After moving to Railay and exploring beautiful places like Phra Nang Beach, I had a special plan for my last day in Krabi. On the first day of Songkran, I wanted to revisit my favorite trail in Krabi. The Dragon Crest Trail in Krabi, also known as the Ngon Nak Nature Trail, is a scenic 3.7 km hike located in northern Krabi. It takes about 4 hours to complete the round trip.
About the Dragon Crest Trail
The Dragon Crest Trail, also known as the Ngon Nak Nature Trail, is located approximately 18 km from the town of Ao Nang, a popular destination for tourists. The 3.7-kilometer trail leads to the summit of Dragon Crest Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest, hills, and sea. The hike is challenging but not overly difficult, and you will encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna along the way. The summit of Dragon Crest is 498 meters above sea level.
I took a taxi from Ao Nang to get to the trailhead. Since I was staying in Railay, I had to take a boat to the harbor first. You can also arrange a trip from Railay, but it will be rather pricey. There is no public transportation to reach the checkpoint. The park opens at 8 am, and I recommend starting the hike as early as possible. The hot and humid weather will affect your fitness.
The trail
Some of the most important tips for hiking the Dragon Crest Trail are:
- Wear hiking shoes or at least sturdy sneakers with grip. Don’t try this hike in flip-flops.
- Bring at least 2 liters of water per person with you. The hike is hot, steep, and sweaty, with no water source along the way.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Sometimes, you will be exposed to the sun, and mosquitoes and other insects are in the forest.
- As mentioned above, arrive early in the day. The trail gets more crowded and hotter in the afternoon, and the last entry is at 2 pm.
- The trail is not too crowded, and no phone signal is at the top. Please check in and out at the ranger’s office for your safety.
