An image depicting a hostel in New York City shows a modern building with a front entrance that overlooks a city street. The structure of the building is highlighted by vibrant colors, with a bright yellow door and a glass window in the center. The city skyline is visible in the background, providing a glimpse of the bustling urban environment.
We had been to temples for a fortnight in the north, so we were ready for a beach vacation with our children in Thailand. It was a daunting task to select a suitable beach destination for our family from the considerable number of stunning beaches in Thailand. Still, we eventually settled on Ao Nang due to its spectacular views. Everywhere you look, the landscape is captivating with the majestic limestone karst mountains dominating the land and sea. It’s simply mesmerizing.
Taking a Trip to Ao Nang
Getting to Ao Nang can be done in various ways.
Getting to Ao Nang may require some extra effort since it doesn’t have its own airport or train station, however, it’s absolutely worth it!
- Flights to Krabi: The nearest airport to Ao Nang is in Krabi, a 30-minute drive away. Travelers can engage a driver or take the airport bus (which runs about once an hour) to the Ao Nang hotel areas. Domestic flights to Krabi are reasonably priced.
- Ferry to Ao Nang: Ao Nang has its own ferry terminal, making it easy to get here from Phuket or any of the islands in between.
A picture of an aircraft taking off from Bangkok en route to Krabi in Thailand is depicted.
It is suggested to utilize 12go.asia when planning a trip to Ao Nang. This website was employed multiple times during our Thai vacation since it is straightforward to compare all the available options, including flights, ferries, and taxis.
Ideas for an Enjoyable Time with the Family in Ao Nang
Our 5-day trip to Ao Nang Beach with our children (at the time, both 3 and 5 years old) included the following activities:
First Day – Noppharat Thara Beach
On the initial day, we had the pleasure of visiting Noppharat Thara Beach.
Noppharat Thara Beach, located in the Ao Nang area of Thailand, is a stunning sight to behold. This wide, sandy stretch of coast is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenery.
This morning, the children arose bright and early at 6 o’clock and wouldn’t succumb to our attempts to get them back to sleep. Consequently, we headed down to the hotel to enjoy a substantial buffet breakfast.
The weather report was not overly promising, with clouds and thunderstorms predicted for our entire stay. Despite the light rain as we got ready to go to the beach, we decided to press on and were delighted with the result.
We stayed at a hotel which was located on the Noppharat Thara Beach, which is situated to the northwest of the primary beach of Ao Nang. As it is not in the heart of the Ao Nang strip, Noppharat Thara Beach is less well-known than Ao Nang Beach, but this was perfect for us. We found the beach to be ideal for families!
A view of the beautiful Noppharat Thara Beach in Ao Nang, Thailand, is presented in the images above.
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Noppharat Thara Beach is truly beautiful. It features a long expanse of golden brown sand, with the majestic limestone karst mountains flanking it at both ends. The beach is very well-kept, and there is barely any litter in sight. It is a treasure trove of seashells and is populated by thousands of small crabs and snails.
On the days we visited in December, the water was very shallow for a long stretch and the waves were not present (which we comprehend is customary during the dry season).
At 8 am, we planted our feet firmly in the sand and spent the morning leisurely strolling from one side of the beach to the other (for a total of 3.7 miles / 6km). It was a blast walking in the shallow water, gazing at the little crabs, and collecting seashells for our daughter’s treasure trove.
The Ao Nang ferry pier on the northeast side of the beach has three limestone karst islands close to its shore. It is possible to walk to the closest ones in the shallow water. The middle one is especially nice, as you can stroll on a sandbar with little waves from both sides hitting the walkway.
The image shows Noppharat Thara Beach Ao Nang, Thailand with children. It is a perfect destination for a family vacation.
During the peak of the summer, the shoreline was surprisingly empty until noon. We were pleased to see more local people than travelers, which we thought was a positive sign.
