Thailand · city guide
Ao Nang: the easiest base in southern Thailand
Longtails off the beach, a 50-baht sunset up the hill, and nothing too far away.
Ao Nang is where I tell everyone to start in Krabi. Half of me is Thai, so coming back always feels a bit like coming home, and this is the spot I keep choosing because it does the planning for you. You sleep a short walk from the sand, the longtails to the islands leave right off the beach, and the viewpoints and cafes are all an easy hop away. Here's exactly how I'd spend a few days.
- Best base for the Krabi beaches and islands
- Cheap, friendly guesthouses walkable to the sand
- Longtails off the beach to Railay & the islands
Best things to do
Sunset at Khaothong Hill Cafe
50 THB gets you the bumpy pickup-truck ride up the hill and a sunset I still think about. About 35 minutes' drive from Ao Nang, so pair it with a lazy beach day.
Longtail out to Railay
The beach you can only reach by boat, with the big limestone cliffs right behind the sand. Agree the price before you climb on.
Slow morning on Ao Nang beach
Watch the longtails come in, swim before the heat, then coffee along the front. The easiest free day here.
Island-hop to the Hong islands
A speedboat or longtail loop out to the lagoons and quieter beaches; go early before the day-trip crowd arrives.
Where to stay
Getting there & around
Fly into Krabi airport, then it's about 30 minutes to Ao Nang by airport shuttle, taxi or shared minibus. Once you're here you barely need a plan: longtails and speedboats hop you between the beaches and islands (agree the price before you get on), and songthaews, the shared trucks, run the main roads for next to nothing. Scooters are cheap and everywhere, but the main roads get busy, so only ride if you're confident and always wear a helmet.
Eat & drink
- Khaothong Hill Cafe — The 50-baht truck-ride cafe up the hill, worth it for the sunset alone.
- Ao Nang beachfront stalls — Fresh seafood and proper Thai plates along the front, where I'd eat most nights.
Day trips
On the map
Book this trip
A few of these earn me a small cut at no extra cost to you — only ever things I'd actually book.
Frequently asked
Should I base myself in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?
Ao Nang for me. It's the most convenient hub for the beaches, viewpoints and island boats, so you spend less time planning and more time exploring. Krabi Town is more local and a touch cheaper if budget is the priority.
How many days do I need in Ao Nang?
Two to three is enough for a beach day, a longtail out to Railay or the islands, and the Khaothong Hill sunset without rushing. Stretch it to five if you want to island-hop properly.