Top 5 Best Beaches in Krabi, Thailand
Your ultimate guide to the 5 best beaches in Krabi you can’t miss
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With its dramatic limestone cliffs, aquamarine waters and dense jungles, Krabi is home to a coastline that’s nothing short of mesmerizing. The region is known for its sheer abundance of natural beauty, with the beaches often the star of the show. Each has its own personality and vibe, but all of them have breathtaking views and crystal clear waters. Below, we explore five of Krabi’s most spectacular beaches for your next visit to the south of Thailand.
1. Railay Beach: The Icon in Every Postcard
Railay Beach is more than a destination – it’s an experience. Only accessible by boat, this stunning beach is cradled by towering limestone cliffs that seem to erupt from the sea, a natural barricade from the busy mainland. Arrive via a traditional longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, and you’ll see a wide stretch of powdery sand where you can relax and take in the surrounding karsts. It’s not uncommon to see climbers scaling the cliffs, their silhouettes framed against the sky. This area is home to world-class climbing and is one of the many reasons people visit here. If you’re more about the beach bum life, we recommend staying the night at one of the accommodations here. As the sun dips below the horizon, Railay breathes a sigh of relief from the boat tours as the beach empties, leaving only the sound of the waves lapping on the shore and the rustle of palm trees. This is Railay at its most intimate, when it just might feel like your private slice of paradise.
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2. Phra Nang Beach: A Phallic Twist
Just a short 20 minute walk from Railay, Phra Nang Beach is a tranquil slice of soft sand and translucent waters. But what draws most people to this beach is a little cave tucked away at the southern end, known as the Princess Cave. The cave is full of offerings to the spirit of a mythical princess believed to reside there, in particular, you can find offerings of carved wooden phalluses, known as lingams, which are symbols of fertility and virility in Hindu and local animist beliefs. Fishermen and boatmen make offerings to her before embarking on voyages, seeking blessings for safe travel and abundant catches. These offerings often include flowers and incense. The distinctive wooden phalluses are left by locals who are in search of fertility. It’s a unique window into the spiritual side of Thailand, away from gold Buddha statues and ornate temples. Beyond the cave, Phra Nang is undeniably one of Krabi’s most picturesque beaches. Its clear waters are a dream for swimming and snorkeling, and its cliffs, rising dramatically from the sea, offer that sense of grandeur so synonymous with this region. It’s also a favorite among rock climbers, who can often be seen scaling the cliffs that frame the beach.
3. Tub Kaek Beach: A Quiet Escape
For those seeking some peace and quiet, Tub Kaek Beach is where it’s at. Located about 20km from Krabi Town, this secluded stretch of sand is a spot of unspoiled beauty far from the crowds. Here, time slows down. The beach, framed by mangroves and distant karsts, feels like a private retreat. Tub Kaek isn’t about high energy boat tours or bustling promenades. Instead, it’s a place to enjoy the simplicity of nature. The waters are gentle and inviting, perfect for a swim or paddle after reading your book on the soft sands. Unlike the chaos of Ao Nang, here, only the occasional sound of a fishing boat breaks the silence. If you can, stay until evening, when Tub Kaek reveals its showstopper: its sunsets. The skies here transform into every hue of fiery reds and deep purples, with the Andaman Sea reflecting every shade imaginable.
4. Ao Nang Beach: A Gateway to Adventure
Ao Nang Beach is Krabi’s lively hub, but don’t let its reputation as a busy transit point fool you – this beach really has its own appeal. Its shoreline may lack the secluded feel of other beaches, but you don’t come to Ao Nang for solitude. Instead, it’s an energetic and lively place, where tourists, fishermen, tour guides and restaurants jostle for your attention against a stunning backdrop of cliffs and craggy islands. The energy here is contagious. The beach buzzes with life, from sunbathers and food stalls to boats ferrying travellers to nearby islands. It’s the perfect starting point for island-hopping adventures, with easy access to Hong Island and the Phi Phi Islands. If you’re looking to explore without straying too far, rent a kayak and paddle along the coast to uncover hidden coves and quieter spots. As you’d expect, as night falls, Ao Nang transforms. The beachfront restaurants and bars come alive with cocktail buckets and music. It’s here, with a cold Chang in hand and the waves rolling in, that
5. Noppharat Thara Beach: A Local Gem
Just a stone’s throw from Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara Beach is a more laid-back alternative to its busy neighbour. Stretching for over 3km, this beach is a favourite with locals and has a heady mix of natural beauty and authentic charm. Unlike other beaches in Krabi, Noppharat Thara has a unique feature: during low tide, sandbars appear, allowing you to walk out to small offshore islets. The beach is lined with trees, and we found it the perfect spot for a shaded picnic or a peaceful afternoon of lounging. The waters here are calm and shallow, perfect for families or those who prefer a relaxed swim. Despite being quiet, you aren’t completely isolated. You can find stalls selling fresh seafood and snacks nearby, so you can easily extend your stay and catch an unmissable sunset.
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