Krabi had been on my list for a long time. I had already fallen in love with Thailand’s islands. Koh Kood left me speechless, and Koh Lanta had stolen a piece of my heart. But Krabi felt different even before I arrived. The moment the plane descended and I caught my first glimpse of those limestone karst mountains rising out of nowhere, jagged, dramatic, impossibly green. I knew this place was going to be something else entirely.

I based myself in Ao Nang, a lively beach town on the Andaman coast in Krabi province. It turned out to be the perfect decision. Ao Nang is not just a destination — it is a launchpad. From here, you can reach some of the most stunning places in all of Southeast Asia within 20 minutes to a couple of hours by boat. I spent several days there, taking day trips to the 4 Islands, Koh Phi Phi, Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach, and ending each evening watching sunsets that made me question whether I was still on planet Earth.

This is my complete guide to day trips from Ao Nang, with everything you need to plan your own trip to Krabi.

Where to Stay in Ao Nang

Ao Nang is your launchpad for everything — and the view from the beach alone is already worth the trip

Ao Nang is the most convenient base for exploring Krabi. Almost every island tour, ferry, and longtail boat service departs from here or from the nearby Nopparat Thara Pier, which is just a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away. The town itself has a good range of restaurants, massage places, convenience stores, tour operators, and bars — everything you need without being overwhelming.

When choosing where to stay, I would recommend picking a hotel within walking distance of Ao Nang Beach. This puts you close to the boat departure points and saves you time and money on transport every morning.

Here are some of the best hotels in Ao Nang across different budgets:

Budget:

Ao Nang Cliff Beach Resort is a popular choice with a beautiful infinity pool and great views of the karst hills. It offers excellent value for the location.

Mid-range:

Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort is well-positioned, comfortable, and has all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay between day trips.

Luxury:

Centara Grand Beach Resort sits at the quieter end of the beach near Railay and is one of the finest hotels in the Krabi area.

You can also check the full range of hotels in Ao Nang from the following widget to find the best deal for your dates.

Day Trip 1: The 4 Islands Tour

These limestone towers look like they belong in a fantasy novel — not real life

The 4 Islands tour is the quintessential Krabi experience and the one I would recommend to anyone visiting Ao Nang for the first time. It is an absolute must. The tour takes you to four stunning islands just off the coast of Krabi — Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Tup, Koh Mor, and Poda Island — before finishing at Phra Nang Cave Beach on the Railay Peninsula. Most tours run as a full day or half day, departing from Ao Nang Beach in the morning.

Book the 4 Islands Tour on GetYourGuide, or Klook – they offer some of the best deals.

Koh Gai — Chicken Island

From the rocky shore of Chicken Island, you can see the other karst formations scattered across the Andaman Sea

The first stop on the tour was Chicken Island, named after a limestone rock formation at one end that is said to resemble a chicken’s head. I will be honest — I squinted at it for a while and used some imagination. But the beach itself needed no imagination at all. White sand, rocks, and views of the other karst islands across the clearest water I had seen in a long time. The snorkelling here is also excellent, with colourful fish darting around the rocks just beneath the surface.

Koh Tup and the Sandbar

A sandbar so white and water so clear, you’d think someone edited the colours — they didn’t

Koh Tup was my personal highlight of the entire 4 Islands tour. At low tide, a white sandbar emerges connecting it to a nearby island, and you can walk across it with the Andaman Sea on both sides. The water is ankle-deep, crystal clear, and so impossibly blue that every photo looks like it has been edited. It has not. I stood there for longer than I probably should have, just taking it in.

Poda Island

Poda Island — white sand, clear water, and barely anyone around. That’s the dream.

Poda Island is the largest stop on the tour and the one where you typically have lunch. The beach here is wide, white, and lined with tall casuarina trees that provide a little shade. The water is calm and ideal for swimming. It is also a great spot for kayaking, book a kayaking activity here, if you want to explore the island from the water.

On the Water Between Islands

Everywhere you look on the water, something like this appears — Krabi’s karsts are simply unreal The water here is so clear it almost doesn’t look real

The journey between the islands is an experience in itself. Sitting on the longtail boat as it weaves between these enormous limestone formations, with turquoise water all around and jungle-covered karsts on every side, is something I will not forget. I kept thinking, how does a place this beautiful actually exist?

