2024 Krabi Things to Do – Climb Dragon’s Crest Mountain (Hiking)

This challenging hiking trail is at Ngorn Nak Mountain. This is a strenuous hike but can be completed by most people who are either fit, or not too heavy. Remember, carrying extra weight up a steep mountain climb adds considerable effort and your body may not be ready for such a challenging climb. Water is essential, and I think that probably 50% of people who attempt to climb, will eventually succeed if they’ve scheduled enough time for it.

A friend of ours, Alfred, is 73 and he hikes this mountain path pretty often. Sure, he’s exceptionally fit, but if you want to make it – you’ll make it. There are a couple of steep parts, but overall it’s a gradual climb up a well-worn dirt path up the mountain.

Krabi Hiking Info

This easily ranks as one of Krabi’s top 10 things to do for active people, and in our minds – it’s the #1 thing to do in Krabi. Not sure if we have it on the list or not, but we’ll get it there.

What is Dragon’s Crest Like?

It’s a 3.7 km walk up to the summit (one-way, and 3.7 km back down) of Ngorn Nak / Hang Nak Mountain in Krabi’s Tub Kaak area (Nong Talay) district close to Noppharat Thara Beach, and Ao Nang Beach.

I’ve summited the mountain here over 200 times, it is one of my favorite trail running activities in Krabi and one that I do a few times per week. This is a trail leading to the summit – bottom to the top, and it gains 450-500 meters of elevation (1,640 feet) approximately during the course of your climb.

HERE is our FREE Guide for Trekking on this Mountain (PDF)

HERE is a complete guide online you can follow without getting the PDF.

There are many animals to be seen, mostly lizards – Calotes emma, and gliding lizards are plentiful. Occasionally you will see a snake, but I’ve only seen one venomous snake in all my climbs, so I think it is little to worry about. Still, watch where you step on the trail, the Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) is common in rainforests across Thailand.

How Long Does It Take to Climb?

The climb will take an average fit person about 90 minutes to reach the top. I mean really quite fit. The average unfit person it might take 150-180 minutes just to reach the top.

Coming down from top to bottom will take a similar amount of time, so don’t think you’ll fly down in an hour. Budget your time because the rainforest begins getting dark around 5 pm. Earlier if there is rain and clouds.

The forest is pitch black quickly, and even if there is a full moon, you won’t see much light. You’ll be camping there overnight if you’re not down in time, or have a good flashlight (torch).

The highlight of the mountain climb is the climb itself. It’s the nature. It is hearing and maybe seeing the howling gibbons in the trees. The squirrels. The cicada noises.

What Is the View from Dragon’s Crest Like?

The top of the mountain features 3 viewpoints before you reach the top. All are interesting and can make for great photos.

The summit has amazing views of Ao Nang beaches, Noppharat Thara Beach, and Krabi town if it’s clear… Koh Phi Phi Islands if it’s clear. If you find yourself at the top during a storm, you won’t feel very safe – for good reason. Get back under the tree canopy if there is lightning, or you’re a sitting duck!

If it rains, it doesn’t get so muddy that you shouldn’t go. I frequently go during downpours. You get wet, but it isn’t all that slippery. A couple of sections can be a bit treacherous, but again, reasonably fit and flexible people should be able to make it to the top.

I wouldn’t suggest kids under 12 attempt this climb, but I have seen a child as young as 7 complete it. You know your kids. Plan accordingly.

Temperature is nearly always 90 degrees F or hotter, and the humidity in Krabi is almost always high. Bring 2 liters of water per person. I know, sounds like a lot. Wait until you see how much you’ll drink!

There is a 200 Thai Baht charge for foreign adults to climb this trail and 100 THB for children. It is a national park, with a sign in sheet. There is a small convenience shop at the bottom that sells drinks. Bring your own Gatorade from 7-11.

It is possible to camp at the top or near the waterfall if you are a real die-hard. There are no facilities, bring your own tent, etc.

Oh, the waterfall is not really a waterfall. It’s water falling off the side of a very small hill. It’s a non-event. I go to look for snakes there sometimes but rarely see anything. It’s hardly worth the extra 500-meter walk to go see it (roundtrip).

Hope this helps. Cheers!

View our Free Guide for this Mountain Hike – HERE!

Every year there is a race up the mountain – but the date the race is on, changes constantly. This Thailand mountain climbing race is open to Thais and foreigners alike. It is usually in March and will have pre-registration at 0800 and race at 0900. It is a mass chaotic start.

Location: Tub Kaak. From Ao Nang go past Noppharat Thara Beach to Tub Kaak. It is difficult to find on a map. Your best bet is a tour.
Hiking Distance: 3.7 kilometers (about 2.4 miles)
Vertical Gain: 500 meters (about 1,500 feet)
Time to complete round-trip bottom-top-bottom: – about 2 hours if you walk very fast. Three to four hours on average.
Cautions: Stay on the path, if you are lost it may be hours before someone knows or can find you.
Essentials: Bring 2 liters of water for each person. Bring snacks to eat at the top.

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For Tours Info around Krabi Town and Beaches – Click HERE.

Download the Free Ngorn Nak Hike PDF HERE.

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