The morning was overcast and there were some sunny spells, but no rain. This just reinforces the idea that you should go ahead with your plans even if the weather isn’t looking great, as you can often end up having a wonderful day.
The image depicted is Noppharat Thara Beach, located in Ao Nang, Thailand, a great spot for toddlers to explore and have fun.
Once lunch had been enjoyed, we gave our kids the opportunity to engage in some tranquil play with their toys in the next-door hotel room. This provided us with a short, but desperately needed, break from the little ones. At this age when the children can be a bit difficult to handle, it is pleasant for us all to take a quick rest from each other.
Our little girl had just picked up swimming and had been requesting to visit the hotel pool. Since the atmosphere was becoming more and more overcast and blustery, we viewed it as an ideal opportunity to forego the beach and allow her to take a dip in the pool.
Day 2 – Visiting Railay Beach
On the second day, a trip was made to Railay Beach.
At Railay Beach in Thailand, there are long-tail boats dotting the shoreline. This stunning beachscape can be seen in the picture above.
At the start of the day, we started our journey by foot to the Ao Nang beach (https://goo.gl/maps/1hTXui59BEp) which took around 30 minutes. We were greeted by rain at the beginning, however, the clouds soon parted and the sky became clear by the time we arrived.
We quickly discerned that Ao Nang Beach wasn’t to our liking at all compared to the beach from the day before. Along the shoreline, there were an array of long-tail boats waiting to transport visitors to distant beaches, and the smell was noxious due to a large sewer pipe emptying into the ocean. Additionally, the sand was littered with various kinds of trash, including beer bottle caps and glass.
The weather got brighter and the sun started to show itself, so we decided not to let the day slip away at the underwhelming beach. We promptly took a long-tail boat to Railay Beach.
The beach of Ao Nang, located in Thailand, is a popular tourist destination.
I had been concerned that we didn’t have enough money since we hadn’t intended to go anywhere today, but it turned out the kids were exempt from paying and the 2 adult tickets only cost 400 baht (~$13 USD) for a return journey.
The tickets must be purchased from the long-tail boat collective booth and then passengers will be required to wait until the boat has enough people. On our occasion, we were the last to join in, so the captain immediately guided us to the beach.
Our daughter had no problem climbing into the long-tail boat, but for our 3-year-old we had to wade into the water and pass him from one parent to the other. It required a short ladder to get in.
The captain distributed lifejackets to everyone, even the little ones who had one perfectly sized for them (which came as a shock!). Then, he rearranged the way the people were sitting to make sure the boat was stable before we set off.
The journey to Railay Beach by long-tail boat was quick and incredibly picturesque. As the boats hugged the rugged coastline, the majestic limestone mountains, which the area is renowned for, could be seen. Make sure to take your camera, but also be sure to keep it dry as you may get a little wet from the boat’s speed.
In the middle of Railay Beach, long-tail boats tie up together in a bundle. If you would like a section of the beach with no boats in view, you can go to either end where there are designated regions with ropes to separate people from the boats.
The breathtaking beauty of Railay Beach is surrounded by tall limestone mountains, isolating it from the mainland and making boats the only means of access.
The sand was a pleasant golden color, but it had been picked through so much that not many seashells remained for children to collect. Despite being there during a sunny day in the busiest time of the year, the beach wasn’t as hectic as I had assumed it would be.
A stunning image of Railay Beach in Thailand is showcased in the photo. The shoreline with the turquoise water and limestone rock formations provides a picturesque view.
The seafloor in the ocean stayed shallow for an extended period, with only a few rocks, so we made sure to put water shoes on our kids. When we went in mid-December, the waters were quite placid, with the only movement coming from the continuous stream of long-tail boats. There were some restaurants facing the ocean, as well as a mini-mart if you needed any food or goods.
In order to journey home, you have to bring your round-trip tickets to the dock where the long-tail boats are and one of the captains will motion for you to board. We were told that eight passengers are typically required for the voyage back, however, our captain welcomed our foursome, and off we sailed.
