Beaches · Krabi · Thailand
The best beaches in and near Krabi
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Railay West (About 15 minutes by longtail from Ao Nang). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 15 minutes by longtail from Ao Nang · Couples and scenery
1.Railay West
White sand framed by limestone cliffs, with calm water in the dry season and the best sunsets in Krabi.
10-minute walk from Railay · Swimming and photography
2.Phra Nang Cave Beach
A small cove beneath overhanging cliffs with the Princess Cave shrine and clear water.
Central Ao Nang; about 40 minutes from the airport · Convenience and sunsets
3.Ao Nang
The main resort beach, best for sunset walks and as a departure point for boat trips.
About 2 km north of Ao Nang · Families and quiet walks
4.Noppharat Thara
Long, shaded and quiet, with sandbars at low tide, part of a national park.
About 20 km north-west of Ao Nang · Resort stays and calm
5.Klong Muang
A peaceful resort beach facing karst islands, with few crowds.
Walk or longtail from Railay · Climbers and budget travellers
6.Tonsai
A rustic bay below climbing walls, with a rocky foreshore at low tide.
About 2 hours from Krabi airport by road and ferry · Longer island stays
7.Long Beach (Phra Ae), Koh Lanta
A long sandy beach on Lanta's west coast with bungalows, bars and sunset views.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| February | 28°C (82°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 34°C (93°F) |
| April | 30°C (86°F) | 34°C (93°F) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for couples, beach, luxury and quiet stays
Railay
Cut off from the mainland by cliffs, Railay is reached only by longtail. West Railay has a sandy, sunset-facing beach with resorts behind it; East Railay faces mangroves and has cheaper bungalows and bars; and Phra Nang Cave Beach is a short walk away. Evenings are quiet once the day-trippers leave.
- Good
- Spectacular cliff scenery; No cars; World-class climbing on the doorstep
- Watch out
- Boat transfers with luggage; Higher prices for food and drinks; Crowded with day-trippers at midday
- Nearby
- Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tonsai, Railay viewpoint and lagoon, Ao Nang
Getting to the beaches
- Boat — Longtails run from Ao Nang beach to Railay in about 15 minutes, leaving once enough passengers have bought tickets at the booth; private charters are available for island trips.
- Ferry — Scheduled ferries and speedboats connect Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Phi Phi, Lanta and Phuket, with less frequent service in the rainy season.
- Bus — Shared songthaews run between Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara and Krabi Town throughout the day, stopping on request along the main road.
- Scooter — Scooters are available to rent in Ao Nang and on Lanta; roads are busy and accidents are common, and insurance needs the correct licence.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in December–March. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Rip currents are strong on west-facing beaches during the May–October monsoon, so obey red flags. Scooter accidents are common, and wading to longtails at low tide can be slippery. Monkeys at the Tiger Cave Temple and on Railay will grab food and bags. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Krabi have beaches?
Yes: Railay West, Phra Nang Cave Beach, Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara, Klong Muang, Tonsai and Long Beach (Phra Ae), Koh Lanta.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Krabi?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Krabi?
Railay West: White sand framed by limestone cliffs, with calm water in the dry season and the best sunsets in Krabi.