Krabi Town to Ao Nang: Transportation Options and How-To Guide
Krabi Town, the quiet capital of Thailand’s Krabi province, and Ao Nang, its bustling resort, are two complementary destinations separated by about 20 kilometers. While Krabi Town offers an authentic glimpse of local life with its night market and peaceful streets, Ao Nang is the tourist heart with its beaches, halal restaurants and easy access to nearby islands such as Railay or Phi Phi. Whether you’re staying in Krabi Town and want to explore Ao Nang for a day or planning a transfer in between, there are several transportation options available to you. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get from Krabi Town to Ao Nang, with costs, durations, and tips to make your ride enjoyable.
Transportation Options from Krabi Town to Ao Nang
Songthaew: the economical and local choice
The songthaew, a white pickup truck equipped with benches in the back, is the most popular and affordable way to connect Krabi Town to Ao Nang. These vehicles run regularly from around 6 am to 8 pm, departing from Krabi Bus Terminal or central points like the Vogue Shopping Center on Maharaj Road. In Ao Nang, they stop along the main road near the beach or McDonald’s.
- Price : 50 baht per person (about €1.30).
- Duration : 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
- Pros : Cheap, authentic, and easy to find – just raise your hand to stop one.
- Cons : They leave when they are full, so a slight waiting time is possible, especially in the low season. No air conditioning, but the open windows offer a pleasant breeze.
Tip: If you’re traveling light, ride in the back for the local experience; Alternatively, ask to sit in the front with the driver for 60-70 baht if a seat is available.
Taxi: fast and comfortable
For more comfort or if you are traveling in a group, a taxi is a quick and direct option. In Krabi Town, you will find taxis near the bus station, the night market, or through your hotel, which can book one for you. Taxis do not operate on the meter here; Prices are fixed and negotiable.
- Price : 400 to 600 baht for the vehicle (10-15 €), depending on your bargaining power and the season.
- Duration : 20 to 30 minutes, without intermediate stops.
- Pros : Comfortable, air-conditioned, and ideal for families or those with a lot of luggage.
- Cons : More expensive than songthaew, and sometimes you have to haggle to avoid inflated rates for tourists.
Tip: Book through a local agency or an app like Grab (available in Krabi) for a price that is often lower, around 350-450 baht, and increased transparency.
Scootering: freedom and adventure
Renting a scooter is perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace. Many shops in Krabi Town, especially on Chao Fa Road or Uttarakit Road, offer day rentals.
- Price : 200-250 baht per day (€5-6), plus 50 baht for petrol for the round trip.
- Duration : 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your speed and stops.
- Pros : Complete flexibility, the ability to visit spots along the way like the Tiger Cave Temple, and a reasonable cost for two people.
- Cons : Requires riding experience, helmet (mandatory, fines otherwise), and extra caution at night or in the rain.
Tip: Check the condition of the scooter (brakes, tires) before leaving and take a photo to avoid any disputes on the way back. The road is well maintained, but be vigilant of tuk-tuks and pedestrians.
Tuk-tuk: a picturesque touch
Tuk-tuks in Krabi are fewer than in Bangkok, but some drivers offer trips to Ao Nang. They are mostly present in Ao Nang and sometimes come to Krabi Town.
- Price : 300-400 baht for the journey (8-10 €), negotiable.
- Duration : 25 to 35 minutes.
- Pros : Fun and typical experience, good alternative to taxi for small groups.
- Cons : Less comfortable, not ideal for bulky luggage, and more expensive than songthaew.
Tip: Agree on the price before you get on and avoid drivers who insist too much – a sign of potential overcharging.
Cost and Duration Comparison
| Option | Price (baht) | Duration (minutes) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Songthaew | 50 | 30-40 | Budget, solo, premises |
| Taxi | 400-600 | 20-30 | Groups, comfort |
| Motor scooter | 200-300 | 20-25 | Adventure, couples |
| Tuk-tuk | 300-400 | 25-35 | Fun, small groups |
Practical tips for the journey
- Timings : The songthaews stop around 8pm; after that, opt for a taxi or Grab. Scooters are available 24 hours a day at major agencies, but avoid riding late for safety reasons.
- Luggage : Songthaews have limited space – travel light. Taxis and scooters offer more flexibility for bags.
- Season : In high season (November-February), transport is more frequent, but prices can rise slightly. In the low season (May-October), negotiate more.
- Respect : A “sawasdee krub” (hello) or “khob khun” (thank you) with a smile makes it easier to interact with the drivers.
What to do on the way?
The direct journey is short, but with a scooter or taxi you can take a detour to nearby attractions:
- Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua): 10 km from Krabi Town, this Buddhist temple offers panoramic views after 1,237 steps. Allow an extra hour.
- Krabi Hot Springs : Halfway if you deviate south, these natural hot springs are perfect for a relaxing break (admission: 90 baht).
Why go to Ao Nang from Krabi Town?
Ao Nang is the perfect base for exploring Krabi’s beaches and islands. From Krabi Town, it’s a quick getaway to enjoy Nopparat Thara Beach, halal restaurants along the promenade, or boat trips to Railay and the Phi Phi Islands. Quieter Krabi Town is perfect for local immersion, but Ao Nang offers touristy energy and modern conveniences. The journey between the two is therefore a bridge between authenticity and entertainment.
A typical day from Krabi Town to Ao Nang
Imagine: you leave Krabi Town at 9 am by songthaew (50 baht). At 9:30 am, you arrive in Ao Nang, have a coffee at a local café (80 baht), and then walk to the beach. Around 11am, you book a boat to Railay (100 baht round trip). Afternoon beach, then return to Ao Nang for a halal pad Thai (60 baht). At 6pm, a taxi takes you back to Krabi Town (500 baht) for an evening at the night market. Total budget: about 800 baht for a memorable day.
In conclusion, going from Krabi Town to Ao Nang is simple and adaptable to all budgets. The songthaew offers an economical and local option, the taxi guarantees comfort and speed, the scooter promises freedom, and the tuk-tuk adds a touch of adventure. With this information, you are ready to navigate between these two Krabi pearls without stress. So, which way will you choose for your next trip?
