Krabi is a must visit haven for beach lovers from across the globe.
It is a tropical paradise in Thailand, widely known for its pretty coastline, clear blue waters and easy accessibility from most parts of the world. It has been mentioned by many travellers that Krabi has some of the best shorelines in Thailand. Well, I couldn’t agree more!
This is one destination which can be a vacationer’s delight irrespective of age or appetite for adventure. If you are looking for a lazy vacation to chill by the beach with your beer & cocktails, indulge in Thai massages or go on snorkeling and diving quests, Krabi can easily be your place of choice.
The best time to visit Krabi is during the winter months of November through March when, the weather remains sunny with occasional showers here and there. If you want to beat the peak-season crowds, October can also be a lovely time to visit. However, it will still be rainy & stormy so you have to bank on your luck a little.
Get ready, beach bums because you are now going to cruise through my favorite shores in this haven for beach lovers.
Ao Nang Beach
The Ao Nang Beach area has long been a popular tourist hotspot. Part of the reason that I like this place is because it is the best base for travelling to other beaches in Krabi. The other more personal reason for my liking this seashore, is that it is clean and a great place to hang-out owing to its heady holiday vibe. The crescent shaped bay is dotted with lots of restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels/resorts and shops to suit every budget, making it a perfect haven for beach lovers.
The day time is ideal for taking a dip in the waters, catching some sun, sipping cocktails or enjoying a Thai massage by the beach. Besides that, rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, visiting the Suea temple & elephant sanctuary or going on island tours from Ao Nang beach are the popular activities here.
Bookings can be made in advance from the many local agents who have set up shops along the promenade across the beach. Ao Nang is a street shoppers delight. From pretty sandals, beach wear, hats, bags, trinkets and souvenirs, you will definitely find something that will catch your fancy.
Right around sunset, you could climb up and down the monkey trail and enjoy the stunning ariel view.
Nightlife in Krabi is usually bustling. The night market offers an interesting variety of food and drinks that you can choose from. The beach transforms into a giant entertainment arena where you can sit and enjoy the performances and amusement. In short, Ao Nang beach packs a complete punch and is an ideal haven for beach lovers.
Railay Beach
Imagine sparkling blue sea that is surrounded by limestone cliffs and palm groves. Railay is a magnificent haven for beach lovers. It consisting of four beaches, the East Railay beach, West Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach and Tonsai Beach.
Although, it is part of the mainland, you get the unique feeling that you are on an island!
The only way to get to Railay is by boat. You could either go directly from the Ao Nammao pier near Krabi airport or from Ao Nang beach. . I would recommend the Ao Nang route simply because I travelled keeping Ao Nang as my base which allowed me to visit many other beaches without much hassle.
Long tail boats keep running the 15-minute distance during the day. The ride is short but definitely beautiful. Keep in mind that handling heavy luggage when you are boarding or alighting from the boats can be a bit tricky but, nothing that one can’t handle. Always wear beach appropriate clothes & footwear for these transfers as you will be prone to getting wet.
Accommodations here are slightly pricey because of their facilities, the exclusivity and nonchalant beauty of the place. The hotels and resorts on Railay beach are famous for destination weddings. You get the drift! For those wishing to pass stay overs, can easily opt for taking the speedboat tours from Ao Nang. This way you do not completely miss out the opportunity to see this lovely place.
Swimming in the crystal turquoise waters of Railay beach can be unquestionably, enjoyable. Rock climbing on the limestone ridge, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and cliff jumping are popular activities among holiday goers.
Phra Nang Cave Beach
When you are at Railay, the must visit shore is the Phra Nang Cave beach. This is by far, the best coast on the Railay peninsula. Many travellers have called Phra Nang beach as the dream haven for beach lovers. In many ways this place made my stay in Railay completely worth it.
The first thing that had me, was the beautiful panorama. Envision, taking those dreamy long sea-side strolls that you see people do in the movies. This is one of those pretty coastlines that everyone wishes to go to.
The early mornings on Phra Nang can be quiet and perfect for getting lost amidst the scenery. By midday, the island-hopping crowds come in and there is a bit of din in the air. Fret not, it has its own charm as you enjoy food, music and snorkeling. Again, before sundown the crowds clear out and you are left to watch the amazing sunset at your own leisure.
Don’t miss the Phra Nang Cave/Princes Cave famed for supposedly fulfilling peoples wishes of increasing fertility! If you’re adventurous enough, there is a 30-minute hike up to the Railay Viewpoint. Although, the path is somewhat slippery and treacherous once you reach the spot you witness the most spectacular view of the entire peninsula. Its an awesome sight to behold!
