Nestled along the Andaman Sea, Ao Nang in Krabi, Thailand, is a tropical paradise that blends stunning beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re here to soak up the sun, savor authentic Thai cuisine, or explore nearby islands, Ao Nang has something for everyone. And yes, three days might feel short, but trust me, you’ll want to island hop around Thailand—with this itinerary, you’ll pack in the best experiences without feeling like you missed anything.
Note: We spent a total of three weeks island hopping across Southern Thailand, prioritizing relaxation and free beach activities over adventurous excursions and partying. However, there’s still some of that (we were in Koh Phangan for Songkran/New Year’s after all), but if you’re more into the landscapes and the food, this is the right blog for you.
Are you island hopping too? Check out our blog, How to Spend 3 Weeks in Southern Thailand (coming soon!).
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Ao Nang, Krabi, is a perfect blend of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed vibes, offering everything from island adventures to inland treasures.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive, have lunch at Sawasdee Restaurant (Pad Thai and Pad Kra-Pow), chill by the pool, watch the sunset, and enjoy dinner at Family Restaurant.
Day 2: Take a shared long-tail boat to Railay Beach and explore Phra Nang Cave Beach. Relax, swim, and soak in the stunning views.
Day 3: Hire a private driver to visit Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple), the Emerald Pool, and the Blue Pool. Return to Ao Nang for a well-deserved dinner.
Pro Tips:
- Always carry cash; it’s king in Ao Nang, especially at the night market.
- Pack snacks and water for Railay Beach—food there is limited and pricey.
- Bring sunscreen and beware of jellyfish when near the shore.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave Beach. A secluded paradise with a little bit of quirkiness.
- Best Eats: Family Restaurant for its authentic Thai dishes. Be prepared to wait in line, sitting on small red chairs - it's part of the experience.
- Best "Bang For Your Buck" Hotel: Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa. We were lucky to use hotel reward nights and there was a deal too!
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET AROUND AO NANG
Ao Nang is small enough to navigate on foot if you’re staying near the center, but for longer distances, tuk-tuks are your go-to mode of transport. They’re everywhere, and rides within the town typically cost around ฿100-200. If you’re feeling adventurous and comfortable with Thai traffic (it’s chaotic, FYI), scooters are available for rent at approximately ฿250-300 per day. For island-hopping and beach excursions, long-tail boats are a quintessential option and can be found at Ao Nang Beach.
WHERE TO STAY IN AO NANG
We stayed at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort and Spa, which we snagged for a steal at $32.12 per night (thanks, hotel rewards!). This hotel is a bit farther from the bustling downtown area (a 12-15 minute walk), but the pool and fruit shack around the corner made it totally worth it. Picture this: lounging by a serene pool with a refreshing mango smoothie in hand—life doesn’t get much better. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a quieter stay away from the touristy buzz, this is your spot.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival, Poolside Bliss, and Sunset Feasting
Welcome to Ao Nang! After settling into your hotel, it’s time to fuel up. For lunch, head over to Sawasdee Restaurant, where we indulged in a classic Pad Thai and Pad Kra-Pow (Thai basil stir-fry). Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that’s tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of nutty, while Pad Kra-Pow is a fragrant, spicy stir-fry often served with rice and topped with a crispy fried egg. Our lunch set us back only ฿340—budget-friendly and flavor-packed!
Spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool with a pina colada in hand because why not?
When the golden hour approaches, take a leisurely stroll toward the downtown area. Watch the sky burst into fiery hues as the sun sets over the beach—but beware of jellyfish near the shore!
For dinner, we found Family Restaurant, a no-frills gem with authentic flavors that was worth the long line. The meal was incredible and ridiculously cheap at only ฿140.
Day 2: Railay Beach Adventures
Day two is all about self-exploration. Head to Ao Nang Beach in the late morning and hop on a shared long-tail boat to Railay Beach (฿200 for two people). You can’t miss the long-tail boat operators; they’re set up in kiosks right on the beach.
Railay is a secluded haven with breathtaking beaches and towering limestone cliffs—far less crowded and chaotic than the beaches in Phuket. We laid on the beach, enjoying our fruit cups that we bought from the fruit stand close by our hotel in Ao Nang.
Make your way to Phra Nang Cave Beach (aka the “Penis Cave Beach”) and marvel at the quirky shrine filled with wooden phallic offerings (not pictured in this blog)—a sight you won’t forget anytime soon and need to see for yourself.
Spend the rest of the day exploring, swimming, and basking in Railay’s natural beauty. Pro tip: Pack snacks and water; there are limited options on Railay, and they’re pricier than in Ao Nang.
Upon your return to Ao Nang, check out the night market for dinner.
There are tons of food stalls selling everything from Takoyaki to (big) shrimp pad thai! You can definitely bounce from one stall to another until you’re full.
Day 3: Inland Excursions
On your last day, it’s time to explore Ao Nang’s inland wonders. Since we weren’t keen on renting a scooter, we hired a private driver for ฿2,200 through a local agency—a stress-free way to cover multiple spots.
First stop: Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple). Warning: the hike up is brutal with 1,260 steep steps, but the panoramic views at the top are worth every drop of sweat. Entrance fee: ฿100 for two people.
Next, head to the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool (entrance fee: ฿800 for two people). Despite being called a “secret lagoon,” the Emerald Pool is quite popular and packed in the afternoons. You can swim in its crystal-clear, jade-colored water, but the Blue Pool is strictly for admiring—its vibrant hue looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy tale.
Wrap up your day with dinner back in Ao Nang. Treat yourself to some fresh seafood or another round of Pad Kra-Pow with a fried egg. You’ve earned it!
TOTAL COST for 3 Days in Ao Nang (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 4 nights: $129
Activities (including the private driver for the day): $115
Food: $92
Transportation: $115
Souvenirs (hair clip): $1
TOTAL: $452 (Roughly $57 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ao Nang is bursting with charm, stunning scenery, and delicious eats. From soaking in sunsets to exploring hidden gems, these three days will leave you wanting more. So pack your bags, book that long-tail boat, and get ready to fall in love with Krabi’s coastal paradise. Pro tip: Always carry cash, wear sunscreen, and keep an eye out for jellyfish!
Feel free to ask us questions in the comments! Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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