Hiking Dragon Crest Mountain in Krabi

Once in a while, you stumble upon a hidden gem. That was me whhen I embarked on the hike at Dragon Crest Mountain, also known as Khao Ngon Nak, during my trip to Krabi.

Dragon Crest Mountain stands tall as one of the best hikes in Krabi, renowned for its panoramic vistas and invigorating trail. I knew I had to tackle this trail to witness its beauty firsthand.

In this blog post, I'll share my personal experience and tips for hiking this incredible trail. If you’re looking for a mix of challenge, adventure, and breathtaking views, this hike is a must-do in Krabi.

How to Get to Dragon Crest Mountain Krabi

The starting point of the Khao Ngon Nak nature trail is at Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, near Tub Kaek Beach. However, it’s a bit far from Ao Nang.

• Location Details: The trail begins at the entrance to Hat Noppharat Thara National Park. Look for the wooden sign that says "Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail."
• Transportation: You can ride your rental scooter, or book a taxi or Grab. Journey takes about 30 minutes.
• Entrance Fee: 200B for foreigners, 100B for locals.
• Opening Hours: The trail is open daily from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The closing time ensures hikers don’t start too late and risk getting stuck after dark.
• Important Note: Overnight stays are no longer allowed at the summit to prevent littering and fire hazards.

What you can expect from the hike?

• Difficulty: Moderate. It's not a long hike but demands stamina. You'll encounter steep elevations and humid conditions (which are very different from the crisp mountain hikes in Europe) along with some minor bouldering towards the top.
• Hike Duration: 3-4 hours round trip. 1.5-2 hours ascent, 1 hour descent.
• Parking Space: Limited parking is available at the trailhead, so arrive early.
• Restrooms: Restrooms are available only at the trail entrance.

Khao Ngon Nak Trail

As I stepped onto the path, a wooden sign greeted me, marking the beginning of the Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail.

The hike begins with a clear but occasionally muddy path through lush greenery. The first section is relatively easy, with a gentle elevation and wide wooden stairs about 25% of the way up.

Midway through the hike, you’ll encounter signs pointing to various landmarks, including the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint and Nam Ta Nak point.

Around 60% up, the terrain became more challenging. The trail was less defined, with trees roots acting as makeshift steps. It was here that support-ropes became available—gripping onto them was helpful, and I found myself pausing more, out of breath.

Just before the peak, I stumbled upon a mini viewpoint, which offered a teaser glimpse of the stunning panorama I had heard so much about—the Andaman Sea and the scattered Hong Islands in the sunlight.

Reaching the Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

The final stretch involves steep, smooth rocks that require some mild bouldering. Upon reaching the summit, I was rewarded with panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, surrounding islands, and lush forests. The scenery at Khao Ngon Nak’s viewpoint was breathtaking and worth every ounce of effort spent climbing.

I spent about 30 minutes at the summit, exploring different viewpoints. My favorite spot offered a clear view of the Hong Islands framed by a pristine blue sky.

The summit was filled with fellow hikers, mostly locals eating their packed lunches.

I took about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the peak, which was shorter than I expected, but that was because I was overly-enthusiastic and hiked faster, which also made me more tired than normal.

If you have the luxury of time, I wholeheartedly recommend slowing down to savor the journey.

The descent proved to be challenging as well as it required careful navigation to avoid muddy patches that threaten to make me slip.

I managed to return to the base in about 50 mins to 1 hour.

Once back, I tried calling for a Grab to take me back to Ao Nang. However, a lack of reception was a problem (a crucial note for future hikers), and I had to walk over to nearby resorts to find better service.

Also, due to its remote location, finding a Grab can take quite long compared to the nearby hubs of Ao Nang or Krabi town.

What to bring for the hike?

• Water: Bring a lot! I foolishly brought a single 300ml bottle, which left me parched. Aim for at least 1L.
• Sunscreen: The tropical sun can be fierce.
• Raincoat: In case of unexpected rain
• Snacks: Power bars or a well-packed lunch are essential. I noticed many folks enjoying their packed meals at the summit while helping reduce single-use plastic waste.

What to Wear?

• Proper Footwear: Don’t skimp here; a good grip is vital on this muddy, uneven terrain.
• Breathable Clothing: I opted for a singlet, because the forest has no wind and can feel stifling.
• Sporty Bottoms: While I wore shorts for ease of movement, consider breathable sport pants to shield against mosquitoes or errant branches.

Best Times to Visit

• Early morning, around 7 am, is ideal for reaching the peak before the lighting turns harsh.

Fitness Level

• This hike isn’t for absolute beginners, so come with a decent level of fitness.
• That said, I did see several middle-aged hikers moving at a slower pace, which shows that the hike accessible with persistence.

Overall Thoughts

The entire round trip took about 2.5 hours for me—1.5 hours to ascend, 1 hour to descend, with a generous break at the summit to soak it all in. I suggest budgeting about 3-4 hours in total to fully enjoy the experience.

After returning to Ao Nang, I was too tired for additional activities afterwards and spent the afternoon napping in my hotel and relaxing by the beach. Plan accordingly if you’re considering packing your day with multiple activities.

In all honesty, the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint hike ranks among my absolute favorite hikes in Thailand. From the lush greenery of the forest to the jaw-dropping views at the summit, it’s an unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting Krabi, the Dragon Crest Mountain hike should be at the top of your list!