Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara Beach) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers can reach Ao Nang via Krabi International Airport, located approximately 40 minutes away by taxi or shuttle service. Regular buses connect Ao Nang to major cities including Bangkok (12 hours), Phuket (3 hours), and Surat Thani (5 hours). From Krabi Town, just 20 minutes away, frequent songthaews (shared taxis) run throughout the day to Ao Nang. If arriving by car, several public parking areas are available near the beach and ferry terminal. Local motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks provide convenient transport between accommodations and the ferry departure point at Nopparat Thara Beach.

Nestled along Thailand's Andaman coastline, Ao Nang combines limestone karsts with pristine beaches to create a tropical destination that appeals to visitors. This beach town serves as Krabi's main ferry hub, connecting travelers to the region's beautiful islands and coastal destinations. With its balance of natural scenery, convenient amenities, and relaxed atmosphere, Ao Nang provides a practical base for exploring Thailand's Andaman treasures.

Ao Nang has warm temperatures year-round, with distinct dry and wet seasons. November through April brings dry, sunny days with calm seas, suitable for ferry travel and beach activities, though December and January see higher tourist numbers. May and October offer a good balance of favorable weather and fewer crowds, with occasional showers. The monsoon season (June-September) brings regular rainfall and rougher seas, sometimes affecting ferry schedules, but accommodations offer discounts during this period. The Krabi Boating Festival in November and Songkran water festival in April provide cultural highlights worth considering.

Ao Nang serves as a convenient departure point to some of Thailand's notable island destinations. The Phi Phi Islands lie just 45 minutes away by speedboat, offering snorkeling and the well-known Maya Bay. Railay Beach, technically a peninsula but accessible only by boat, can be reached in just 15 minutes and features beaches and rock climbing opportunities. The four islands of Koh Poda, Koh Kai, Koh Mor, and Chicken Island create a day trip option (30 minutes by longtail boat) with clear waters and marine life. For a less crowded experience, the Hong Islands to the north showcase lagoons and beaches during a 45-minute ferry journey.

Beyond its role as a ferry hub, Ao Nang offers activities before island-hopping adventures. The main beach road features restaurants serving fresh seafood and Thai cuisine, with Pad Thai Ao Nang and Lae Lay Grill being local options. Visitors can explore nearby Thom Sua Tiger Cave Temple, accessible via a 1,260-step climb that provides views across Krabi province. For a more relaxed experience, Nopparat Thara Beach offers quieter shores for sunset walks, while the nearby Ao Nang Night Market provides opportunities to sample local street food and shop for souvenirs. The waters surrounding Ao Nang are suitable for kayaking to coves and mangrove forests.

Ao Nang's name translates to "Princess Bay," referring to a local legend about a princess who once bathed in its waters. The limestone karsts along the coastline were formed over 300 million years ago when the area was entirely underwater. Ao Nang was a fishing village until the 1990s when tourism transformed it into the coastal hub it is today. During extremely low tides at Nopparat Thara Beach, a sandbar appears, creating a temporary walking path to the nearby islands, a phenomenon that locals call the "split sea."