Kayaking on the Tour

Paddling through these waters with karst cliffs on all sides — hard to beat that feeling

Many 4 Islands tours include a kayaking stop, usually near one of the smaller karst formations. Our guide paddled us close to the cliffs and pointed out small caves and hidden channels between the rocks. If you enjoy kayaking, make sure to pick a tour that includes it — it gives you a completely different perspective of the landscape.

Practical Info — 4 Islands Tour

• Duration: Full day (approx. 8am–5pm) or half day
• Departure: Ao Nang Beach or Nopparat Thara Pier
• What’s included: Typically boat, snorkelling gear, guide, and lunch
• Tip: Book in advance during peak season (November–April) as spots fill up fast

Book the 4 Islands Tour online.

Day Trip 2: Koh Phi Phi — Viewpoint Hike and Snorkelling

Approaching Koh Phi Phi Don by boat — one of those sights that stops you mid-sentence

If the 4 Islands tour is the quintessential Krabi experience, then a day trip to Koh Phi Phi is the unmissable one. Koh Phi Phi Don is one of the most famous islands in all of Thailand — and having now been there, I completely understand why. The approach by boat alone is extraordinary. As you get closer, two dramatic limestone cliffs rise on either side of the island with a narrow strip of palms and beach between them, and turquoise water in both directions. Nothing quite prepares you for it.

Book a Koh Phi Phi Day Tour from Krabi on GetYourGuide.

The Journey from Ao Nang

The journey to Phi Phi is half the fun — karst mountains on the horizon, wind in your face

The boat from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi takes roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on the vessel. Our tour used a larger speedboat with an open top deck. Most people gravitated to the top deck immediately — I cannot blame them. With the Andaman Sea stretching out in every direction and karst islands popping up on the horizon, it is a genuinely exciting ride. Bring sunscreen — you will need it.

You can also book your boat ticket from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi through 12GoAsia, if you prefer to travel independently rather than on a guided tour. They are the best when it comest to booking tickets in South East Asia!

The Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint Hike

The hike up to the Phi Phi viewpoint is worth every single step — this is your reward

The viewpoint hike is non-negotiable. I do not care how hot it is, how tired you are, or how tempting the beach looks — you must do this hike. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes of uphill walking through the jungle interior of Phi Phi Don, and the path involves some steep steps and a bit of scrambling. But when you reach the top and that panorama opens up in front of you — the two bays, the palm trees, the limestone cliffs, the turquoise water — it is one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen anywhere in the world.

The best time to do the hike is early morning before the day-trippers flood the island, or late afternoon when the light turns golden. If you are on a guided tour, your guide will usually time this well.

Snorkelling at Koh Phi Phi

Into the water — snorkelling at Phi Phi is one of those experiences you don’t forget

The waters around Koh Phi Phi are exceptional for snorkelling. Our tour took us to a spot near one of the smaller surrounding islands where the visibility was remarkable and the coral was alive with fish. I am not the world’s strongest swimmer but I was completely at ease, the water was calm, warm, and shallow enough to feel safe while still being rich with marine life. Snorkelling gear is usually included with guided tours, but you can also rent it on the island.

The Hidden Lagoon

Inside one of Phi Phi’s hidden caves — light filters in and turns the water an impossible shade of blue

One of the most extraordinary moments of the entire Krabi trip was stepping into this cave lagoon on Phi Phi. The light filters in from above through the cave opening, and where it hits the water it creates this luminous, ethereal blue that does not look real in person, let alone in a photo. It was absolutely silent inside except for the gentle lapping of water against the limestone walls. Worth every bit of the journey.

Practical Info — Koh Phi Phi Day Trip

• Duration: Full day (approx. 8am–4pm)
• Departure: Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang
• What’s included on guided tours: Speedboat, snorkelling gear, guide, lunch, hotel pickup
• Independent travel: Book Krabi to Koh Phi Phi boat ticket on 12GoAsia
• Tip: The island gets very crowded by midday. If on a guided tour, try to reach the viewpoint and beaches early

Book a Full Day Phi Phi Islands Tour on GetYourGuide | Book on Viator

Day Trip 3: Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach

Railay Beach — only reachable by boat, and absolutely worth it

Railay Beach is one of those places that defies easy description. Technically it is part of the mainland, but it is completely cut off from the rest of Krabi by towering limestone cliffs on all sides, which means the only way to reach it is by boat. That isolation is precisely what makes it so special. There are no roads, no traffic, and no way to rush in or out. You arrive by longtail boat, you slow down, and Railay does the rest.

