going. It offered a perfect balance of nature and energy, with island tours just a stroll from the beach and dramatic scenery around every corner.
Our private longtail boat trip was a standout experience, but even the quieter moments, wandering the waterfront, tucking into local dishes, or watching the sun dip behind the limestone peaks, felt special.
Ao Nang charmed us more than we expected. It might not be as flashy as other hotspots, but it had heart, and we’d happily return.
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