Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint Hike: Dragon Crest Mountain Trail

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Also known as the Dragon Crest Mountain trail, the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint hike, starting at Tub Kaek Beach, offers one of the best views in Krabi. Famous in traveller photos, this incredible Krabi viewpoint shows there’s much more to Thailand than island hopping, full moon parties and street food.

If you’re reading this guide, it’s probably because you’ve seen a photo of that iconic view (known as Nong Thale Peak) and are thinking of adding this hike to your list of things to do in Krabi.

If you want to plan your hike to the Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint, this guide will provide everything you need, including what to wear and what to take, safety information, hiking tips, and trail advice to make your Khao Ngon Nak hike a memorable and safe experience.

Along with our 2 days in Khao Sok National Park, this was one of the highlights of our Thailand trip, so read one for all the information you need to hike Dragon Crest in Krabi.

How to Get to Krabi Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

The starting point for the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint hike lies at the entrance to Hat Noppharat Thara National Park, near Tub Kaek Beach.

The hike is also sometimes known as the Tub Kaek Hike or Dragon Crest Mountain Trail. The hiking trail is approximately a 25-minute drive from Ao Nang.

As you enter the national park, you’ll notice signs to indicate your arrival. It’s a little confusing at first, as it’s not clear whether you should continue along the road past the signs.

But after checking with a local, we continued to the end of the road, where we saw a large hut on the left-hand side. We parked for free and checked in at the hut. The exact location for the starting point can be found here.

The park is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, but the last entry to start the hike is at 2 pm to ensure you have plenty of time to complete the hike. It’s strongly advised that you start hiking early, because latecomers, starting after 2 pm, will not be able to start the hike. You’ll also avoid the midday heat and crowds by starting early.

The entrance fee costs 200 THB per person (for foreigners), 100 THB for children, and 40 THB for Thai Nationals.

Hiking to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

From the car park, you’ll spot the trailhead and begin to make a gradual ascent to the top. The hike is pretty much uphill the whole way, so be prepared to get sweaty!

The trail is clearly defined and easy to follow, although it is often tricky underfoot with rocks and tree roots making the path uneven and tricky to climb.

Due to the popularity of this trail, there should be plenty of other people around to follow if you are unsure at any point.

You’ll initially pass some waterfalls and small pools on your left-hand side as you begin your ascent.

There are two major viewpoints along the trail before you reach the main viewpoint at the top. We stopped at each viewpoint to catch our breath, have a snack and enjoy the epic landscape views.

The first viewpoint will deliver a stunning vista over the bay and some of the best views in Krabi over the National Park and Hong Islands. The second viewpoint looks inland across a valley with incredible limestone cliffs.

As you hike through the jungle, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the trail. We were lucky enough to see lizards, water monitors, the biggest ants I have ever seen and a giant Golden Orb spider hanging in a web, which I almost walked into head-first!

About three-quarters of the way up, we spotted a sign that pointed to a waterfall, with a path veering off to the right, but we decided to carry straight on up to the main viewpoint as a passerby told us the waterfall was only worth the detour in the rainy season from June to October.

Reaching the top, there were quite a few people, so don’t expect peace and quiet unless you arrive very early. This is quite a popular hike and we met a lot of people along the way, although it wasn’t overcrowded and there was plenty of space for everyone.

If you want the viewpoint and trail to yourself, be sure to arrive early in the morning. This would also be a good solution if you want to avoid the midday heat.

The Nong Thale Peak Viewpoint from the top is 100% worth the effort and gruelling climb. The sprawling landscape of Krabi below is only made even more spectacular by the islands dotted out at sea and the mountains in the distance.

There are several different places to stop and enjoy the view at the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, it’s actually prohibited from climbing to the iconic rock that you’ll see in many of the photos and the area is fenced off.

It’s strongly advised that tourists don’t take the risk, but judging by the photos on Instagram and in some travel blogs, it’s clear that many people ignore the signs and climb to it anyway.

Safety on the Dragon Crest Trail

On arrival, you will need to check in at the hut at the entrance of the trail before starting the daunting climb to the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint at Nong Thale Peak.

You’ll be required to provide your name and contact details before commencing the hike. I assume this is for safety reasons and to ensure everyone makes it back down the mountain safely.

It was great to see the authorities taking safety seriously – they even check that you have enough water with you before you start hiking.

While on the topic of safety, it’s very important to remember that you’ll be climbing for at least 2 hours each way in the heat and humidity, so make sure you have an abundant supply of sunscreen, water and snacks.

The trail is mostly covered by rainforest trees overhead, so for the majority of the hike, you are in the shade, but make sure to cover up with sunscreen anyway.

There is a small hut selling drinks and snacks at the trailhead, but I recommend you take your own supplies just in case this is closed.

Frequently Asked Questions