Ao Nang & Krabi with Kids: Family Fun, Easy Island Trips & Beautiful Beaches

From calm beaches to island adventures, Ao Nang is full of easy day trips that work well for families. Here’s a quick overview of our favorite things to do in Ao Nang and Krabi with kids before we dive into the details.

All of these can be done from Ao Nang, and most are easy even with young children. Here’s what we loved most about each place, plus a few honest tips from our own trip.

One of the most beautiful beaches near Ao Nang and perfect for families with young kids. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and the scenery is just stunning. Longtail boats run frequently between Ao Nang and Railay, especially in high season. As soon as one boat fills up, it leaves, so you never wait long.
A return ticket costs about 200 THB per person (around $5 USD / €4.60).

This is one of the classic Krabi day trips and still one of our favorites. You’ll visit beautiful islands like Koh Poda and Chicken Island, with turquoise water and great snorkeling spots. The ride is longer than to Railay but totally worth it.

You can join a group tour for great value, or book a private longtail like we did if you want more flexibility with timing and stops. This is especially handy for little ones who need naps or snack breaks.

Hong Island, Koh Lao Lading, Pakbia Island, and the Hong Lagoon are a bit farther away than the Four Islands, but the beaches and lagoons are absolutely breathtaking. It can get busy, especially in high season, so go early. The boat ride is a bit long, but the views make up for it.

If you are traveling with kids and want more flexibility and don’t want to depend on fixed tour schedules, consider booking a private tour or a speedboat.

A fun evening outing that’s easy even with young children. The market in Krabi Town has local food stalls, souvenirs, and live music. It’s a great way to try Thai street food in a lively yet relaxed setting.

Go early so the kids don’t get too tired, and bring small cash for snacks and treats.

This is one of the most popular Krabi day trips, combining jungle pools, warm springs, and a temple climb. The Emerald Pool and Hot Springs are wonderful for kids who love water, but the day can feel long. Tours often last 8–9 hours.

The Tiger Cave Temple involves a steep climb with hundreds of steps, which is not ideal for small children. We recommend this trip mainly for families with older kids (8+).

This is one of Thailand’s most famous tours and for good reason. The scenery around Phi Phi and Maya Bay is unreal. We didn’t do it with our kids because of the long travel time, but we would love to visit in the future, perhaps when staying on Phi Phi itself.

There are many combinations of island trips around Ao Nang: Hong, Koh Poda, Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and more. It is tempting to try all Ao Nang family day trips and squeeze as much into a single day as possible, but we do not recommend overdoing it. Some tours spend more time on the boat than on the islands, which can be tiring for kids.

Do not skip Railay Beach, it is so easy to reach from Ao Nang and absolutely beautiful. With young children, if you want to do two beach-focused days, we would personally spend one day at Railay and one day on the Four Islands with a private tour. Of course, for older children, it is no problem to do the longer tours.

If possible, spread out your day trips and mix them with relaxed beach or pool days. This makes the experience much more enjoyable for everyone.

💡 Crew Tip: longtail boats are very(!) loud. We brought hearing protection for our kids and were very glad we did.

Looking for the best family hotels in Ao Nang and Krabi? Here’s a quick guide to the most family-friendly areas and stays, from quiet beaches to resorts with fun pools and slides.

Ao Nang offers plenty of family-friendly places to stay, from simple hotels and cozy guesthouses to private villas with their own pool. You’ll also find larger resorts with slides and kids’ areas, which are perfect if you want to relax while the little ones play.

If you like it calm and peaceful, Noppharat Thara Beach is a lovely choice. It’s quieter than central Ao Nang, and longtail boats also depart from here. Just keep in mind that because it’s less busy, it can take a bit longer for boats to fill up before leaving.

We personally chose to stay near Ao Nang Beach. It’s a bit livelier but still relaxed, and you’re closer to restaurants, supermarkets and small shops. With young kids, we found that extra convenience really makes a difference.

Some nice family-friendly places to stay in Ao Nang are:

• Ananta Burin Resort – beautiful pool area with fun slides for kids
• The L Resort, Krabi – modern and central, ideal for families
• Silk Ao Nang Condominium – spacious apartments with kitchen and pool access

Ao Nang is a relaxed and practical destination for families with a baby or toddler. From stroller-friendly streets to baby supplies and child-friendly hotels, it’s an easy place to travel with little ones.

Ao Nang is easy to explore on foot. The main streets are flat and stroller-friendly, so we used our stroller most of the time. If you plan to take a longtail boat, a baby carrier (like our favorite 👉 Tula Carrier) is much more practical.

You really don’t need to pack too much. Diapers and wipes are easy to find in local supermarkets and 7-Eleven stores. You can also find some baby food and formula, although brands might differ. If you prefer your usual brand, bring it from home just to be sure.

Most restaurants in Ao Nang are very child-friendly. You’ll find baby chairs almost everywhere and many places have kids’ menus with rice, noodles, and fruit smoothies. We found dining out with our kids super easy here.

Most hotels provide baby cots or toddler beds on request. We always mention it when booking, and never had an issue. We did bring a portable baby travel cot for other destinations in Thailand, but in Ao Nang we didn’t need it at all.

Most day trips are doable even with a baby, especially if you choose a private longtail tour. This way you can adjust the timing to naps or snack breaks. Keep in mind that life jackets for babies are not always available, so bring your own if you feel more comfortable. We didn’t find it necessary, but our toddler wore floaties on the boat just in case.

We found Ao Nang with a baby and toddler very manageable and relaxed. Everything you need is close by, locals are friendly, and activities are flexible enough to fit around nap times. It’s definitely one of the easiest places in Thailand to travel with young kids.

Planning a family trip to Ao Nang or Krabi? Here are our most useful travel tips for families, from when to go and what to pack to getting around and staying safe with kids.

We visited Ao Nang and Krabi around New Year with our kids. It was busier than usual and hotel and tour prices were higher, but everything was still very doable with little ones. The best time to visit is generally from November to April, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, perfect for beach days and island trips. We also wrote a complete Best Time to Visit Thailand with Kids Travel Guide, check it out if you are interested in combining Ao Nang with other parts of Thailand.

The rainy season is from May to October, with short tropical showers that usually pass quickly and rarely affect family plans.

There are many family-friendly restaurants with Thai and Western dishes. Most have kids’ menus and high chairs, making dining out with little ones easy.

• You can also order food via Grab for your hotel or villa
• Consider a local eSIM from Airalo to use Grab and stay connected.

Ao Nang is compact and walkable, perfect for strollers. For longer trips, use Grab, tuk-tuks, or rent a private driver. Boats to Railay and nearby islands leave from Ao Nang Beach or Noppharat Thara Pier.

💡 Crew Tip: Take a tuk‑tuk ride a few times with your kids. They will love it, and it’s super cheap too.

Getting to Ao Nang is easy and flexible for families.

Tips for families: If you’re traveling with little ones, we recommend booking private transfers or private boat tours whenever possible. This gives you flexibility around naps, snacks, and less waiting time, which makes the trip more comfortable for kids.

• By car or taxi: From Krabi International Airport, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Ao Nang. Private drivers are ideal with kids because you can travel at your own pace, stop for snacks or bathroom breaks, and avoid crowded transport. Book your private car here.
• By ferry or bus from nearby islands: Ao Nang is connected to Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi and other destinations. All ferries, buses, and transfers can be easily booked in advance through 12go.asia, which organizes everything reliably.
• Tip for families: Booking through 12go.asia lets you plan your trip in one place and avoid last-minute stress with kids. You can choose private or shared options depending on your needs.

Most things you need for kids are easily available locally in Ao Nang, from diapers and wipes to baby food and snacks. You don’t need to bring everything from home, but if you prefer your own brands, pack them.

For a more complete guide, you can check our Bali packing with kids blog, which works just as well for Ao Nang. There is also a free downloadable PDF packing list you can save and use for your trip.

Keep it light and practical. Recommended items:

• 👕 Light clothing
• 🧢 Sun protection
• 👟 Water shoes
• 🍼 Diapers, wipes, baby snacks
• 🎒 Dry bag for island trips

Ao Nang is generally safe for families, but it helps to be prepared. Here’s what we found useful during our visit with kids:

• 💧 Stay hydrated, especially on hot days or during island trips
• 🏥 Clinics and hospitals are available for emergencies, and staff are used to helping travelers with children
• 💊 Pharmacies are easy to find; we needed one when one of our kids was stung by a jellyfish, and we were helped quickly
• 🚦 Traffic on the main street can be busy, so always watch little ones closely
• 🦟 Mosquito repellent is recommended, especially in the early morning and late afternoon
• ☀️ Sun protection is essential for kids, even on cloudy days
• 🛡️ Travel insurance: Always have a good travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and evacuation if needed. This is especially important when traveling with kids or visiting islands, where transport to larger hospitals can take time.

Ao Nang is one of our favorite destinations in Thailand. The beaches are calm, the town is compact, and it’s a great base for exploring nearby islands. Railay Beach was absolutely wonderful for us: easy to reach, stunning scenery, and perfect for young kids to play. Next time, we might even consider staying at Railay for a night or two.

The islands around Ao Nang, like the Four Islands or Hong Island, are also breathtaking and ideal for family day trips. With a mix of easy beaches, short boat rides, and family-friendly restaurants, Ao Nang works really well for families with little ones.

If you want to combine Ao Nang with other family adventures in Thailand, check out our guides:

Thailand:

• Thailand with Kids
• Khao Lak with Kids

Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur with Kids
• Sepilok with Kids
• Semporna with Kids
• Kinabatangan River with Kids

Indonesia:

• Bali with Kids
• Lombok with Kids

📥 Want more tips? Visit our Family Travel Shop for printables, travel journals, and guides to make your trip smoother.

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Enjoy your Ao Nang adventure with your family! 🏖️
The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Ao Nang and Krabi with Kids

Is Ao Nang suitable for families with kids?

Yes, Ao Nang is very family-friendly. The beaches are calm, the town is compact, and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and day trips suitable for young children.

What are the best beaches in Ao Nang and Krabi for children?

For families, Ao Nang Beach and Railay Beach are ideal. Calm waters make them safe for little ones, and Railay is easy to reach by longtail boat.

Which island tours from Ao Nang are family-friendly?

Popular options include the Four Islands tour, Hong Island, and short trips to Koh Poda. Private tours are recommended with babies or toddlers for more flexibility.

Where should we stay in Ao Nang with kids?

Stay near Ao Nang Beach for easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, and day trips. Noppharat Thara Beach is quieter, but slightly farther from the main amenities. Family-friendly resorts and villas are widely available.

How to get to Ao Nang and Krabi with children?

Ao Nang is 40 minutes from Krabi International Airport. You can also arrive by ferry or bus from Phuket, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lanta, or Phi Phi. Booking through 12go.asia makes travel easy and reliable.