10 Best Beaches in Krabi

Railay Beach is part of Krabi’s mainland, but the area’s towering limestone cliffs make inland access almost impossible. Therefore, the best way to reach the shoreline is via a quick boat ride from one of the nearby coastal communities. Once a quiet fishing village, Railay Beach is now a bustling tourist destination featuring several excellent swimming and sunbathing locations.

Daring adventurers will find numerous rock-climbing spots where local tour guides lead heart-pounding activities. Despite its remote location, there’s a great selection of luxury resorts, ensuring you can live it up along the beach each day. Inside, you’ll find great restaurants and nightlife activities.

Ao Nang Beach runs about 1 km along its namesake town’s promenade, providing a stunning coastal setting for Thailand’s world-famous sunsets. Although this beach is one of the country’s best-known, its vast expanse means there’s always plenty of space to find the perfect spot to spend the day.

Ao Nang Beach's eastern end offers the most comfort, as you’ll be close to many beachfront restaurants, bars and hotels. Plus, there aren’t many longboats ferrying guests back and forth, meaning you can enjoy the relatively calm water.

Tonsai Beach serves as a midway point between Ao Nang Beach and Railay Beach. With soaring cliffs punctuating each end of the shoreline, the best time to access the beach is at low tide. However, there’s also the option of renting a kayak and paddling in during the day. This way of experiencing the water is also the safest, as this part of the coast is known for its strong currents and sharp reef that may cause painful injuries.

Tonsai Beach might be small, but it features several trendy bars where you can enjoy a cold drink and admire the nearby rock climbers.

Phra Nang Beach is one of the most stunning spots along the Railay coastline, with this long, sandy stretch offering endless sunbathing and a dramatic cave. As this beach becomes quite popular during peak season, heading here in the morning or late afternoon ensures you have the most peaceful visit.

With many visitors to Phra Nang Beach looking to discover the famous Phra Nang Cave – also known as Princess Cave – there's a stunning hike into a shrine dedicated to health and fertility. The area is also great for rock climbing, with several tour companies ready to show beginners and experts the ropes.

Tub Kaek Beach is a great destination for travellers looking for a quiet spot away from the vacation crowds. Set along Krabi’s western coast, this tranquil location is just a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang, ensuring you won’t have a problem making the journey by taxi or private car from town.

Featuring soft white sand and exceptional views of the distant islands, Tub Kaek Beach is a local favourite because long-tail boats aren't coming and going throughout the day. Plus, the remarkably turquoise waters provide the perfect swimming conditions before you find a great eatery along the beach.

Koh Poda Beach is a popular Krabi destination for those willing to leave behind the mainland. Situated around 6 km off the coast, in the Andaman Sea, the tiny island of Koh Poda forms part of the treasured Haad Noppharatthara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, a vital marine park for wildlife and coral reefs.

While this wonderful setting attracts plenty of tourists, the expansive beachfront has many quiet pockets for you to enjoy a peaceful rest. However, there’s not much else on the island apart from boundless pristine sand, so pack everything you need for a day-long visit to this breathtaking location.

Nopparat Thara Beach is just a short walk from the centre of Ao Nang, ensuring you’re never far from a great restaurant, café or resort. There’s a lovely buzz to this shoreline, as the local pier is popular among travellers coming in to explore the town or departing to a nearby destination.

Swimmers will find the water at Nopparat Thara Beach some of the clearest in the area, while the sunsets are simply unforgettable. If you stick around for low tide, wander through the shallows to the islands awaiting just off the coast. You can find charming food stalls and restaurants stretching along the nearby road.

Klong Muang Beach offers outstanding rejuvenation for travellers looking to soak up the laidback side of Krabi. Set about 15 km from Ao Nang, most tourists enjoy the sunshine at other spots closer to town. However, if you’re willing to make this relatively brief journey, you can experience a serene location virtually all to yourself.

With the shoreline stretching for about 1.5 km, taking a long walk beneath the mangrove trees is an amazing way to spend your holiday. In addition, there's a selection of cosy beach bars lining the beach, so you can sample sumptuous Thai cuisine alongside an ice-cold beer or cocktail.

Koh Tup and Koh Mor Beach are 2 of the most remote beachfronts in Krabi. They are set among the distinctive Mu Koh Poda islands, approximately 9 km or a 30-minute boat ride from Ao Nang. Accessible only by boat, this enchanting location is great for creating delightful memories in Krabi.

Linked by a scenic sandbar known as Thale Waek, this fascinating natural feature allows you to trek between Koh Tup and Koh Mor during low tide. Confident swimmers won’t have a problem completing the short distance on their own.

Haad Yao is a gorgeous beachfront on the island of Koh Phangan, celebrated for its white-sand shoreline and immaculate water. Lined with palm trees, this destination is ideal for a quiet vacation during the busy season, with a vibrant coral reef situated around 400 metres from the shore.

With numerous local operators ferrying visitors to the spot, snorkelling and diving are convincing reasons to spend your time on the island. Haad Yao is also surrounded by great restaurants, cafés and resorts, so you can always find a place to eat or rest during your stay.