Bamboo Island
One of the first stops on the island-hopping tours is Bamboo Island which is part of the Koh Phi Phi islands. This small island is characterized by tropical forests, the clean and white coast and the fact that it is uninhabitable.
Nevertheless, it is a haven for beach lovers owing to its tranquility, natural beauty and snorkeling opportunities. There are no pubs or restaurants here so, most people don’t stay for long. Yet, I encourage those wanting to experience a serene tropical paradise, to visit here even if, briefly.
Usually, the speedboats come here first and let you stay for about an hour to ninety minutes. You can look around, munch on packed snacks from the single vendor who has his fares displayed on a table near the beach. Juices, smoothies, mangoes & sticky rice and a variety of munchies. Mostly, the boats offer unlimited soft drinks, cake and fruit to their passengers. As a result, I ended up not buying anything from the stand.
The water here is ideal for snorkeling especially, for first timers. The current is manageable, the sea is clear and the corals are stunning. While, Bamboo Island offers limited activities, it more than makes up with its pristine beauty and picture postcard scenery.
Maya Bay
Since, the release of the Leonardo Di Caprio starer ‘The Beach’ in 2000, Maya Bay, the most picturesque beach on Phi Phi Island gained momentum. It is one of the best places for snorkeling in Thailand and is hugely popular among visitors from around the world.
Known to be among the best white sand beaches across the globe, Maya Bay has been drawing large crowds year on year. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush green vegetation Maya Bay is a breathtaking haven for beach lovers.
There was a time before 2018 when speedboats and long tailed ones could directly cruise into Maya Bay and you could alight on the beach itself. Now, things have changed a bit. Boats are no longer allowed directly onto the beach. They have to anchor at Pileh Lagoon and you just have to walk a little to the opposite side to see the beach.
The snorkeling area is slightly away from the beach near Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay. Hiking through the forest is an activity that I personally enjoyed and recommend to all nature enthusiasts. In any case, you have to pay for entry to the National Park so, it feels like a shame to not explore the place.
You can only do day trips to the Bay as there are no hotels/resorts to keep you here overnight. Most trips are part of multiple island tours, organised by speedboat operators who will pick you up from Krabi and bring you here. You don’t have to worry about much as they will take care of it all.
The costs include the entry fees. Sometimes, you may have to pay it separately depending upon the boat organisers. It is better to find out all the details when you book the tour.
Long Beach
True to its name, Long Beach stretches a little over 3 kilometers of the Koh Lanta shoreline and is therefore quite long. Over the years it has become popular as a haven for beach lovers.
The best thing about Long beach is that it is big enough to accommodate many people without giving a crowded feel to the place! It is a serene sea side ideal for unwinding. The beach is clean and you can easily swim the waters if you want. Long beach is good for snorkeling. Particularly, for beginners as you do not need to wander too deep into the waters to catch a glimpse of the colorful marine life.
There is a viewpoint which hikers frequent to catch the spectacular sunsets. If you are a party animal, you could explore pubs from where you can enjoy fire shows, drink the bucket and jive well into the night.
There are many hotels & resorts within close proximity of the beach. Plenty of eateries and pubs along the coast for everyone to enjoy. Many, who do not choose the rushed 4 island day tours prefer to visit Maya Bay by making Long Beach as their base. While, Maya Bay is uninhabitable, Long beach is, therefore, it can be quite convenient because you get to spend more time at each of place.
Conclusion
Well, that was the roundup of my favorite shores in this haven for beach lovers. I hope you enjoy your travels exploring this beautiful part of Thailand and leaving your footprints in the sands of time.
You are at your free will to stop, admire and discover each nook for as long as you like. Remember to be careful while making your travel plans, carry your SPF and hydrate frequently.
The objective of this blog is to give a fair idea of how one can plan a trip here. There are other ways in which you can explore Krabi too. Many travel operators have multiple options and packages on offer. Check them out to find out what suits you best. You can then, make your own itinerary as well.
The best part of travel is the realization that we are so minuscule in the scheme of the universe. It does not mean that we do not matter because we do without a doubt. It is just a matter of broadening our perspectives and getting a better understanding of ourselves.
Suhrita Goswami is an experienced freelance content writer. She specializes in writing educational, travel, food, lifestyle and living related content. Her ideas are fresh & unique. She is an avid reader and travel enthusiast.