Insider know-howExperience Ao Nang without mass tourism: how to find the quiet side
3 min readUpdated:
Ao Nang is the starting point for almost every Krabi holiday and is lively accordingly: promenade, restaurants, piers and many tours that leave at the same time. Still, there are quiet sides if you choose time, beach and destination deliberately. This guide shows when Ao Nang is most pleasant, where to go nearby instead and how to visit the islands without standing in a group. All details are rough guides.
Contents
The right time of day in Ao Nang
Ao Nang is quietest early in the morning, before the tours set off, and in the late afternoon, when many groups are back. At midday beach, pier and promenade fill up. If you explore the area on foot, go to the beach in the morning and keep restaurants and shopping for the evening.
Around sunset many visitors come to the beach. The exact sunset time changes through the year; the overview is in the guide to sunset times by month.
Quiet beaches nearby
North of Ao Nang lies Noppharat Thara, a long coastal beach that is usually quieter. Further north follow Klong Muang and Tubkaek with resorts and less going on. You reach all of them by taxi, and the ride is cheap in Krabi.
The quietest beaches are usually found not on the coast but on the islands. Which ones is covered in the guide to the best beaches in Krabi and to hidden lagoons.
Islands without groups: the private speedboat
Many tours set off at the same time and reach the same bays, so Poda, Chicken Island and Hong are often full at midday. With a private speedboat you choose the time. You go early when the bays are still empty, or in the afternoon when the groups are already back.
The boat is yours for the day together with up to 4 other guests, and the route follows weather, swell and water level. With us it starts in Ao Nang or Krabi Town. The price is per boat, not per person.
Season and weather
The dry season from about November to April is the busiest, and the sea is calmer then. May to October is monsoon: more changeable but often emptier. Boat tours are possible then but depend more on wind and waves. More in the guide to boat tours in the rainy season.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ao Nang quietest?
Early in the morning and in the late afternoon. At midday beach, pier and promenade are fullest.
Are there quiet beaches near Ao Nang?
Yes, for example Noppharat Thara, Klong Muang and Tubkaek north of Ao Nang. You reach them by taxi. The quietest beaches are usually on the islands.
How do I visit the islands without a group?
With a private speedboat. You set off early or in the late afternoon and decide route and pace. The boat takes up to 5 guests, and the price is per boat.
Where does the tour start?
In Ao Nang or Krabi Town, as you prefer. Taxis there are cheap.
In which season is Ao Nang less busy?
In the rainy season from about May to October it is often emptier. In return the weather is more changeable and boat tours depend more on wind and waves.
Experience this place privately
Private speedboat from Ao Nang for a maximum of 5 guests – route and timing planned around the tides and your wishes.
These private tours visit the places in this article.
6 hrs · from 1 pm4-Islands VIP & Sunset Special
The famous islands – but when the crowds are gone.
from ฿18,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
7 hrs · from 8 amHong Island Secret Lagoons & Hidden Bays
Emerald lagoons and bays no group boat visits.
from ฿21,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
8 hrs · from 7 amPhi Phi Early Bird – before everyone else
Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island in the first morning light.
from ฿28,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
