Krabi Beach Guide
The rewards of the journey far outweighs
the risk of leaving the harbour
This Krabi Beach guide comprises of several stunning white sandy beaches tucked away to the east of Phuket in a cosy corner of the Andaman Sea.
This particular area is beautifully complimented with some of Thailand's most awe-inspiring limestone krasts. These breathtaking rock formations rise quite dramatically from out of turquoise seas to become majestic backdrops adding a fascinating ambiance to these beautiful beaches. Not only is this the perfect opportunity to relax whilst sunbathing and swimming but for those of you who crave a more energetic beach activity, there are also numerous water sports to participate in. Those of you who are into the more adventurous activities then these beaches also offer some very interesting coves and caves for you to explore at your leisure. The caves found here are full of stalactites and stalagmites forged over thousands of years. Remember that some of the beaches are only accessible by boat which I believe can only add even more fulfillment to these exciting excursions. The best time to be here is between late October through to April when swimming, kayaking and snorkeling are at it's best. Only during the rainy season in the months between May to mid October, beach conditions can deteriorate somewhat. In fact some of the restaurants and resorts close down altogether during this period.
Railay Beach at Krabi
Krabi Beach Guide
Railay Beach
Railay Beach at Laem Phra Nang actually comprises of four beaches altogether which are accessible by boat from Krabi Town and a few of the other surrounding beaches. Names of each of the individual beaches are Ao Phra Nang, Ao Ton Sai, East Railay, and West Railay. All are nestled between high limestone cliffs. These limestone formations will appeal to you should you be a rock-climbing enthusiast. Given the type of topography in and around Krabi, there is a huge potential for this sport. There are also several special climbing routes marked out with a range of various difficulties. No worries as there is no shortage of climbing equipment, lessons and instructors who are on hand to help you in any way they can. Rock climbing has become a very popular sport here. As for the rest of you there is plenty of beautiful white soft sandy beach to relax on.
Boats at West Railay Beach
Krabi Beach Guide
East and West Railay Beaches
West Railay Beach is a Krabi Beach sometimes known as Sunset Beach as well as sometimes being referred as the best beach in Thailand. Well I will have to admit that it certainly does come close to perfect. Here you will find crystal clear turquoise waters, a good stretch of an incredibly white silky soft sandy shore and a backdrop of some of the most impressive karst formations you could ever imagine. Just to round things off, there is also a good bit of very welcome shade. This very popular beach is lined with some mid-range resorts and a couple of restaurants with the only one real downside being that of the insistent drone of a gazillion six-stroke tractor engines all belting out monotonous tunes from their ever present long-tail boats. Don't get me wrong though, I love travelling in them. Somehow they sound a lot better when you are actually riding in one. These boats tend to start arriving around 8 am in the morning and continue non-stop until the sun goes down. If you can put up with these tunes then there is no reason why you cannot have an good time here as the swimming is excellent albeit the shallow waters. East Railay Beach on the other hand is probably the least attractive Krabi beach on the Laem Phra Nang headland and not suitable for swimming at all. In fact, there is no actual beach so much as the water line is covered with mangrove trees or whats left of them. Continual construction work seems to be the order of the day. This beach is only suitable for young people wanting cheap accommodation so personally I would avoid this one and besides there is not much to see or do here.
