What are the excursions departing from Ao Nang?

Are you passing through Ao Nang during your stay in Krabi and wondering what you can do in the area? Here, we introduce you to the must-see excursions departing from Ao Nang, including visits to nearby islands and the inland areas.

Excursion to Railay Beach and Phra Nang Bay

Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, the Railay peninsula is a must-see in the region. It is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches: Railay Beach and Phra Nang Bay.

Accessible only by sea, you can explore this wild region on a traditional Thai long-tail boat excursion departing from Ao Nang or by taking a ferry.

Railay Beach actually refers to several beaches: Railay East and Railay West. Phra Nang Bay, meanwhile, is located further south on the peninsula.

On-site, many activities await:

• Phra Nang Cave: Dedicated to Princess Phra Nang, this cave holds a shrine with a collection of wooden phalluses and lingams, symbols of the Hindu god Shiva associated with fertility and virility.
• Diamond Cave (also called Tham Phra Nang Nai): Known for its impressive stalagmite formations, it is accessible from Railay East Beach.
• Bat Cave: Accessible from Phra Nang Bay, it offers a nice view of the bay.
• The Lagoon and Viewpoint: The peninsula has a lagoon and a viewpoint accessible by a roughly 30-minute hike.
• Kayaking: Rent a kayak for a few hours to explore Railay’s surroundings, or even reach Phra Nang Cave from Railay West, with snorkeling stops to admire the Andaman Sea’s marine life.
• Climbing: Railay is world-famous as a top climbing spot for enthusiasts.

Four Island Tour

The Four Island Tour is undoubtedly the most popular excursion departing from Ao Nang. As the name suggests, this tour takes travelers to four neighboring islands:

Koh Tup (or Koh Tub) and Koh Mor

South-west of Ao Nang, this small island is a paradise. At low tide, a sandbar appears, allowing you to walk to other nearby islands, especially Koh Mor and Koh Kai. This unique crossing is called Talay Waek (meaning “separated sea”). In addition to enjoying the fine sandy beach, you can go snorkeling and free diving.

Koh Kai (Chicken Island)

Known as Chicken Island due to its rock formation that resembles a chicken’s head, this island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Koh Poda

Although less than a kilometer in diameter, Koh Poda is the largest of the four islands. Here, you can relax on white sandy beaches, admire karst landscapes, and discover marine life through snorkeling or free diving.

Railay

Though not an island, the Railay peninsula is often included in this tour, allowing you to explore Phra Nang Cave, enjoy its beaches, trek in the jungle, snorkel, and kayak.

Note: Some tours make a final stop at Phra Nang Bay for a sunset view. Night snorkeling is also an option to experience the unique, enchanting phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton.

Good to know:
For the Four Island Tour, you can choose a group tour (speedboat or long-tail boat) or a private excursion by hiring a long-tail boat.

Since these islands are within a national park, there is an entry fee. In group tours, the entrance fee is usually included.

Excursion to Hong Island

Located in Phang Nga Bay, Hong Island looks straight out of a postcard with its striking limestone cliffs surrounding an emerald green lagoon.

During a Hong Island excursion, you can:

• Enjoy white sandy beaches around the lagoon or outside it;
• Snorkel in the lagoon to see an impressive array of marine life;
• Kayak to explore the lagoon, considered one of Thailand’s best kayaking spots, or circle the island;
• Hike to the viewpoint for a 360° panorama of the surroundings.

Note: It’s best to visit the lagoon at high tide for the best experience.

Good to know:
You can visit Hong Island on a group or private tour. A speedboat is a faster option, or opt for a long-tail boat for a more authentic experience.

Excursion to Koh Phi Phi

Made famous by Maya Bay, the beach where the movie *The Beach* with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed, the Koh Phi Phi archipelago captivates with its stunning landscapes.

Besides visiting Maya Bay, a day trip to Koh Phi Phi from Ao Nang lets you explore the two main islands: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The latter is home to the Phi Phi Leh Lagoon, one of Thailand’s most magical spots.

You can also visit nearby sites like Bamboo Island, go snorkeling, see monkeys at Monkey Beach, and explore Viking Cave.

Good to know:
For maximum efficiency and to see as much as possible, we recommend a speedboat tour.

Inland Exploration: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave Temple

For this excursion, head inland to discover three of Krabi’s must-see sites:

Wat Tham Suea or Tiger Cave Temple

Perched atop a hill, this Buddhist temple includes a golden chedi, caves (where tiger footprints were reportedly found, hence the name), and a golden Buddha. To reach it, you must climb 1,237 steps, but the reward is an impressive view of Krabi.

Sa Morakot Emerald Pool

After the climb, cool off in the forest-surrounded Emerald Pool, accessible by a short hiking trail. Nearby, there are two other natural pools: Glass Pool and Blue Pool (swimming is allowed only in the first).

Hot Spring Waterfall

The tour also takes you to Krabi’s hot springs, where you can relax in natural thermal waters at around 35 to 40°C.

Good to know:
Most tours do not include entrance fees for the Emerald Pool and hot springs. Count on 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child for the Emerald Pool, and 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child for the hot springs.

Summary:
All the excursions mentioned are part of the "classic" options. You can customize them based on your interests.

Some excursions can be combined. For example, you can visit both Koh Phi Phi and the Four Islands of Krabi on the same day.Excursions can be done by speedboat or long-tail boat. Choose group tours for budget-friendly options or private tours for more privacy.Feel free to contact us to plan your excursion from Ao Nang based on your expectations and budget.

Florine Dergelet