The Krabi peninsula is home to several gorgeous powder-white beaches, from the bustling Ao Phra Nang to the quiet and secluded Klong Muang. With each of the main beaches hosting a choice of accommodation options, Krabi is the perfect honeymoon destination.
From Railay Beach in the southeast to Tubkaak Beach in the northwest, Krabi's best beaches include the following…
Choose from four gorgeous white-sand beaches that nestle beneath the towering, picturesque cliffs of the Phra Nang Peninsula. Railay consist of four main areas: Pranang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai.
Separated by a rocky headland (to the south of Ao Nang Beach) and accessible only by boat, Railay offers the very essence of a tropical paradise.
Here you can sunbathe and unwind on soft powder-white sand, swim in a hidden lagoon, explore several caves by kayak, snorkel the nearby islands of Ko Poda and Hua Kwan.
Or rock climb and abseil the soaring limestone cliffs – try the towering Thaiwand Wall and be rewarded with breathtaking views across Pra Nang Beach and the cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea.
Visit three of the beaches on a track that winds around the base of the cliffs or hike one of the walking trails to scenic clifftop viewpoints.
This west-facing strip of wide, soft white sand is perfect for watching the sunset while relaxing with a cold drink at one of the informal beachside restaurants, as well as sunbathing, swimming and joining the locals in a local game of takraw (played with a woven ball).
A walking track links the beach with Railay East and Phra Nang beach (a 45-minute walk). Beachside cliffs offer challenging climbs for those who dare.
This narrow beach – which isn’t good for swimming – is the place to find a water taxi back to Ao Nang Beach, Krabi town and neighbouring beaches.
Relax in the shade with a cool drink at one of the beachside restaurants and bars then join the beach party, which usually gets going after sunset.
Dig your toes into the soft white sand, swim in clear shallow water, snorkel the reef and explore beachfront rock pools and caves, which are easily accessible at low tide.
Pop into the Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nok) and check out the collection of phallic symbols, garlands and offerings made by local fishermen in the hope of increased potency.
The cave, which sits at the base of the limestone cliffs, is dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess. Hang out at the beach for a day or splash out at the deluxe Rayavadee Premier Resort, nestling unobtrusively in a manicured beachside garden.
The quietest of the Railay beaches is just the place to snooze, sunbathe or read a book. Or rock climb and abseil the soaring limestone cliffs.
Later, snack on fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants and sip a cold drink at one of the local bars.
Framed by massive limestone cliffs, this long tree-fringed strip of white sand fronts a lively strip of small town shops, hotels, bars and open-air seafood restaurants.
However, Krabi's most popular beach can get noisy during the day as water taxis ferry passengers to nearby islands and beaches.
For the best swimming and sunbathing head to the southeast end of the beach, about a kilometre from the commercial centre, or visit neighbouring Noppharat Thara Beach to the west.
Pick your own secluded spot on the white sands of this quiet 3km-long beach.
Fringed by swaying casuarina trees and the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, the beach is a popular weekend getaway for locals.
Sunbathe on the hot sand, cool off with a swim and picnic in the shade on fried chicken and spicy Thai salad, washed down with chilled coconut supplied by one of the many local food vendors.
Shaped like a bird’s wing, Klong Muang’s twin crescents of white sand lie quiet and undisturbed except for a few local fishermen and the exclusive guests of the deluxe beachside Sofitel Phokeethra and Sheraton Krabi Beach Hotel properties, which nestle among manicure tropical gardens.
Here you are assured of luxurious accommodation and a range of creature comforts.
Stroll the beach and wander out to the small island that lies at the apex of the beach to spot local seabirds and marine life in rock pools that are exposed at low tide. Watch the setting sun silhouette a handful of islands that dot the horizon.
To the south, set high on the jungle-clad headland of Laem Hang Nak Cape, sits a palace that was constructed and presented to the Thai Royal Family by the people of Krabi.
This long white-sand beach lies to the north of Klong Muang, adjacent to Kao Hang Nak Natural Forest, facing the picturesque Koh Hong Islands.
Relax and recharge your batteries on this uncrowded beach or head out to the stunning Hong Islands for a day of swimming and snorkelling the shallow coral reefs and enjoying a picnic on a secluded beach.
Tubkaak is very quiet and hosts only two resorts, one of them being the 4-star Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort (photo). If you crave a more lively nightlife, the resort centre of Ao Nang is only a 20-minute drive away.
Latest update: Best Beaches in Krabi: 6 May, 2022
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