Krabi / Beaches

Krabi Beaches

Ao Nang is Krabi's vibrant tourist centre. It has the relaxed vibe of a small town, the beauty of a beach resort, the modern comforts of home, and the friendliness the sets Thailand apart.

The town itself is small; an hour-long stroll takes you from one end to the other. Given that floating buildings are impractical and sheer cliffs don't readily lend themselves to development, this paradise won't be paved over anytime soon. By road, Ao Nang is just minutes from Krabi Town and Klong Muang Beach and mere seconds to Noppharat Thara Beach. Via sea, Railay's beaches - including Ton Sai - and a grab bag of small, intimate islands are nearby. Pick a direction and give your waterborne taxi thirty minutes. A world of adventure waits.

Of course, leaving Ao Nang is far from necessary. Great food, interesting people, cheap shopping, and a stellar beach make it a standalone destination. For plenty of travellers, this is the end of the road. Use it as a jumping-off point to see the rest of Krabi's wondrous secrets, or make it your only target. Either way, you'll thoroughly enjoy Ao Nang.


Railay Beach

Now on every savvy traveller's list, Railey is one of Thailand's most sought after beach areas. Just south of Ao Nang Beach, around a rocky headland and accessible only by boat, Railay presents a private and extraordinary world.
In just one small peninsula you'll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. All within walking distance!
At Railay there are no roads, only footpaths. No buses, no cars, just local "longtail" boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular Phra Nang peninsular is effectively isolated by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys from Krabi's main holiday areas.
The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chilled-out evenings.


Noppharat Beach

Located within 18 km west of Krabi town and just next to Ao Nang, this quiet beach lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park and features a 3 kilometre long sandy stretch lined by casuarina trees.
Popular with local Thai picnickers and those who like to swim, eat and laze in the sun. An excellent beach, also if you prefer to have natural shade provided by the trees. Like most of Krabi's beaches, you won't find miles of deckchairs and beach umbrellas, so buy a beach mat and find a perfect spot.
It's is also possible at low tide to walk from the beach across to Koh Kao Pak Klong island in the bay.
A small nightlife spot with few bar beers and a live band is now available at the very beginning of the beach. Quiet but friendly.


Klong Muang Beach

Krabi's latest beach destination, Muang Klong is aiming upmarket with 5 star and boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort located here.
Unlike Ao Nang it doesn't have the impressive cliffs immediately towering over the beach, but it does have powder white sand that stretches into the distance around 3 kilometres.

Klong Muang is undisturbed - almost available solely for its exclusive guests and a few fishermen. The beach seems to go on forever along the coast, with a small island at one end - home to local seabirds and rockpools full of life. It's the kind of beach, to just sit and contemplate, especially at sunset. Dozens of tiny islands lie dotted on the horizon and to the south, at Laem Ham Nak, is a Royal residence of the Princess.
The local village at the back of the beach is still in its infancy with a few shops, including the obligatory tailor's shop and a handful of restaurants. Nightlife is minimal, if you want loud music, head into Ao Nang.

Laem Ham Nak, is a Royal residence of the Princess.
The local village at the back of the beach is still in its infancy with a few shops, including the obligatory tailor's shop and a handful of restaurants. Nightlife is minimal, if you want loud music, head into Ao Nang.

In Klong Muang, it's excellent food, good company, and a moonlight stroll along the beach, rather than a vibrant nightlife that's on the menu, but then Klong Muang is maintaining a low profile, which is why the five star hotels are located there