How to Go From Krabi to Ao Nang and Vice Versa

Traveling around Thailand may sound difficult due to the different language and culture, however, it's easier than you might think! We have collected all the information that you need to know about moving around during your visit to Krabi and more.

The first step, when you arrive at Krabi province is to head to Ao Nang, which is just about 20 kilometers from Krabi Town and it is one of the biggest and most famous beaches in Krabi area and is also the perfect point to start visiting other beautiful destinations in Thailand. Getting to Ao Nang from Krabi is not complicated, keep reading this article to find out more.

From Krabi to Ao Nang

Taxi / Private Minivan

Traveling from Krabi to Ao Nang by a private taxi or minivan is the favorite option for travelers as it is comfortable and also fast, making your journey more pleasant.

Paying for comfort and speed could be expensive, but if you are traveling in a big group then a private minivan is a good option. It can carry up to 8 passengers and it has a fare around 1050 baht, depends on where you are in Krabi and it will drop you off directly at your hotel in Ao Nang. The taxis, on the other hand, have a cost of 600 baht and can take 4 passengers, both ways of transportation has a journey of 30 minutes. You can book this way of transportation online or with a travel agency.

Local Transportation

Traveling on a budget? Then Tuk-Tuks and Songthaews (pickup trucks) are perfect for you. These colorful and unusual vehicles can be found all over Krabi Town to Ao Nang for a price around 50 - 100 baht, this is a fun way to travel and enjoy the road from Krabi to Ao Nang and vice versa.

When it comes to safety, the best option is the local white buses. These are departing from Krabi Town to Ao Nang from 8 am to 8 pm. The fare has a cost of 50 Baht. The duration of this journey is longer than the other options but if you are not in a hurry, this is an accessible alternative to touring Krabi province.

Car Rental

This is a good way to get out of the comfort zone and be your own tourist guide without depending on timetables and restrictions, and it's perfect for those families who are traveling with young children.

You can find car rental companies in Krabi airport or by booking them online. Rent a car without any problem by paying with a credit card, showing your passport and your current driver's license, however, it is a good idea to have an international driver's license. Remember that, in Thailand, you drive on the left side of the road.

Ao Nang to Krabi

Now that you know how to get to Ao Nang, I guess you are wondering how to get back from Ao Nang to Krabi Town, well, the answer is here!

The buses from Ao Nang to Krabi Town are departing every hour from 6 am, leaving when the bus is completely full of passengers and it has a price of 50 baht. Buses are ideal for those who are traveling alone, however, if you can arrange a group of around 8 people, then minivans are a great option, they have a cost of 800 baht but the price should be split between the passengers.

Renting a scooter is an excellent way of transport in Ao Nang which allows you to get around the city easily, also, you can take it with you in the ferries and longboats if you are planning to visit other nearby islands. The price of hiring a motorbike or scooter is around 50 baht per day but if you rent it per week it costs 250 baht, and the trip from Ao Nang to Krabi is approximately 20 minutes.

Krabi Airport

Krabi Airport is located 9 kilometers from Krabi town making it the closest airport to popular islands in Thailand such as Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket, thus it provides many ways of transportation.

As at many other airports, Krabi international airport has an authorized shuttle service that will transport you to Ao Nang. You can pre-arrange this service with your travel agency or through your hotel. This is a prepaid service so before taking your taxi or minivan, make sure to buy your ticket in the stands located in the arrivals hall. For a cheap option, walking outside of the airport you can find an unauthorised line of taxis which are cheaper than the taxi companies inside the airport, also there is a local bus service which can take you straight to Ao Nang, dropping you off in the main street or you can ask the driver to drop you off in front of your hotel.

From Ao Nang to Krabi Airport

If you need to go from Ao Nang to Krabi International Airport you can take the airport shuttle as we mentioned before. You can take this shuttle bus from the McDonald's located in Ao Nang. It has a duration of one hour and 20 minutes because it does a stop in Krabi Town.

