If you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding hike in Krabi, Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail should be on your bucket list!
Also known as the Dragon Crest Mountain, it offers sweeping views over the limestone cliffs and turquoise ocean of the Krabi Province.
Located about a 30 minutes drive from Ao Nang, Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail is definitely one of the best hikes to do if you’re spending 10 days in Thailand.
This guide will show you everything you need to know, from how to get there, the best time to visit, entrance fees and more!
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- How to get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach + fun things to do
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- Phra Nang Beach and Cave travel guide
- Hong Island travel guide
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Where is Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail?
Tab Kak Hang Nak or the Dragon Crest Mountain is located in the Krabi Province, about 30 minutes from Ao Nang. To find the exact location of the trailhead, just type in “Khao Ngon Nak National Park Office” on Google Maps or click here.
How to get to Tab Kak Hang Nak (Dragon Crest Mountain)?
The cheapest way to get there is by motorbike which costs about 200 baht (US$ 6.30) per day. If you can’t ride a motorbike, you can hire a private taxi for 1,000 baht and have the driver wait for you.
I booked a taxi at a small booth near a 7-eleven which offered the cheapest price in Ao Nang (click here for the exact location).
As you get closer, you’ll find the Banyan Tree Resort on your left and from there you just need to drive for a few minutes until you reach the park entrance.
Related post: The best 10-day Thailand itinerary guide
What to expect at Tab Kak Hang Nak?
As soon as you arrive, you’ll need to sign in with the park ranger and provide your name and phone number. This is so they can easily contact you just in case you get lost (no worries, the trail is easy to follow!) As of 2022, there is an entrance fee of 200 baht (US$ 6.10) to hike Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill.
Near the entrance, you’ll find a toilet and a small shop selling drinks and snacks. I highly recommend bringing enough water before attempting this hike.
The path is well-beaten and easy to follow. There are a few signs here and there showing the way and the distance left until you reach the peak.
The hike up takes nearly two hours since the trail is very steep and covered with rocks and tree roots.
Once you’ve covered about half of the trail, you’ll find a long set of wooden stairs. The stairs are a bit wobbly, so avoid leaning too much on the railings.
You’ll find the first viewpoint at about ¾ of the way. Keep going until you reach another viewpoint and a sign showing the names of the various peaks in the national park.
Related post: 20 Awesome things to do in Krabi
From there, turn right and climb over the huge boulder to get to the hanging rock.
The hanging rock is supposed to be off-limits and fenced off but some people still managed to get through. I wouldn’t personally recommend this since it’s very dangerous.
Instead, keep going straight ahead until you reach another section where you can view the hanging rock from a much safer spot.
From the top of the Dragon Crest Mountain, you’ll get a panoramic view of Krabi overlooking various limestone cliffs on both land and ocean! Spend some time here to admire the view and refuel before making your way down.
There are also a few waterfalls along the trail. Two of them are found near the entrance and another one closer to the peak. None were spectacular especially during the dry season, so you can skip those if you wish.
Related post: What to do in Krabi in 4 days?
Best time to visit
The best time to hike the Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill is first thing in the morning. The hike is strenuous, so it’s best to start early to avoid the heat.
The national park is open every day from 8 a.m to 4 p.m and if you arrive earlier, you can ask the park ranger to let you in. I arrived at around 8:20 a.m and I saw on the register book that there were a few people who had signed in before 8 a.m, so you can definitely go earlier.
I would also recommend doing this hike during the shoulder or dry season since the path is very steep and it will be extremely slippery if it’s raining. The best time would be from October to April.
Additional Tips
- The hike requires a moderate level of fitness and isn’t recommended if you’re afraid of heights.
- It takes about 2 hours up and 1.5 hours down depending on your fitness level.
- Bring lots of water!
- Wear proper hiking shoes.
- Avoid this hike during the rainy season.
Where to stay in Ao Nang?
Amorn Mansion
If you’re on a budget but still want to be close to Ao Nang beach, I recommend staying at Amorn Mansion. The rooms feature a double bed, mini-fridge, TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
Check prices and availability for Amorn Mansion here.
Buri Tara Resort, Ao Nang
Buri Tara Resort is slightly more expensive and is located less than five minutes from Nopparat Thara beach. The hotel offers clean and modern rooms, each with a private bathroom, mini-fridge, TV, and air conditioning.
Check prices and availability for Buri Tara Resort here.
Read more about Thailand:
- 18 awesome things you should do in Koh Lanta
- 10 spectacular beaches in Koh Lanta
- 11 activities to do in Koh Lipe
- Detailed guide to visiting Pai Plong Beach
- 4 day Bangkok travel itinerary
- How to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya and temples to visit
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