Ao Nang Beach
Krabi's main resort beach and boat hub, lined with restaurants and shops, and the launch point for longtail trips to Railay and the islands.
- Category
- Beaches
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Hours
- Open access (daylight for swimming; longtail boats stop after dark)
- Best time
- Nov–Apr dry season; late afternoon for sunset
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours (or base yourself here)
About Ao Nang Beach
Let's be honest: Ao Nang is a base, not a swimming paradise. The beach itself is average and busy with boat traffic, and you come here for the convenience, the restaurants, the shops, and the boats out to the good stuff.
What it does well is logistics. This is the launch pad for longtails to Railay and the islands, and everything you need is within a short walk. Set up here and day-trip out.
It still turns on a decent sunset, so grab a spot late in the afternoon. Just do your actual swimming out on Railay or the islands.
Highlights
- Main departure point for Railay and island longtails
- Walkable strip of restaurants and shops
- Easy songthaew link to Krabi Town
- Reliable late-afternoon sunset
Tips
- Treat it as a base, not a swimming beach
- Come in the dry season, roughly Nov–Apr
- Save your beach time for Railay or the islands nearby
- Longtails stop after dark, so plan return trips early
How to get there
The main tourist hub; ~30 min / ~20 km from Krabi Town by songthaew (~50–60 THB) or taxi (~400 THB)