Ao Nam Mao Beach
Ao Nam Mao sits along the coastline of Sai Thai in Mueang Krabi district, functioning primarily as a pier and departure point for boat taxis heading to the famous Railay Beach peninsula. Because Railay is only accessible by water, this modest bay serves as one of the key embarkation points for travellers making their way to that celebrated stretch of coast, making it a practical stop rather than a destination in its own right. The beach itself is a quiet coastal strip backed by a handful of beachfront hotels, offering a more local and unhurried atmosphere compared to the busier tourist centres of Krabi Town or Ao Nang. The setting is functional but pleasant, with views across the bay and easy access to the water. Visitors staying in the area will find it a convenient base for day trips by boat to surrounding islands and beaches. The pier operates daily from 08:00 to 18:30, so travellers should plan their return journeys from Railay accordingly to avoid being stranded after closing time. Those using Ao Nam Mao purely as a transit point are advised to arrive with time to spare, particularly during peak season when boat services can be busier. Comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended, as waiting times on the pier can extend during busy periods.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ao Nam Mao Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Krabi

Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, in Thailand's far southern Andaman near the Malaysian border, is the country's closest answer to the Maldives — powder-white sand at Sunrise and Pattaya beaches and water in improbable shades of turquoise, with snorkeling straight off the shore into the protected Ko Tarutao Natio.

Ko Lanta
A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.

Ko Phi Phi Don
The largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, balancing vibrant beach life with dramatic natural scenery.

Emerald Pool
A mineral-rich natural swimming pool deep in Krabi's rainforest, famous for its striking emerald-green water.
Ao Nam Mao Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ao Nam Mao Beach worth visiting?
Ao Nam Mao Beach holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,726 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Krabi.
What are the opening hours of Ao Nam Mao Beach?
Ao Nam Mao Beach is typically open 08:00-18:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Ao Nam Mao Beach?
The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Ao Nam Mao Beach located?
Ao Nam Mao Beach is at บ้านอ่าวน้ำเมาหรือท่าเรืออ่าวน้ำเมา Tambon Sai Thai, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Location Info
บ้านอ่าวน้ำเมาหรือท่าเรืออ่าวน้ำเมา Tambon Sai Thai, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, ThailandTours & tickets nearby
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Ao Nam Mao Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand

Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.

Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's largest beach, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya, with clear water and a lively shoreline.
Where to stay near Ao Nam Mao Beach
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental