A roundup of the best beaches in Krabi showcasing the region’s exquisite white sandy shores lined by stunning coral reefs and majestic limestone cliffs.
If you’re visiting Southern Thailand in search of the best places to swim, relax, snorkel, or dive you’ve come to the right place. With breathtaking limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, stunning islands, and world-class beaches, Krabi, Thailand, is one of the most scenic tropical travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
After spending several weeks exploring the coasts of Krabi, I visited all of the beaches and islands on this list. Here I share real travel insights into the best beaches in Krabi Province, ranging from the most popular sandy beaches at Railay Beach to some hidden coastal and island gems you won’t want to miss.
The Top Krabi Beach Trips & Island-Hopping Tours
My favorite beaches in the Krabi area are Phra Nang and Antosil. However, some of the most picturesque beaches are located on the nearby islands. Below are the top 3 island experiences and island day trips you can book right now.
Spend less time in transit & more time snorkeling among coral gardens and lazing on white sand beaches at the incredible Phi Phi Islands. Visits Maya Bay, Lohsamah, and Monkey Bay.
An epic 7-hour tour to the turquoise sea and white sand beaches of Koh Hong. Relax in the warm Thai sunshine, swim and snorkel in clear blue water & go kayaking.
3. Railay Beach Beginner Rock Climbing
An introduction to Krabi's limestone rock climbing on a half-day tour at Railay Beach. Learn climbing & belay techniques from an expert guide & climbing the cliffs above Railay & Phra Nang Beach.
Krabi's 15 Most Beautiful Beaches
Let's dive into this list of the most amazing beaches in Krabi, Thailand so you can find all these great swimming spots for yourself.
1. Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach is one of the four amazing beaches on the Railay Peninsula, along with Railay West, Railay East, and Ton Sai Beach (Tonsai). This soft, white sand beach is famous for its towering rocky island rising from the turquoise sea just a short distance from the shore.
This beach is accessible by taking a long-tail boat from nearby Ao Nang, or by walking from Railay Beach. You can also visit Tham Phra Nang on the popular 4-island boat trip from Krabi.
This beach is also well-known for the Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave). This is a sacred cave at the top of the beach famous for phallic symbols and a shrine representing fertility. Additionally, you'll find many rock climbers on Phra Nang Beach, as this is one of Thailand's most popular rock climbing spots.
Also here: Bat Cave in Railay
2. Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is one of the most popular and bustling beaches in Southern Thailand. In fact, this vibrant beach is one of the best places to stay in Krabi, with many great resorts, hotels, and backpacker hostels sprawled along its shores and main strip.
This strip also features some great restaurants, bars, cafes, street food vendors, and scuba diving shops.
The beach at Ao Nang features a long stretch of white sand, tipped by the huge limestone towers at its southern end. Additionally, Ao Nang is a great beach to visit in Krabi for families, since they can enjoy shallow waters and safe swimming conditions– just keep clear of the main longtail boat area.
Read: Where to Stay in Ao Nang
3. Klong Muang Beach
Klong Muang Beach is Krabi's hidden gem located north of the famous Ao Nang Beach. This one offers a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbors and features pristine, soft white sand and clear, calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Klong Muang is home to a selection of upscale resorts and boutique hotels, catering to travelers seeking a more luxurious and tranquil beach experience. The beachfront is less crowded, allowing for a serene atmosphere where one can relax undisturbed by the hustle and bustle found elsewhere.
I recommend checking out the dining options along Klong Muang Beach. They're not as diverse as Ao Nang but you'll find a few great beachfront restaurants serving both Thai and international cuisine. Here, you can enjoy your meals with amazing sunset views.
4. Railay Beach - Best Beach for Rock Climbing in Krabi
Railay Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Krabi, if not in all of Thailand. However, what many first-time visitors don't know is that there are actually two beaches on either side of the Railay Peninsula, Railay Beach (West) and Railay East Beach.
On the eastern side of the Railay Peninsula, you'll find the long floating pier, which is often the first point of arrival via Hua Tong passenger boat (longtail) from Ao Nang Beach or Noppharat Thara Beach (100 Thai Baht).
On the west side, you'll find a beautiful long stretch of white sand and beautiful clear blue water. This beach is one of the best places to visit for rock climbers in Thailand, with many great climbing routes on the famous limestone face above the sea. Additionally, due to the facing of this beach, Railay West is a great place to watch the sunset and there is an awesome viewpoint hike starting from near the southern end.
Read: 9 Best Railay Beach Hotels & Resorts
5. Tonsai Beach
Tonsai Beach, also written as Ton Sai Beach, is one of the most stunning beaches on mainland Krabi. This is a quiet, palm-tree-lined beach tucked away between the bustling Ao Nang and Railay Beaches. Getting here is only possible again via boat, which adds to its secluded and non-commercial charm.
Once you arrive, you'll discover a couple of small bars and laid-back backpacker accommodations. There are also great opportunities for climbing and watersports like kayaking or jetskiing at this beach.
6. Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)
Koh Mai Phai, also called Bamboo Island, is a very small remote island off the coast of Krabi, surrounded by crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
This beautiful island is situated just north of the popular Ko Phi Phi Don in the Andaman Sea. However, unlike its humming neighbors, Bamboo Island is uninhabited. Instead, you'll find some amazing coral reefs and stunning beaches, especially on the north side of the island.
To get to Koh Mai Phai, you can negotiate for a longtail boat ride in Ao Nang or Railay. Alternatively, this island is one of the first stops on the extremely popular Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour from Krabi.
7. Tubkaek Beach
Hidden among the popular beaches of Krabi is the hidden and underrated Tubkaek Beach, situated on the northern coast of the Krabi province.
Aside from a few luxury resorts and restaurants, there really isn't much going on at Tubkaek– and that's what makes it one of the best Krabi beaches for simply relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying the Thai sunshine.
Since this beach is a 25-minute drive from Ao Nang, many people, unfortunately, miss it. However, if you're seeking a peaceful and tranquil getaway, this beach is worth the visit. One attraction that makes it worthwhile is the epic Dragon Crest Mountain viewpoint hike, which starts at the national park just a few hundred meters from Tubkaek Beach.
8. Noppharat Thara Beach
Noppharat Thara Beach is the long stretch of sand just north of Ao Nang Beach. The beach stretches for over 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) and is known for its soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and great night market.
There are also several restaurants and bars stretching all the way up the beach, offering fresh seafood and drinks to enjoy while enjoying the ocean views. At the far end of the beach, you'll find the Nopparat Thara Pier leading from the inlet at Son River. This is a popular place in the early morning when many boat trips depart for the Krabi Islands.
9. Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi)
Maya Bay is one of Thailand's most famous beach destinations and became globally famous after the 2000 movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here.
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs on three sides, Maya Bay features crystal-clear turquoise waters and a white sandy beach, making it a picturesque setting that draws visitors from around the world. However, currently swimming here is banned to help recover the coral in the bay.
Regardless, it's worth visiting Maya Bay, as well as the nearby Phi Phi Lagoon on a day trip from Krabi. While you can't swim, it's still a beautiful beach to check out.
10. Antosil Beach Krabi
Antosil Beach is nestled on the outskirts of Krabi's more frequented beaches, on the western side of the River Son (where most of the boat trips depart from) This beach is a serene haven perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.
With its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, Antosil Beach is an idyllic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical greenery, adding to its secluded vibe.
While facilities here are minimal, this only adds to Antosil Beach's charm, encouraging a back-to-nature kind of vibe. I recommend coming prepared with your own supplies for a day of relaxation.
11. Koh Kwang Beach
Koh Kwang Beach is a picturesque coastal stretch on Krabi's west coast near Laem Bong Beach. This one is known for its calm, shallow waters and fine, golden sand.
I visited this beach a few times and can highly recommend it as a family-friendly beach perfect for those with children as it offers safe swimming conditions and a relaxed atmosphere. There's also a golf course and some fancy resorts right off this beach!
12. Laem Bong Beach
Laem Bong Beach is a small, secluded beach located in a picturesque bay, known for its incredibly shallow water and fine, soft sand. You'll find it between Tubkaek Beach and Koh Kwang.
The beach is surrounded by lush mangroves, but there are some commercial piers in this area making it a nice secluded spot for relaxing but not great for swimming. I recommend heading down to the southern end we found some nice sand and no other travelers!
13. Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach is a quiet, secluded beach run by the Centara Hotel and only accessible via a short 15-20 minute walk or a 5-minute longtail boat ride from the end of Ao Nang Beach. The walk is the most popular option. It's known as the Ao Nang Monkey Trail, and is a famous spot to see wild macaque monkeys in Krabi.
The beach is a beautifully protected bay, framed by postcard jungle-draped clifflines. This is the perfect place to relax away from the crowds of Ao Nang and Railay.
