10 BEST Things to Do in Ao Nang, Thailand [2024]

From rock climbing to spa treatments, kayaking to relaxing in hammocks, the list is almost never-ending for the best things to do in Ao Nang.

Ao Nang is a beautiful spot in Southern Thailand. It is located on the Thai mainland, but is right on the Andaman Sea and is surrounded by stunning islands.

Ao Nang is the perfect place to base yourself for island hopping. It is well connected to other places in Thailand by airplane, bus, or ferry. And there are lots of tours and excursions that leave from Ao Nang.

You can take a long tail boat over to the famous Railay Beach or the nearby Phra Nang Cave Beach. Or take a day trip to Koh Hong or the Emerald Pool or Tiger Cave Temple.

Or just hang out in Krabi Town, soak up the sun on Ao Nang Beach, or browse the Ao Nang night market.

There is so much to do when you visit Ao Nang, so you’re in for a real treat here.

Kayaking Tonsai Things To Do In Ao Nang
Any beach lover will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the best things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi.

The Best Things To Do In Ao Nang, Krabi

The first time we came to Krabi we decided to stay in Tonsai. This secluded beach on the Thai mainland is a rustic destination, great if you want to climb and sit around drinking happy shakes.

For our return to the area, we decided to base ourselves in a more easily accessible place. And with the huge variety of things to do in Ao Nang, it was an easy choice to settle here for a week.

While the town of Ao Nang itself is quite busy and without character, the real beauty lies in the cliffs and jungles around.

Here is our list of the absolute best things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi!

1) Rent A Kayak

Ao Nang is filled with hundreds of beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and secret coves, and the most fun and affordable way to visit them is by kayak.

You can rent 1 and 2 person kayaks in Ao Nang Beach for between 500 and 1000 THB a day. Use them to either paddle out to Tonsai and Railay, or if you are feeling really active you can go all the way to Chicken Island.

The islands off in the marine park are absolutely stunning, and because most people visit on a tour they are very quiet outside of mealtimes.

You can kayak over to Railay Beach or Phra Nang Beach as well. These popular spots near Ao Nang Krabi can also be reached by Long Tail boat from Ao Nang Beach, but it can be more fun to kayak out there on your own.

We kayaked out and found our own private beach, surrounded by jagged cliffs and jungle. One of the most amazing things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi!

Kayaking Things To Do In Ao Nang
Rent a kayak from Ao Nang Beach!

2) Go Trekking

If you are like us and love to go trekking, then Ao Nang, Krabi has tonnes of great options.

While there aren’t too many options for multi-day hikes like in Chiang Mai or Tiger Leaping Gorge, Ao Nang still has lots of beautiful jungles and viewpoints to wander through.

You can find tour agencies offering hiking tours and other things to do in Ao Nang, or you can choose to do it yourself.

The most popular option for hiking in Ao Nang is to climb Hang Mak Mountain. It’s quite strenuous, but you will be rewarded with insanely epic views. The view is an Ao Nang must-see!

If you’re willing to venture a bit further out, Emerald Pool is a popular day trip from Ao Nang. Emerald Pool is a natural turquoise hot spring is located in a lush forest about 1 hour from Ao Nang Beach.

A great way to spend your day is hiking up the steep mountain to Tiger Cave Temple and ending with a refreshing dip in Emerald Pool.

You can book a day tour to Emerald Pool and the temple for a day of trekking and exploring nature. Or rent a car and go on your own!

READ MORE: Check out our updated ultimate Guide to Visiting Thailand!  

3) Snorkelling And Scuba Diving

It would be a shame to come all the way to Ao Nang, Krabi and not spend a bit of time admiring the world underneath the surface.

Scuba diving in Ao Nang Beach is a popular pastime, and there are plenty of dive companies that can either get you certified (we recommend PADI), or take you out for some fun dives if you are already qualified.

If you are a bit unsure about scuba diving, then grab a snorkel and mask and go for a swim (or join a tour). A very relaxing option of things to do in Ao Nang.

Diving Things To Do In Ao Nang
Get a close up look at the underwater world with some scuba diving in Ao Nang, Krabi!