What to see in the way from Krabi to Ao Nang and Vice Versa

If you decide to rent a car or take the bus to Ao Nang, don't miss the opportunity to make a stop in Krabi Town to stretch your legs. This city is a must-stop if you are traveling to Ao Nang due to their bustling local markets, quirky bars, and incredible occidental food restaurants. The eccentric city has a real Thai lifestyle, therefore, it is recommended to stay at least one night and enjoy the attractions that Krabi Town offers you that goes from a fun nightlife to a calm stroll inside a forest.

Have a walk around the Krabi Riverside to contemplate a laid-back atmosphere whilst watching boats crossing the river. During the evening this footpath is a popular famous night market. Moreover, Krabi Town has prominent religious temples; being the most noted the Tiger Cave which is characterized by its natural caves, and Wat Kaew Korawaram which shows painted walls and Buddha relics, both buildings are totally worth the visit.

Natural attractions aren't missing in Krabi Town, visit the Emerald Pool located in Thung Teao Forest Natural Park to enjoy a dip in this green lagoon surrounded by a unique forest, or for a relaxing experience go to Krabi Hot Springs and have a bath in the natural hot tubs that are located in a volcanic chamber.

Some tourists prefer to visit Krabi town for just a few hours when they are on the road to go to the nearby beaches, for us this is a perfect destination to start your day exploring some natural beauties and finish it in a bar listening to live music and enjoying some Thai food.

Places Around Ao Nang in Ferry

The ferry is an economic and comfortable way to explore the coastal islands and Ao Nang offers you this opportunity!

Ao Nang is popular among backpackers because it is close to many beautiful islands, therefore, it's the perfect point to start your hopping adventure to the surrounding beaches in the Andaman Sea. The port of Ao Nang is situated in the western end in Nopparat Thara Beach, here, you can find speedboats and ferries that will take you to the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Phuket and more.

The ferry services include flexible timetables and a minivan shuttle from your hotel to the pier. We have ferry trips roaming between Ao Nang, Lanta Island, Phi Phi Island, and Phuket that are fully equipped and maintained and can hold up to 400 passengers.

Sneak a peek at our updated ferry schedule to know more about the departure times, booking, prices, and destinations from Ao Nang.

Remember that, ferries are only available from November to April and aren't operating during the monsoon season due to the high sea waves. However, there is a daily ferry to Phuket operating through the whole year but take into account that some trips could be canceled because of the weather conditions.

What to do in Ao Nang?

Excursions around the islands

Ao Nang offers you beautiful sceneries everywhere, for that reason it will be common to find kayaking excursions, ideal for those who are seeking a calm and slow adventure around the water to see the limestone and mangroves. Another very popular jaunt is the Island tour by speedboats, this one will take you throughout the Hong Island, Koh Phi Phi, Tup Island, Poda, Chicken Island, Rai Island among others, where you can snorkel or have lunch with a beautiful landscape.

Activities like rock climbing and mountain bicycling are available for those who have a sporty spirit. This is a perfect way to meet people and explore different sceneries inside Ao Nang. As you see there are so many ways to explore the islands, you just have to find the one that suits you better.

Snorkeling and scuba diving

Krabi province is rich in coral reef and exotic marine life, and Ao Nang is not an exception. Rent your diving suit and immerse yourself in a fantastic world under the sea, it's also a nice way to explore the Andaman coast.

Fossil Shell Beach

Originally called Suu San Hoi, this large seaside fossil collection is more than 40 million years old and it is located at 7 km to the west of Ao Nang in the Mu Ko Phi Phi. Apart from watching this shelly limestone you can also walk around the Ao Nammao beach and enjoy the local stand foods. The entry fee is 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per kid.

Ao Nang beaches

The main beach in Krabi is Ao Nang beach, it can become very crowded at times, however, you can see beautiful sunsets and enjoy vibrant nightlife here. Moreover, the beach features hotels and restaurants making it practical to make connections to other touristic destinations.

On the other hand, Nopparat Thara beach is characterized by its beauty, located in a national park at the north of Ao Nang, this charming bay is calm and you should include this in your list of things to do in Ao Nang, it is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a picnic under the shade of a palm tree.

Conclusion

Getting to Ao Nang from Krabi is easy and accessible due to the many transfer options, however, the bus shuttles are the cheapest and most enjoyable way to travel from Krabi to Ao Nang and vice versa. Anyway, it's up to you!