We had an amazing experience at Railay Beach. The view was breathtaking and the children had an absolute blast playing in the smooth sand and the comfortable, warm sea.
Exploring Railay Beach Through Tours and Fun Activities
On the Third Day – A Voyage Through the Canals of Hong Island in a Long-Tail Boat
A toddler can be seen enjoying the paradisiacal sea of Hong Island, Thailand, in the following image. 
This morning, a group of at least five of us took a long-tail boat from Ao Nang Beach to Hong Island. This was the only way to reach the island without having to resort to a private vessel.
Although a steady stream of travelers had arrived at the collective, we still had to wait around 30 minutes for two nice ladies from Slovenia to come to Hong Island. We were still short of one person, so we pooled our money and hired a private boat for 2500 baht each (or $ 20 USD).
We realized that we should have packed our kid’s life vests when we went out to the beach!
The rainfall had made the waters a bit choppy, so our captain was cautious and it took us a full hour to reach the island. As we got there, the captain skilfully steered the long-tail boat through a tight passage into the stunning lagoon in the island’s core.
The water was shallow and a vibrant turquoise green, encircled by lush hills. Although it was a picturesque spot, the high number of boats in the area detracted from it. Our captain didn’t stay long due to the demand of people wanting to get in and out, so we soon moved on.
The picture featured here is of Hong Island Lagoon in Thailand. It is a stunning place surrounded by white-sand beaches and clear blue waters. It is a paradise for adventurers who want to explore the beauty of the region.
Initially, our captain was reluctant to make the journey to the main beach located on the eastern side of the island due to the large waves. He had been heading to the much smaller beach located on the north side of the island, but after conferring with other boat drivers, he decided to take us to the main beach.
The main beach does not have space for the long-tail boats to dock, so they will leave you off at a dock at the end of a long pier that is floating. Remember to make a note of the boat number and arrange a time with your captain when he will come to pick you up.
At the docking station, you’ll find staff members from the National Park who’ll accept the 300 baht (~$10usd) entrance fee (our children were exempt from paying). After that, you’ll find a lengthy, floating walkway that will lead you from the dock to the beach.
The pathway that you take will move up and down in accordance with the size of the waves, making the walk difficult if they are large. To aid with balance, there are ropes on either side; however, it is important to keep an eye on young children.
A picture of Hong Island in Thailand, which is a great destination for a family vacation with kids, can be seen here. It is an ideal spot to take a break and explore the beauty of the region. It’s a perfect place for a fun and memorable experience.
At the northern end of the beach, there is a little lagoon surrounded by sand, which is sheltered from the open ocean and has placid waters. Nearby, you can take a dip in the sand close to the floating pathway. Most visitors opt to venture to the lagoon, however.
Signs and loudspeakers urge swimmers to don their lifejackets in the water, though no rationale is ever offered. For those in the shallow areas, it is wise to bring some water shoes as there is a considerable amount of dead coral and shells.
Yesterday, we visited Railay Beach, which is said to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful locations. However, we thought that Hong Island’s beach was even more stunning. Its sand is pure white, which allows the sun to create a beautiful turquoise-blue lagoon. In comparison, the sand at Railay is lovely, but it is a golden hue, not white.
The sand here is so smooth, it’s like talcum powder, though it will cling to your skin. Both stretches of beach possess high limestone mountains surrounding them, yet the ones at Hong Island appear closer and more overwhelming.
A monitor lizard can be spotted on the shores of Hong Island in Thailand. This image captured of the reptile provides a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area. 
We enjoyed a few hours of fun on the beach and in the ocean. Under the scorching heat of Thailand, we had to constantly reapply sunscreen, yet we all still got a bit of a sunburn!
Eventually, we decided our son needed some respite from the sweltering heat, so we relocated to a shadier spot beneath a big tree further up north. As we did so, a gigantic water monitor lizard was ambling along the beach, until it was surrounded by a hoard of tourists taking pictures. Quickly, the lizard scurried back into the jungle.
We cooled off in the shade and consumed a plentiful amount of water and bananas. The island has a tiny snack shop, so it would be wise to bring your own food and drink. After we felt adequately cooled, we put on our shoes and strolled the island’s nature trail. The trail has many informative English signs which include intriguing ones about the tsunami of December 26, 2004.
As we made our way to the conclusion of the hike, we encountered a few raindrops. By the time we were finished, the thunderstorm was in full swing! Fortunately, the island had enough buildings so that all the beachgoers could take refuge.
The downpour was intense, the gusts of wind were powerful and the thunder boomed. Everyone on the staff assured me that it would not linger, and they were indeed accurate; after roughly 20 minutes, the tempest had passed.
A picture of a hiking trail on Hong Island Thailand is presented: 
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At 3 PM, we made a pact with our captain to assemble at the dock. As the storm had started to settle, the sun shone in the afternoon sky. Although the ocean was tranquil at the time, the waves had grown to be quite a huge post the tempestuous weather. The boat was bouncing violently at the dock and boarding was a hazardous task, nevertheless, the park personnel was of great assistance in getting the children on board securely.
The journey back took an hour and was full of tension. The seas were rough and our small long-tail boat was being thrown around. Even though the boat seemed reliable, every time it plunged down after crossing a large wave, we all exchanged anxious glances.
Our children dealt with the hectic journey home by sleeping – both of them dropped off shortly after we left. It was probably the mixture of hours of fun at the beach and the rocking of the boat that was too much for them.
We were thankful our passengers were snoozing as they did not spot the anxious expressions on our faces. But, our reliable driver got us all back to the beach safe and sound, and he simply drove away as if it was a normal day on the job.
The journey home was difficult, but I’m still happy we decided to take the kids to Hong Island. Remaining indoors all the time to avoid potential issues isn’t an option. These experiences will help our children get used to encountering and managing tough situations, which will be invaluable to them as they grow.
Planning a getaway? Check out Hong Island Tours and Activities for an unforgettable experience!
Day 4 – Visiting Noppharat Thara Beach
On the fourth day, a trip to Noppharat Thara Beach was made.
A picture of Noppharat Thara Beach located in Ao Nang Krabi Thailand with kids can be seen here.
When we awoke this morning, our plan was to use a long-tail boat to return to Railay Beach in order to go kayaking. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and raining. After we ate breakfast, we checked the forecast and it indicated a possibility of afternoon thundershowers.
Given the events of the prior day, we had no desire to take another boat ride in the wake of a storm. Thus, we put off our kayaking journey to Railay Beach for a day and chose to relax on Noppharat Thara Beach instead.
A picture of Noppharat Thara Beach, located in Ao Nang Krabi, Thailand, is illustrated above. This beach is ideal for families with kids.
On this occasion, we located a place we appreciated and spread out our towels there for the entire morning. This beach is ideal for kids; there are lots of shells to observe, the water is very shallow and extends endlessly, the sea bottom is quite sandy (no need for water shoes), and the waves are tranquil and minimal (if any at all).
At this point, the sky had mostly cleared and the sun shone brightly. We spent some time on the shoreline frolicking in the sand, but the majority of the time was spent in the balmy ocean, just fooling around. The children loved seeing how far they could venture and still be able to reach the bottom.
The number of people present at the beach was small enough that we were able to leave our bags, which contained cameras among other items, without having to worry. Although, in the end, we all ended up with sunburns, so heed our warning and be sure to frequently put on sunscreen, especially after going in the ocean.
At noon, we had a meal of Pad Thai and smoothies from a nearby food stand, which we enjoyed by the hotel’s swimming pool. The children played on the trampoline and then decided to take a dip in the pool. However, our daughter’s face had become very flushed and the cold water failed to bring the color back to her cheeks, prompting us to worry that she had gotten a sunburn.