There are also kayak rentals and snorkeling gear available from the beach area, making it a great, easy option for a beach day from Ao Nang.
14. Koh Poda Beach
Koh Poda Beach is located approximately 8 kilometers off the coast of Ao Nang, making it a convenient day trip destination for those staying in Krabi.
This island is part of the Poda Group of islands and is easily accessible via a 25-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang or Railay Beaches.
The island itself spans about 1 square kilometer, making it small enough to explore comfortably on foot within a short amount of time. The beach features about 500 meters of pristine white sand, flanked by clear, shallow waters on one side and a backdrop of lush greenery on the other.
15. Hong Island Beach
Hong Island Beach, part of the famous Hong Islands, is accessible via a 20-minute speedboat or a 45-minute longtail boat ride.
This island is famed for its breathtaking lagoon, pristine white sandy beaches, and clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is relatively small, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty without having to walk far.
A standout feature of Hong Island is its sheltered lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, accessible through a narrow passageway that opens up into a stunning, tranquil pool of crystal-clear water. The island's rich marine ecosystem, with vibrant coral reefs close to the shore, provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling.
Tip: I recommend visiting this beach on the excellent Hong Island Day Trip.
Where to Stay in Krabi
The best places to stay in Krabi to explore the beautiful islands, hikes, and white-sand beaches include Ao Nang Beach, Krabi Town, Ton Sai, and Railay Beach.
Below are the three top accommodation picks for all budgets.
1. Rayavadee Luxury
Amazing 5-star luxury accommodation adjacent to the Krabi Marine National Park in Railay. Boasts immaculately designed rooms, 6 restaurants, an outdoor pool, & incredible balcony views.
2. Anana Ecological Resort Mid-Range
An eco-friendly resort offering a large outdoor swimming pool, beautifully designed rooms & amazing garden with onsite cooking classes. The best part is the excellent price.
3. TAN Hostel Budget
The best backpacker hostel in Krabi just 700 m from Ao Nang Beach & near many restaurants, shops, & bars. Has a great vibe with a neat and tidy co-work area & an excellent onsite cafe.
Things to Know About the Beaches of Krabi
Each beach in Krabi boasts its own unique charm, from secluded coves to bustling shores lined with amenities. Before you head out for a beach-hopping day trip, here are some essential things to know.
- Travel times from Krabi Town can range from a quick 15-minute taxi to a 15-minute long-tail boat ride to an extended 2-hour journey.
- Beyond sunbathing and swimming, Krabi's beaches offer a fun array of activities. You can do scuba diving from Ao Nang Beach or Phi Phi Islands to explore vibrant coral reefs, or try rock climbing at Phra Nang Beach.
- Low tide in the Krabi area can reveal hidden stretches of sand and expose some coral reefs and rocky areas making it not great for swimming. However, high tide is much better for swimming and water sports since you'll get deeper water closer to shore.
- The dry season (November to April) offers calm seas and sunny weather, perfect for exploring the beaches and their surrounding coral reefs.
- Explore! While famous beaches draw crowds, Krabi's lesser-known spots are very beautiful. Consider taking a long-tail boat to less accessible beaches, especially the ones on the islands, for a more secluded experience.
Best Time to Go Beach Hopping in Krabi Province
The best time to go beach hopping in Krabi Province is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and water visibility is at its best for activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Here's what you can expect for the rest of the seasons:
- May to October (Monsoon Season): Characterized by heavy rainfall and rougher seas, this season offers fewer tourists, lush landscapes, and lower prices, with sunny spells between showers.
- Late April, May, and October (Shoulder Seasons): These transitional months offer a mix of sunny days and occasional rains, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices, with variable sea conditions.
More Krabi & Thailand Travel & Adventure Guides
I hope that you've enjoyed this epic roundup of the best beaches in Krabi, Thailand. Got any suggestions or updates for this blog? Let me know in the comments below, I reply to every single one!
Also, I've published dozens of useful travel guides just like this one from all of the places I've visited in Krabi and the rest of Thailand. Take a pick below for more inspiration for your trip!
- Things to do in Railay - my ultimate guide to Thai backpacker mecca
- 10 Best Krabi Island Tours - discover the best of Thailand's south
- Best Phi Phi Day Trips - how to plan an epic day trip to Phi Phi Island
- Accommodation Guides: Find where to stay in Krabi with my useful guides:
