Visiting Phra Nang Beach in Krabi: Complete First-Timer’s Guide

When I stayed in Railay for a few nights, Phra Nang Beach was at the top of my list — and now I get why it’s the most iconic spot here.

The moment I walked onto the beach, my mouth was literally wide open. The cliffs were towering above me, the sand was soft and white, and the water sparkled in that perfect turquoise shade you always see in photos.

But honestly, being there in person was even better. I spent the day swimming, wandering along the shore, and just sitting in the sand, taking it all in.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit — how to get here, what to do, and my personal tips for making the most of your time there.

At a Glance

Getting to Phra Nang Beach isn’t the easiest thing (I’ll explain more about that later), but wow — the moment you step off the boat and onto the sand, it’s all worth it.

The beach is framed by massive limestone cliffs that almost look like they’re leaning over the shoreline. The sand is soft and clean, and the water is that perfect turquoise shade that looks good in every photo — but trust me, it’s even more stunning in person.

It does get busy, especially in the middle of the day when tour boats arrive, but if you time it right, you can still find a quiet spot to just sit, relax, and soak it all in.

Why I think it’s worth it

If you’re wondering whether coming here is worth your time, the answer is absolutely yes.

What makes this place stand out compared to other beaches in Thailand is the dramatic scenery. The cliffs are so close that you feel completely surrounded by nature, and the water is calm and shallow — perfect for a swim or just floating around for hours.

It’s not a hidden gem (you won’t have it all to yourself), but it’s one of those places where the view and atmosphere more than make up for the crowds.

I’ve been to plenty of beaches in Thailand, but this one had that “wow” factor that made me remember it forever. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Krabi.

If you’re staying in Krabi, skipping this beach would be like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris — it’s the highlight of the area.

Where is Phra Nang Beach

Phra Nang Beach is located at the southern end of the Railay Peninsula in Krabi.

If you’re coming from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, you’ll need to take a longtail boat to Railay first, since hills and dense jungle cut off the peninsula.

How to get there

From Krabi town

I was staying in Krabi Town, so I took the boat from Chao Fah Pier. Tickets are 150 THB one way, and there’s no fixed schedule — the boat leaves when there are enough passengers, usually around 6–8 people.

The ride takes around 30–40 minutes, and honestly, it was such a nice start to the trip. The closer we got to Railay, the more incredible the views became – I had a feeling that I was heading somewhere special.

I was the only one travelling with the luggage and planning to spend the night. All the other passengers were day trippers.

The boat arrives at Railay East’s floating pier, and from there, it was just a short, easy walk across the peninsula to the beach.

From Ao Nang

From Ao Nang, it’s even easier. Boats run regularly throughout the day and cost about 100 THB one way. The ride takes just 10–15 minutes. The best part? They drop you directly at Phra Nang Beach.

What to expect at Phra Nang Beach

The beach itself is rather long, but most people stay around the cave on the leftmost end. You can see the two giant rocks in the sea – that’s Ko Rang No island. At low tide, you can simply walk over to its beach.

If you walk all the way to the right, you may find Bat Cave up on the cliff. To reach it, you need to use ladders and ropes. The views from up there are fantastic! During my visit, I didn’t know it existed, and seeing the photos from there, I’m sad I didn’t visit.

The Vibe

Phra Nang Beach is beautiful but busy. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Krabi, so expect crowds — especially from late morning to early afternoon when day-trippers from Ao Nang and Krabi Town arrive.

I loved it the most in the early morning, it’s much quieter and feels almost peaceful. If you want that calm, postcard-perfect experience, try to get here before 9 AM. By afternoon, the beach is still amazing but definitely busier and more touristy.

It’s best to either stay directly in Railay or hire a private boat to avoid the crowds.

Despite the crowds, the vibe stays relaxed. People are swimming, sunbathing, or just chilling under the cliffs, and it never feels like a party beach.

Swimming & Safety

The water here is calm and clear, making it great for swimming all day. There are no strong currents to worry about, which makes it perfect even for less confident swimmers.

When the high tide comes in, the right end of the beach is almost entirely underwater.

I did spot a sign warning about Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, but I didn’t see any during my visit. It’s probably rare, but it’s good to keep an eye out, especially if you’re visiting during jellyfish season (August and September).

Phra Nang Cave

At the far end of the beach, you’ll find the famous Princess Cave (Phra Nang Cave). It’s filled with offerings to the spirit of Phra Nang, including dozens of colorful wooden carvings shaped like… well, let’s just say they’re very symbolic of fertility.

Locals come here to pay their respects, and it’s fascinating to see the spiritual side of such a popular beach. Make sure to be respectful (I know it’s hard) — it’s still an active place of worship.

Rock Climbing

If you’re into adventure (or just want to try something new), Phra Nang Beach is also one of the best spots for rock climbing in Railay. The limestone cliffs here are famous worldwide, with routes for everyone — from beginners to experienced climbers.

I didn’t try climbing myself, but I met plenty of people who said it was the highlight of their trip.

If you’re interested, check out the Rock Climbing Courses by King Climbers — they offer half-day and full-day sessions with professional instructors, and all the gear is included. Even if you’re a complete beginner, the views alone make it an experience worth trying.

Facilities

• Public toilets – Paid and very basic. You’ll need to follow the path a short way toward the mainland to find them.
• No sunbeds or umbrellas – Bring your own towel or mat if you want to sit or lie comfortably on the sand.
• Restaurant – There’s Khrua Phra Nang restaurant, where you can grab a proper meal or cold drinks right on the beach.
• Longtail boat restaurant – Serves simple food and drinks right on the water — fun for a quick snack or fresh coconut without leaving the beach.
• Walking street – A few minutes walk from the beach, there’s a walking street with some more spots to eat and convenience stores.

Other places to visit nearby

• East Railay Viewpoint – A short but steep hike that rewards you with one of the best views over the peninsula.
• Princess Lagoon – Just beyond the viewpoint, this hidden lagoon feels like a secret spot surrounded by limestone cliffs. The trail is crazy though!
• Krabi Town – The night market is perfect for street food, and the riverfront is a nice place for a stroll.
• Tiger Cave Temple – Famous for its 1,200+ steps leading to a hilltop shrine with panoramic views. It’s a workout, but absolutely worth it.

Final thoughts

Phra Nang Beach really is as stunning as everyone says. Between the towering limestone cliffs, soft sand, and calm turquoise water, it’s the kind of beach that makes you want to spend the whole day there.

It does get busy during the day, but that’s easy to handle if you come early in the morning or stay later in the afternoon when it’s quieter.

If you’re in Railay, visiting Phra Nang Beach is a must. It’s the star of the area and, for me, one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi.