Stunning province of Krabi, Thailand, a tropical paradise known for its breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs.
This article invites you on a journey to explore 17 of the best beaches in Krabi, each offering a unique blend of beauty, tranquility, and adventure.
From the postcard-perfect Railay Beach, accessible only by boat and surrounded by majestic cliffs, to the world-renowned rock climbing haven of Tonsai Beach, and the serene seclusion of Phak Nam Bay, Krabi’s beaches cater to every type of beach lover.
Whether you’re seeking a lively beach bustling with activities, a quiet cove for relaxation, or an underwater wonderland for snorkeling and diving, Krabi has the perfect beach for you.
So, put on your flip-flops, grab your beach towel, and get ready to embark on a sun-soaked journey through the mesmerizing beaches of Krabi, where every wave brings a new discovery.
Beaches In Krabi
1. Railay Beach
If you had to pick one beach in Krabi that’s truly postcard-worthy, it would have to be Railay Beach.
This idyllic spot is only accessible by boat and is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, making it feel like a hidden paradise.
Although Railay Beach is technically four beaches (West Railay, Phra Nang Cave Beach, East Railay, and Tonsai Beach), they’re all connected and easily accessible from one another.
West Railay Beach is the busiest and most developed beach, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Tourists love this beach for its stunning scenery, clear water, and laid-back atmosphere. This is also the best spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the views.
If you feel adventurous, you can go rock climbing on the limestone cliffs or hire a kayak to explore Railay’s beaches from the water.
There are also plenty of tour operators offering snorkeling and scuba diving trips.
And when you get hungry, you’ll find a good selection of beachfront bars and restaurants serving Thai food, Western food, and refreshing cocktails.
And don’t forget to watch the sunset. It’s truly a magical experience.
Overall, West Railay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi and a must-visit for all visitors.
Read More: Best Beaches In Thailand
2. Tonsai Beach
Just a stone’s throw away from Railay Beach is Tonsai, another breathtaking Krabi beach that offers an entirely different vibe.
Although it’s just a small stretch of sand, Tonsai is world-renowned amongst rock climbers as one of Thailand’s best places to climb.
The beaches here are fringed with towering limestone cliffs that make for an impressive natural playground, and there are routes suitable for all levels.
So, even if you’ve never climbed before, you can still give it a go with the help of a professional guide.
Unfortunately, Tonsai Beach is not the best place for swimming due to the strong currents.
Many tourists who come here stick to kayaking, diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, and of course, rock climbing.
Its unique atmosphere and jaw-dropping scenery make Tonsai Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi and a must-visit for all adventure-seekers.
You can access it by kayaking from Railay Beach or by taking a short walk when the tide is low.
3. Phra Nang Beach
If you thought Railay Beach was pretty, just wait until you see Phra Nang. This small yet stunning cove is often referred to as Krabi’s crown jewel, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Located between West Railay Beach and East Railay Beach, Phra Nang is one of the most popular beaches in Krabi, and it tends to get crowded, especially during the high season. However, its natural beauty more than makes up for the crowds.
The crescent-shaped shoreline is flanked by towering limestone cliffs, providing visitors with some much-needed shade from the harsh midday sun.
The soft white sand and azure water are simply picture-perfect, making this one of the most insta-worthy beaches in Thailand.
This is also one of the best beaches in Krabi for rock climbing. In fact, many people come here specifically to test their skills on the limestone cliff faces.
During low tide, you can stroll across the island to neighboring Nai and Koh Rang Islands and relax on the secluded beaches there.
If you’re feeling active, there’s plenty of opportunity for kayaking, hiking, and even cave exploration.
Read More: Best Islands In Krabi Thailand
4. Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang is Krabi’s most developed beach and the primary jumping-off point for most visitors to the province.
While it may not be as idyllic as some other beaches in Krabi, Ao Nang has a lot to offer in terms of accommodation, restaurants, and activities.
The beach itself is pretty good, with soft white sand, clear water, and plenty of sun loungers to lounge on.
In addition, many divers and snorkelers flock here because of the excellent visibility and wide variety of marine life.
If you get tired of lying on the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Ao Nang.
Take a long-tail boat ride to one of the nearby islands, go rock climbing, or explore the caves in Krabi’s limestone cliffs.
When night falls, Ao Nang comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. There are dozens of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
5. Long Beach
Located on the west coast of Koh Lanta, Long Beach is a stunning stretch of soft pale sand framed by tall palm trees and turquoise waters.
It’s one of the busiest beaches on the island but still manages to retain a relaxed vibe.
The waves here are gentle, and the water is clean and clear, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is wide, and there’s plenty of space for beach games, sunbathing, and picnicking.
If you get hungry, there are lots of beachfront bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood, Thai curries, and other delicious local dishes.
You can also buy drinks and snacks from one of the many beach vendors roaming around.
In addition, this is one of the best beaches in Krabi for sunset watching. Therefore, make sure to grab a table at one of the beach bars, order a refreshing cocktail, and enjoy the show.
Long Beach is situated close to Koh Lanta Old Town, so it’s easy to combine a day at the beach with a spot of sightseeing.
Many tour operators in the area also offer activities such as island hopping, snorkeling, and sea kayaking.
6. Maya Bay
A visit to Krabi wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the world-famous Maya Bay-made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie “The Beach.”
Maya Bay is a small cove surrounded by 100-meter-high cliffs on three sides and a sandy beach that slopes gently into the clear emerald waters.
It’s one of the most popular beaches in Krabi, and it’s not hard to see why.
The water here is so crystal clear that you can see the colorful reef and fish swimming around your legs as you wade in the shallows.
This makes it an excellent spot for snorkeling. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can easily rent some from several of the boat operators.
Maya Bay is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. However, due to its popularity, it can get quite crowded, especially from 10 am to 3 pm.
If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
7. Koh Poda Beach
Have you seen those famous postcard-perfect shots of Krabi’s beaches with limestone karst jutting out of the ocean? Well, Koh Poda is one of those beaches.
This small island is located six kilometers offshore from Krabi’s mainland and is a popular stop on many day trips and island-hopping tours.
Here, soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water greets you as soon as you step foot off the boat.
This beach might be small, but it certainly packs a punch! Snorkeling is excellent off Koh Poda, and you can expect to see an array of colorful fish and coral.
Koh Poda is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing, swimming, and simply taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The island measures approx. one kilometer in diameter, so it’s the perfect size to explore.
If you get hungry, there are a few beachside restaurants and vendors selling drinks and snacks.
Visitors usually start to leave around 3 pm to catch their boat back to the mainland, so you’ll have the place mostly to yourself in the late afternoon.
8. Koh Mai Phai
A little further down from Railay Beach lies Koh Mai Phai, or “Bamboo Island,” one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi.
This teeny-tiny uninhabited island is an outlying island of Great Phi Phi Islands, and it’s only a 30-45 minute long-tail boat ride from Phi Phi Don.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a stunning picture-perfect postcard image of Thailand that you’ve been dreaming of.
The pinkish-white sands and impossibly blue water make for a breathtaking first impression. It feels like you’re in some sort of dreamland!
The best part is that since Koh Mai Phai is still relatively unknown, it’s usually pretty quiet here. So if you’re looking for a place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Ao Nang or Railay, this is the perfect spot.
Koh Mai Phai is also an excellent spot for snorkeling, as there are lots of colorful corals and tropical fish to see.
If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, make sure to rent it before you get on the boat.
The island is quite small, so you can easily walk around and explore the entire island in less than an hour.
Also note that there are no restaurants or shops on the island (except a shack selling cold drinks, so make sure to bring enough food and water for the day.
9. Tub Kaek Beach
If you’re looking for beaches in Krabi that are a little more off-the-beaten-path, then make your way over to Tub Kaek Beach.
This is one of Krabi’s most beautiful beaches, yet it remains largely undiscovered due to its location.
But that doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. In fact, the unspoiled natural surroundings are part of its charm!
Tub Kaek Beach is located on the western edge of the Krabi region, about an hour’s drive northwest of Ao Nang.
The journey is well worth it as this beach is less crowded and much more secluded.
This means you can completely relax and soak up the tranquility without being interrupted by noisy tourists.
The clear waters make for perfect swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking conditions.
Don’t expect extreme watersport activities here, as the beach is pretty relaxed.
However, there are some great restaurants and bars in the area where you can enjoy stunning sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
And if you want to explore the area a little further, there are plenty of hiking trails through the jungle in the nearby conservancy area.
10. Nopparat Thara Beach
Is Ao Nang Beach too crowded for you? If so, then head over to Nopparat Thara Beach, located just 15 minutes walk away.
This lovely Krabi beach is a much quieter and more relaxing alternative to its well-known neighbor.
With over four kilometers of coastline to enjoy, there is plenty of space for everyone, even during the high season.
The water here is relatively shallow and calm, making it a lovely place to swim and paddle around in the sea.
You’ll also find a few restaurants and bars and some small convenience stores along the beach, should you need them.
Unlike Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara is much less developed and has managed to retain a more natural feel.
The perfect place to spend a lazy day reading your favorite book or simply taking in the stunning scenery.
The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset. So, if you’re looking for a romantic spot to enjoy a beautiful Krabi sunset with your significant other, this is the place to be.
11. Koh Gai Beach
Also known as Chicken Island, Koh Gai is one of Krabi’s most iconic beaches. It gets its name from the unique limestone cliff that resembles a chicken’s head.
This small island is located just off the coast of Ao Nang and is often visited on a day tour from Krabi Town.
The beach here is beautiful, with soft white sand and crystalline water that’s perfect for swimming.
Although it’s not the most secluded beach in Krabi, Koh Gai is still relatively quiet compared to some of the other beaches on this list.
And since it’s only a short boat ride away from Ao Nang, it makes for a great day trip!
When the tide is low, you can even walk to the neighboring two islands, which are connected to Koh Gai by a sandbar.
These islands are uninhabited and make for a great spot to relax away from the crowds.
12. Paradise Island Beach (lading island)
The name says it all. Paradise Island Beach is truly a slice of paradise and, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful Krabi beaches.
This dreamy little beach boasts soft white sand, turquoise water, and lush jungle-topped limestone cliffs, making for a stunning natural backdrop.
The beach is divided into two sections. One half is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the sensational views.
The other half is filled with long-tail boats that come and go from the nearby islands.
The only downside to this beach is that it can get pretty crowded because of its size. Plus, many tours and boat trips include this beach with a day excursion to Hong Island.
So, you’ll often see long-tail boats and tour groups anchored offshore.
That being said, it’s still one of the top attractions in Krabi and well worth a visit.
If you can, hire your own private boat and try to come early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not so busy.
13. Phak Nam Bay
Looking for a place to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquility in Krabi? You’ll find it at Phak Nam Bay.
This small and relatively unknown Krabi beach is accessible by boat from the Tonsai pier in Koh Phi Phi Don.
It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach without having to deal with the throngs of tourists.
The water is warm and clear, and the beaches are clean with plenty of soft golden-hued sand to go around.
There is a small restaurant directly on the beach where you can get refreshments and snacks.
Most of the tourists who come here are couples and families. And it’s easy to see why this place is so popular with them. It really is a slice of paradise with its serene surroundings and breathtaking views.
There are a collection of eco-friendly bungalows and huts on the beach where you can stay overnight.
This is a great option if you want to experience the quiet and calmness of Phak Nam Bay without the hordes of day-trippers.
14. Klong Dao Beach
Klong Dao Beach is one of Koh Lanta’s busiest beaches, located on the island’s west coast.
It’s the perfect place to base yourself if you want to be within walking distance of all the best bars, restaurants, and shops.
The beach itself is almost 3 kilometers long and quite wide, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Despite being one of the busiest beaches on the island, it never feels too crowded.
This beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing on a sun lounger with a good book.
The water is clean and clear with a gentle slope, making it perfect for families with small children.
If you’re feeling active, a volleyball net is set up on the sand.
However, the most popular activity here has to be scuba diving. Klong Dao Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in Krabi to learn how to dive, with several diving schools offering PADI courses.
Several restaurants and bars are also located along the beach, as well as a few small convenience stores.
During the evening, the beach comes to life, with locals and tourists alike enjoying a sunset cocktail or two.
This is also the best time to go for a walk as the beaches are practically deserted and the air is cooler.
15. Muya Bay
Don’t confuse Muya Bay with Maya Bay, the famous beach in Krabi made popular by the movie “The Beach.”
While both beaches have stunningly clear water and beautiful white sand beaches, Muya Bay is much less crowded and commercialized.
Many tourists don’t even know about this little gem hidden behind a limestone cliff. Even if you search it online, there’s not much information about this place.
This beach is popular for diving and snorkeling because of the healthy coral reef and diverse marine life.
The water is also clear enough that you can see the fish swimming around you and the colorful coral.
Muya Bay is a great place to go for a swim or snorkel. There are no crowds here, and you can enjoy this place’s tranquility and natural beauty.
16. Hong Island Beach
Want to swim in bright blue waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs? Then head to Krabi’s Hong Islands, located in the Than Bok Khorani National Park.
This picture-perfect island often makes it onto various ‘best beaches in Thailand’ lists for a good reason.
The beach is beautiful and some of the most unspoiled and secluded in Krabi.
Hong Island can only be reached by long-tail boat from Ao Nang or Railay Beach, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.
Once you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is the striking aquamarine waters and towering karst cliffs.
What’s more? The water is clean and clear, making it possible to see schools of brightly-colored fish swimming around your feet!
The beach is also incredibly secluded, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Hong Island is a national park, so there’s an entrance fee of 300 THB (approx. $9) per person. This is definitely worth it as this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi.
17. Pakbia Island Beach
You might not have heard of Pakbia Island, but this little slice of beach in Krabi is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets.
Not many tourists make it out here, so you can expect a lot more peace and quiet.
The island is located west of Ao Nang and can be reached by a speed boat in about 15 minutes.
The journey is well worth it as Pakbia boasts some of the most beautiful corals and underwater life in the area.
So if you love snorkeling or scuba diving, this is one of Krabi’s beaches you can’t miss!
The water is warm and crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming. The sand is golden but a bit on the coarse side.
Still, it’s a great place to relax, soak up some sun and enjoy the incredible views.
What’s more? There is a swing on the beach where you can take some Insta-worthy photos. Plus, you can swing and reconnect with your inner childhood self!
Besides being a great place to spend the day, Pakbia Island is also an excellent place to catch the sunset. So make sure you stick around until the day turns to night.