Long Boats at Phra Nang Beach
Krabi Beach Guide
Ao Ton Sai Beach
Ao Ton Sai Beach is not one of the best locations in Krabi as it is pretty much littered with rocks and can be quite murky at times during low tide thus making swimming virtually impossible. Although it is accessible by long-tail boat from Ao Nang beach at high tide with the trip lasting approximately 15 minutes, it can also be beached from Krabi Town itself. It is however possible to reach during low tide periods if you are prepared to walk thorough the muddy shore to the beach over many rocks from west Railay beach. A word of warning though, these oyster rocks as they are called, can be rather razor sharp at times. I would not attempt if you have sensitive feet like I have. The reality of this place are the settings of the many awesome orange and ochre-striped karst formations which attract hordes of rock-climbing enthusiasts from around the world. Climbing is of course not the only activity in Ton Sai as this beach is also an ideal location for plenty of party loving back-packers who sometimes like to stay for weeks or months on end. One of the other better known activities is hanging around the many beach bars getting stoned or pissed or both whilst occasionally flicking the wrist to throw a frisbee. After all, back-packers are also on vacation. Two of the most popular bars here are respectively called Chill Out and Stoners where noticeable posters plastered about show Bob Marley as a firm favourite. For those of you who have slightly more energy, there are some diving schools should you feel up to it or perhaps even better, hire a kayak and try your hand at paddling to West Railay beach if you feel that you might make it. Kayaking through the caves is a must.
Railay Beach Cave
Krabi Beach Guide
Ao Phra Nang Beach
Ao Phra Nang Beach or Phra Nang Cave Beach is a beautiful cove situated on the south western part of the Laem Phra Nang headland and only accessible by boat from Krabi Port. This beach is actually a lot more popular and busier than Railay West especially during the high season from November through to April. Luxurious soft sand, crystal clear shallow waters, a coral reef, rock-pools and caves set against a backdrop of picturesque limestone cliffs definitely makes this a perfect beach getaway. At low tide you can simply walk along a sand bar to a tiny offshore island and do a spot of snorkeling. Check out the huge krast outcrop at the eastern edge of the bay that uncovers the hollowed out entrance to Tham Phra Nang Nok or Princess Cave. Legend says that an ancient fertility goddess whom the local fishermen believe still lives here, controls the riches of the sea. The cave contains some large phallic symbols and other strange offerings in the hope of increased potency and prosperity. The only accommodation on this beach is the the
Sheraton Rayavadeee Resort
This truly luxurious hide-away has the only direct access to the beach. Should you wish to spend a night or two or three, then this resort hotel will set the pace for a fabulous treat as it has all the right ingredients.
Entrance to Tam Seu Uh Tiger Cave
Krabi Beach Guide
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is situated west of Krabi Town and easily accessible by a road which incidentally runs right along the beachfront. Considering that Ao Nang is the tourist center of Krabi due to it's high concentration of restaurants, shops, hotels and resorts, the palm-lined stretch of beach itself is pretty albeit rather uninteresting only dominated by some large cliffs at its southern tip. Good for a bit of swimming or snorkeling but that's about it. Ao Nang beach is mostly used as a jumping on and off point for day trips to the surrounding islands. Only after the sun goes down does the beachfront comes alive as people start returning from their islands jaunts. Eating at the large number of mostly western restaurants, drinking and the occasional bit of shopping are the main attractions. Should you stroll through the numerous stalls you will come across a labyrinth of small bars where you will be greeted with warm smiles and cold beers. The smiles are free but I am afraid you will have to pay for the beers.
Relaxing on West Railay Beach
Krabi Beach Guide
Hat Nopparat Thara Beach
Hat Nopparat Thara Beach is a 3 kilometer long pretty beach that is reachable by road from Krabi Town. You will find plenty of natural shade from it's many casuarina trees but unfortunately not much else. Development here is still in it's infancy. Also please don't expect to find any deckchairs or beach umbrellas on a beach that seems to be more popular with local Thai picnickers who prefer to just swim, eat and laze around in the sun. However it is within easy walking distance from Ao Nang Beach and you could also take a walk to Koh Kao Pak Klong Island in the bay during low tide.
Long Boat at Hat Tham Phra Nang Beach
Krabi Beach Guide
Klong Muang Beach
Klong Muang Beach is beautiful, secluded and quiet where you can leave the crowds behind and virtually have the beach all to yourself. This beach caters mainly for guests at some of it's exclusive luxury boutique hotels and resorts.
Sheraton Beach Resort
is one such luxury accommodation on the beach that has the ideal setting for a perfect getaway.
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