4) Rock Climbing

The limestone cliffs of Ao Nang, Krabi are famous for having some of the best rock climbing in Southeast Asia.

Railay Beach near Ao Nang Beach in particular has some of the best climbing in the area.

While most of the crags and routes are around Railay Beach and Tonsai, you can find a few good ones near Ao Nang Beach and close to Krabi Town as well.

If you are a complete beginner there are plenty of excellent rock climbing schools to help you learn the ropes. Select from a half-day excursion right through to week-long courses.

One of the other amazing rock climbing opportunities on the islands around Ao Nang is “Deep Water Soloing”.

This activity has you climbing cliffs that hang over the water, without ropes. You basically climb as high as you want and then jump back into the sea. A huge adrenaline activity in Ao Nang, Krabi!

5) Island Tours

If boating around to lush tropical islands is your idea of a good day out, sign up for one of these excellent tours from Ao Nang.

Leaving in the morning from Ao Nang Beach, you’ll jump in a speedboat or longtail and visit a bunch of different islands. You will check out some secluded beaches, do some snorkelling and may even get a chance to see some monkeys and other wildlife.

You can choose to island-hop on speedboats or slower longtails (depending on your budget), and visit a variety of places. Lunch on a beach is usually included.

Expect to pay between 400 and 1500 THB, depending on the type of island tour you want to do from Ao Nang.

There are many places to visit in Ao Nang, so rent a speedboat and go island-hopping!

Island Tour Things To Do In Ao Nang
Turquoise waters in paradise during an Ao Nang island tour in the Andaman Sea.

6) Watch A Muay Thai Fight

You can hear the trucks driving up and down the streets of Ao Nang all day, loudspeakers announcing “Muay Thai, Friday night!”

A Thai boxing match is one of the most action-packed events you can see in all of Southeast Asia. Muay Thai is fast, hard-hitting, and an amazing spectacle.

You can pick up tickets to watch Muay Thai in Ao Nang from most hotels and any of the tour agencies. Or even better, take a 90-minute Muay Thai lesson with a professional fighter.

Even for non-sports lovers, a Muay Thai fight is one of the things to see in Ao Nang!

READ MORE: Be sure to check out all of the fun things to do in Tonsai Beach!

7) Get A Thai Massage

If you have never had a Thai massage before, you are in for a real treat.

Rather than being the typical form of relaxation massage that many people are used to, a Thai massage twists and pulls your body in ways that make you feel born again.

If you have sore or tense muscles then a Thai massage is one of the best ways to loosen them up.

And at an average price of US$8 for an hour, it is ultra-cheap as well! If you have an hour to spare and are looking for things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi, this is the option you should go for!

Massage Things To Do In Ao Nang
Get a Thai Massage while you’re in Ao Nang, Krabi!

8) Ziplining

Imagine soaring above the jungle canopy of Ao Nang, reaching speeds of up to 45km/h.

Monkeys are swinging beneath you and limestone cliffs come within feet of your flying body.

Adrenaline is pumping through your veins and for a very brief moment, you have never felt more alive.

You probably weren’t thinking of zip lining when you were dreaming of what to do in Ao Nang.

Ziplining is an incredibly fun, and safe action activity. Ao Nang has a number of zip lining companies, such as Hollow Mountain.

If you’re like us and can never get enough fun, then don’t miss ziplining when you are thinking of the best things to do in Ao Nang.

9) Ra Beung Lay Seafood Restaurant Aqua Beach

Just 15 minutes from Ao Nang is the funky and chilled Ra Beung Lay Seafood restaurant in Aqua Beach- an absolute must if you are looking for things to do in Ao Nang Beach. (The venue used to be called Aqua Beach Club, so if you see reviews for that it’s the same thing!)

Located on the edge of a bay with jungle and cliffs all around, the restaurant is like a rustic playground plucked from the set of a Robinson Crusoe movie.

Twisted and bent trees stretch out over the sea with hammocks strung between the branches. The sandy beach almost disappears at low tide, but all that does is add to the isolated feel of the place.

Basically you just spend your days sipping on cocktails and laying around. Absolutely perfect in our opinion.

We actually came here twice during our stay in Ao Nang because we enjoyed the vibe so much. And to make things even better the wifi is fast and the food is some of the best we have ever had!

Try the massaman curry, but be warned – you will never find another one as delicious again. You can’t go without trying it, it will complete your Ao Nang sightseeing experience!

Andamana Beach Club Things To Do In Ao Nang
Charming views in Aqua Beach, Ao Nang

10) Enjoy The Nightlife

Southern Thailand is famous for its nightlife, and Ao Nang is no exception. While it might not pack the heavy-hitting bars and clubs that Koh Phi Phi and Phuket have, Ao Nang still has quite a few happening places to check out.

Boogie Bar is packed out on a weekend and Marquee Club is good for dancing. Jojo’s Reggae Bar is a bit more mellow but has great live music.

Some hostels also have a big party scene that you can join in on even if you’re not a guest, like Balcony Party Hostel and Slumber Party Hostel.

Or head to Ao Nang Night Market. It’s not a super crazy place for partying, but it’s good for shopping, eating, and people-watching.

But if you want to find the centre of it all, you need to go to Ao Nang Centre Point.

Lady Boy shows, pole dancing, buckets of alcohol and cranking music, you always know it’s going to be a good night out in Ao Nang Beach!

Ao Nang Travel Guide

Thailand is a beautiful country and we’re sure you can’t wait to start your adventure!

Traveling to another country always includes lots of research on tourist attractions and finding the perfect accommodation. We’ve created this list of recommendations for Ao Nang to help you get started!

Where To Stay In Ao Nang

Ao Nang isn’t exactly the cheapest place in Thailand, and it can be pretty hit-or-miss depending on your budget and where you choose.

Still there are some great accommodations options on HostelWorld for young backpackers in Ao Nang. Or if you are a couple looking for something a bit nicer check out the options on Agoda, where you can get something for less than $30 a night quite comfortably.

Readers of NOMADasaurus get an exclusive 10% off your accommodation on agoda! Just use this code at checkout: AGODANMD10

For our time in Ao Nang, we spent three nights in the Alisea Boutique Hotel (now Ao Nang Colors Hotel) and couldn’t have been happier!

Alisea Infinity Pool Things To Do In Ao Nang
The infinity pool at Alisea Boutique Hotel in Ao Nang.

Alisea Boutique Hotel (Now renamed to Ao Nang Colors Hotel)

The Alisea Boutique Hotel is one of our favorite hotels in Thailand, though it has recently been renamed to Ao Nang Colors Hotel.

This hostel boasts a trendy design that merges Moroccan influence with a traditional Thai style. White-washed stone walls are featured throughout, and it really distances itself from the typical hotels you get in the area.

With only 34 rooms it is far removed from the larger resorts in Ao Nang, but that’s the way we like it. Ao Nang Colors Hotel has a much more personal feel and it’s easier to get to know the other guests who are staying there.

When you first walk in you notice just how spacious the design of the hotel is. The lobby is spread out with couches and tables to relax at, and the backroom has a computer for the use of the guests, and more enjoyably a pool table.

Alisea Things To Do In Ao Nang
Our favorite hotel in Ao Nang!

A buffet breakfast is served every morning in the adjoining restaurant, which turns into a tasty Italian joint known as Umberto’s in the afternoons and evenings.

A gorgeous infinity pool makes up a huge portion of the second floor, and it has a bar with friendly staff that are only too happy to keep the cocktails flowing.

Trust us, when you are here in summer and the humidity is stifling, you will spend a lot of hours at the pool!

If you are the kind of person who likes to get massage or spa treatment then head to their top floor for a taste of relaxation and luxury.

We tried out their Thai massage and head, shoulder, back option, and absolutely loved it. The masseuses at this hotel in Ao Nang are highly-trained and experienced.

Alisea Things To Do In Ao Nang
A funky rickshaw in the lobby of the Alisea (Now Ao Nang Colors Hotel).

But for us the real winner was our epic bedroom. Stretched over two floors, the room had just the right amount of character to make you feel at home, without being stale like many high-end hotels.

With a fridge, safe, large bathroom and sitting area, the bedroom was spacious and comfortable. Of course, there was a TV as well, not that we turned it on, but it’s there if you want it.

Head upstairs (that’s right, our room had an upstairs section) and you are taken out to a huge balcony with your own private outdoor bathtub.

Pure heaven while staring out at the mountains in the distance. And if you get caught up in a storm, definitely jump into the bath to enjoy the show!

If you are looking for a touch of character, luxury and class, without breaking the bank in Ao Nang, then definitely check out Ao Nang Colors Hotel.

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10 Things To Do In Ao Nang, Thailand

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Alesha and Jarryd

Alesha and Jarryd

Hey! We are Alesha and Jarryd, the award-winning writers and professional photographers behind this blog. We have been travelling the world together since 2008, with a passion for adventure travel and sustainable tourism. Through our stories and images we promote exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations and fascinating cultures as we go. As one of the world's leading travel journalists, our content and adventures have been featured by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, CNN, BBC, Forbes, Business Insider, Washington Post, Yahoo!, BuzzFeed, Channel 7, Channel 10, ABC, The Guardian, and plenty other publications. Follow our journey in real time on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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22 thoughts on “10 BEST Things to Do in Ao Nang, Thailand [2024]”

  1. Hi Alesha And Jarryd,
    How are you both ? I am a big fan of you.This Article is very good and the picture are used in this article they are amazing.I also watch your Youtube video. Recently I watched KAYAKING in ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK.this video was mind-blowing.I must say,the video quality is very good.
    ANYWAY,thanks for sharing and Goodbye.

    • Thank you. Ao Nang is a gorgeous place of Thailand. Glad you enjoyed the article.

      Thank you so much. We appreciate you watching our video over at You Tube.
      Happy travels

  2. I’m going to Ao Nang next month and to be honest, I’m still in the process of researching on what are the places that I should visit and activities to do there. Thank God I came across to your post and now I can finally fill up my itinerary. 🙂

    • Hi Luke, we are so glad we could help. It is a beautiful place. Do check out Railay Beach and Tonsai if you have time. These places are gorgeous too. have a great time. 🙂

  3. Is there a place to leave your kayak once you get to Railay? We want to kayak there then walk around a bit but dont want our kayak stolen. Thanks!

    • Hi Magan, not too sure. Maybe you can ask a hotel and leave them a small fee at the end. If you are staying in Tonsai, you can walk over to Railay through the back bushes, Make sure you bring mosquito spray. The mozzies are terrible. Sorry we couldn’t help you more.

  4. Thank you so much for valuable information 1st day today in Ao Nang krabi

    • Hi Ketan, we hope you had a great time there and got lots of great photos. Happy travel

  5. First time going to visit Thailand. It seems You had a great experience in Krabi . I would keep in mind your useful information. Thanks for great share.

    • Thank you so much for reading. Enjoy. 🙂

  6. Could not find a single kayak on the beach in Ao Nang. Would you suggest simply going earlier in the day?

    • Hey Matt, that’s crazy. When we were there we found plenty. Perhaps try going earlier, or asking your hostel or hotel if they have any contacts to prebook them?

  7. Hi Alesha And Jarryd,

    Your are one of the most resourceful blogs that we consider relying upon. We hope to see you going higher

    • Thank you so much. We are blushing :). We really appreciate it. We love giving information to make another traveller’s life easier. Happy travels

  8. it would be great if I had info like this last year when I was in Krabi.
    well.. I’m going again next month and will follow your foot steps there!
    Thank you for sharing!

    • Hope the information is helpful for you this time. 🙂 Have a great trip David.

  9. Beautiful!! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures! One day, hope to be able to go there!

    • Thank you so much for reading. Have a great day. 🙂

  10. Great info! im going next week!
    Will be staying at Alisea too! 😀

    • Awesome Henry! You’ll love it there. 🙂

  11. I love Krabi.. I have been thrice.. Once with family too…
    I love the crystal clear water, friendly people, massage and yummy food.
    I prefer to go to Krabi than Phuket.

    • Thanks for your message. Happy travels.

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