Getting to Railay Beach from Ao Nang

The longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay takes about 15 minutes and costs around 100 THB per person one way. Boats run regularly throughout the day from approximately 8am to 6pm. After 6pm there is a surcharge. You do not need to book in advance — just turn up at the end of Ao Nang Beach and join the queue. You can also book a guided Railay Beach day trip if you prefer an organised experience that includes Phra Nang Cave Beach and other stops.

Your longtail boat awaits — this is how you get around in Krabi

West Railay Beach

West Railay Beach — the karst walls surround you on three sides and the sea is on the fourth. You’re not going anywhere, and that’s fine.

The boat drops you at West Railay Beach, which is the main beach on the Railay Peninsula. The karst formations here are staggering — enormous sheer limestone walls rise up on three sides, covered in thick green jungle, while the Andaman Sea stretches out in front. The sand is soft and white, the water is calm, and there are a handful of beach bars and restaurants dotted along the tree line. It is busy during the day when the tour boats arrive, but it settles beautifully in the late afternoon.

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Phra Nang Cave Beach is a short walk across the peninsula from West Railay, and it is arguably the most beautiful beach in Krabi — perhaps in all of Thailand. The beach is hemmed in by dramatic karst cliffs, the water is a deep emerald green, and at the far end you will find the famous Phra Nang Cave, a sacred shrine dedicated to the Princess Goddess of the sea. Local fishermen leave offerings here for safe passage and good fortune. The cave itself is fascinating — stalactites hang from the ceiling and the interior is filled with offerings left by generations of devotees. It is one of the most unusual and memorable sights in Krabi.

Phra Nang is best visited in the morning before the day-trippers arrive from Ao Nang, or in the late afternoon when the light is golden and the crowds have thinned. Both times I visited, the light was extraordinary.

Book a guided Railay and Phra Nang day trip here

Sunsets in Krabi — Phra Nang and Ao Nang

Krabi does sunsets better than almost anywhere I have been. Because all the west-facing beaches look out over the Andaman Sea with karst islands on the horizon, the combination of water, silhouetted limestone, and sky creates something that feels cinematic every single evening. I had two particularly memorable sunset experiences during my time here.

Sunset at Phra Nang Beach

End of the day at Phra Nang — longtail boats, karst silhouettes, and a sky that takes its time saying goodbye

My first great Krabi sunset was at Phra Nang Beach. As the sun dropped towards the horizon, the limestone karst cliffs turned dark against a peachy-pink sky, and the longtail boats that had been ferrying tourists all day settled quietly in the shallows. The fishermen moved slowly through the water tending to their boats, completely unbothered by the spectacle happening above them. I sat on the sand until the light was completely gone.

Even the mountains turn golden here at sunset — Krabi doesn’t do anything quietly

One thing that struck me was how the limestone karsts themselves transform at sunset. During the day they are dramatic and green. As the light changes, they take on this warm amber glow, and for about 20 minutes before dark they look like they are actually on fire. It is one of the most distinctive things about Krabi’s landscape — the mountains are part of the sunset, not just the backdrop to it.

Sunset at Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang at sunset — the sky never seems to do things by halves here Some evenings, Ao Nang goes completely overboard with the colours — and nobody is complaining Longtail boats at golden hour — the kind of image that makes you want to book the flight immediately

My second standout sunset was from Ao Nang Beach itself. One evening, the sky went completely wild — bands of red, orange, pink and deep blue streaked across the horizon in a way that looked almost artificially saturated. The longtail boats anchored in the shallows became perfect silhouettes against the golden water. A small crowd gathered instinctively, all facing west, all quiet. Some sunsets just command that kind of attention.

The Andaman Sea at golden hour — water spray, island silhouettes, and a sky on fire

Both Phra Nang and Ao Nang Beach face west, which means every clear evening is a potential sunset event. My advice — do not make plans for 5:30pm. Just find a spot on the sand or a beach bar with a view, order something cold, and wait.

How to Get to Ao Nang

By Air

The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport (KBV), which has direct flights from Bangkok (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and connections from several other Thai cities. Search for flights to Krabi on Trip.com.

