"A ridge-top trail to Krabi's widest view of karst islands and coastline."
Khao Ngon Nak / Dragon Crest Trail, Krabi Overview
Khao Ngon Nak, known locally and to hikers as the Dragon Crest Trail, is a 3.6 km one-way route inside Khao Ngon Nak National Park in Nong Thale, roughly 20 km from Ao Nang and Railay Beach. The path climbs about 550 metres through rainforest and root-formed steps to a narrow summit ridge at 565 metres, where two viewpoints open onto the Andaman Sea, limestone karst islands, mangrove estuary and an inland valley. The round trip runs 4 to 6 hours and is rated moderate to challenging.
The trail's English name comes from the jagged rock ridge along its summit, said to resemble a dragon's spine; in Thai, "Khao Ngon Nak" translates roughly to crested mountain of the Naga serpent. Entry costs 200 THB for foreign visitors and 40 THB for Thai nationals, paid at a ranger cabin where hikers log their names before setting out. The park operates from 8 am to 6 pm, with last entry at 2 pm so everyone can complete the hike before closing. En route, hikers pass streams, butterflies and small reptiles in the forest canopy. Early morning or late afternoon light gives the best visibility at the summit viewpoints.