We ushered Celine and her brother to our room to protect them from the bright rays of the Thai sun. In rotation, Celine and I went on long strolls along the shore, enjoying the sunshine, the views, and a little private time.
Day 5 – Kayaking at Railay Beach
On the fifth day, we made our way to Railay Beach to go kayaking. We were excited to explore the area and learn more about the environment. The experience was a great opportunity to get up close and personal with nature. We paddled around the stunning landscape and admired the natural beauty of the area. It was a truly unforgettable experience.
A photo of a stunning beach in Thailand shows a family kayaking together. The scene captures a family adventure at Railay Beach, perfect for an unforgettable experience with the kids.
We returned to Railay Beach today for a kayaking excursion. The voyage by long-tail boat was much calmer than the one from Hong Island, bringing us a great sense of relief.
A picture of a long tail boat with children on board, heading towards Railay Beach in Thailand, is presented.
When we first visited Railay Beach, we made a vow to return and take advantage of the placid waters by kayaking and viewing the limestone karst islands up close. To fulfill our promise, we immediately hired a three-seater kayak and set off.
Knowing we’d be engaging in some aquatic activities in Thailand, we brought our own lifejackets from home since most locations don’t possess ones small enough for our kids. To begin with, the two children shared the foremost seat of the kayak but eventually ended up wrestling, so our daughter was moved to the middle.
The surrounding sea was very serene, making kayaking at Railay Beach a breeze. However, the peace is occasionally interrupted by the ripples caused by the long-tail boats that pass by every few minutes. Fortunately, these waves don’t last long and disappear quickly.
We ventured on a kayaking journey along the beach near the bottom of a massive limestone cliff. The majestic display of these limestone mountains can be admired from afar, yet the intricate details are truly remarkable when observed nearby. The sight of the spectacular stalactites hanging over the water is breathtaking, and there are a great number of birds and plants that make these rocks their home.
A picture of a family kayaking together in Thailand is featured, with the location being Railay Beach. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.
We quickly set off from the shoreline and paddled towards the two picturesque islands just offshore. It was an enjoyable experience to pass through the narrow space separating them. Upon reaching the other side, we traversed the perimeter of both islands before re-entering the gap and heading back to the mainland.
The kayak rental was for a mere hour, yet we managed to witness a lot of stunning views before departing Ao Nang for our journey to Phuket.
A picture of the stunning Railay Beach in Thailand is displayed below. This beautiful beach features clear blue waters and picturesque limestone cliffs. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and its beauty is unparalleled.
We offered the children a reward for their exemplary behavior in the kayaks – more time enjoying the warm, tub-like waters. We, selfishly, took the opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery one last time. This beach is one of the most picturesque we have encountered on our journeys. The only downside is the constant flow of noisy long-tail boats coming in and out.
Accommodation Options for Families Visiting Ao Nang with Youngsters
The Holiday Inn Express on Noppharat Thara Beach was where we stayed and it was a great experience. This brand new hotel was perfect for families. Its location is ideal, being situated on a beach great for families. Furthermore, it has a scrumptious buffet breakfast and lots of restaurants in the vicinity.
We decided to rent a “family room”, which was actually two connecting rooms, with a king-sized bed in ours and two twin beds in the other. It was great to be near our children, yet still have a wall separating us. The kids had a blast on the trampoline and swimming in the pool. We would highly recommend this beach-front hotel in Ao Nang to anyone.
Those in search of accommodations near the main strip will have many hotel options to pick from.
A variety of vacation home rentals for kids can be found in the area of Ao Nang. Hostel New York provides a comprehensive list of these options.
Responding to the Post
The impact of global warming is devastating, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events becoming increasingly commonplace. Heat waves, floods, and droughts are all becoming more frequent and damaging. These effects can be seen in both the natural and human worlds, with ecosystems being severely disrupted and human populations suffering from the lack of resources. It is essential that we recognize the severity of the situation and take action to reduce our emissions and protect our planet.