From Krabi Airport, you can take a shared minivan directly to Ao Nang for around 150 THB per person, or book a private transfer (Cars –> Airport Pickup/Airport Drop-off).

From Bangkok by Bus and Ferry

If you are travelling on a budget or prefer an overland journey, you can take a bus from Bangkok to Krabi and then a minivan or taxi to Ao Nang. Book your Bangkok to Krabi bus ticket on 12GoAsia. The journey takes around 12 hours overnight, and there are comfortable sleeper buses available.

From Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is one of the most popular onward destinations from Krabi — or a great place to visit before Ao Nang. I have a full guide to Koh Lanta here. The journey from Koh Lanta to Krabi takes about 2 hours by ferry and minivan.

From Bangkok

Many travellers combine 2 days in Bangkok with a trip to Krabi — it is a very natural combination. Bangkok to Krabi by air takes just over an hour.

Getting Around Ao Nang

Ao Nang town itself is very walkable. The main beach road, restaurants, tour operators, and most hotels are within a 15-minute walk of each other. For slightly further destinations — like Nopparat Thara Pier or beaches north of town — tuk-tuks are plentiful and cheap.

For island trips and beach hopping, everything departs from Ao Nang Beach or Nopparat Thara Pier. Your tour operator will advise on the exact meeting point when you book.

There are no cars on Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi Don, which is part of what makes both of them so peaceful.

Best Time to Visit Krabi

The best time to visit Krabi is between November and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and the sea is calm. This is peak season, so expect more tourists and slightly higher prices — book your accommodation and tours in advance.

May to October is the wet season. Rain is more frequent, and some boat tours may be cancelled due to rough seas. However, the landscape turns even more intensely green, prices drop significantly, and crowds are much thinner. It can still be a beautiful time to visit if you are flexible.

Practical Tips for Ao Nang

SIM card: Pick up a Thai SIM card at Krabi Airport on arrival. You can also pre-order a Thailand SIM card on Klook and collect it at the airport. If you buy an eSIM, you can activate it online without needing them to collect from the airport.

Cash: Most tour operators, longtail boat drivers, and small restaurants in Krabi work in cash. ATMs are widely available in Ao Nang town.

Dress modestly when visiting the Phra Nang Cave shrine — it is a sacred site for local fishermen.

Book tours in advance during peak season (November–April). The 4 Islands tour and Phi Phi day trips in particular fill up fast. GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator all offer reliable options with traveller reviews.

Sunscreen and water: Bring plenty of both on every boat trip. The sun on the water is fierce, and there is very little shade on longtail boats.

Seasickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication before the Phi Phi trip — the open sea crossing can be choppy, especially between May and October.

FAQ

Is Ao Nang a good base for exploring Krabi?

Yes — it is the best base. Almost every tour and boat service departs from Ao Nang or the nearby Nopparat Thara Pier. It has a good range of hotels across all budgets and everything you need within walking distance.

How do you get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?

By longtail boat from the end of Ao Nang Beach. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs around 100 THB one way. Boats run from approximately 8am to 6pm daily.

How long does the Koh Phi Phi day trip take from Ao Nang?

A full day tour typically runs from around 8am to 4pm. The boat journey from Ao Nang to Phi Phi takes 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Can you do the 4 Islands tour and Railay on the same day?

The 4 Islands tour typically finishes at Phra Nang Beach on the Railay Peninsula, so in a sense — yes! You will visit Phra Nang as part of the tour, though you will not have much time to linger. If you want to spend a full afternoon on Railay, do it as a separate day trip.

Is Krabi better than Phuket?

That depends on what you are looking for. Krabi is less developed, has more dramatic scenery, and feels less commercialised than Phuket. For first-time visitors to Thailand’s Andaman coast who want a mix of island hopping, beautiful beaches, and dramatic landscapes, Krabi is hard to beat.

What is the best island to visit from Ao Nang?

That is a tough one. For sheer drama and a once-in-a-lifetime viewpoint, Koh Phi Phi. For a relaxed island-hopping experience with beautiful beaches, the 4 Islands tour. For something truly off the beaten path, consider Koh Kood — Thailand’s most beautiful island in my opinion, further east along the Gulf coast.

Have you been to Krabi or are you planning a trip? Leave a comment below — I would love to hear about your experience or answer any questions you have about day trips from Ao Nang.

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