The Most Beautiful Beaches in Krabi
A popular reason for visiting Thailand – aside from the elephants and the cuisine – is its many kilometres of gorgeous coastline. Those who arrive in Krabi searching for picture-perfect views of the beach they’ve seen on social media don’t leave disappointed, as Krabi is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Here’s our round-up of the most beautiful beaches Krabi has to offer.
Some of the beaches included in this list feature on Culture Trip’s carefully curated 10-day trip through Southern Thailand – taking you off the beaten path with a local insider leading the way.
1. Phra Nang, Railay
Natural Feature
Situated close the hub of Ao Nang but accessible only by boat due to the sheer cliffs surrounding it, Railay Bay is a gorgeous, unspoilt piece of land that’s adorned the front of postcards for decades. With several beaches to choose from, Phra Nang beach is arguably the most spectacular of the lot. With turquoise waters interrupted only by the limestone karst erupting from the floor, it’s a great place to soak up the sun and relax surrounded by the majesty of nature. While you’re here, don’t miss the unusual phallus shrine embedded in the cliff (with offerings believed to aid fertility), and a chance to do some of the best rock-climbing in Thailand.
2. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Natural Feature
3. Bamboo Island
Natural Feature
Just 13km from Koh Phi Phi’s Tonsai pier lays the pristine Bamboo Island. With a diameter of around 500m, it’s a tiny island with little in to do in terms of activities, but it has the clearest waters of any beach in Krabi, making it perfect for snorkelling. With its coral-strewn white sand, cystal-clear water and thick, green bush in the centre, it’s the closest thing to an island paradise and is definitely worth a visit.
4. Hong Island
Natural Feature
In the Thai language, hong means room, and the island is named as such due to the large lagoon chamber located in the middle. Depending on the tide levels, the water’s colour changes from emerald green to turquoise and back again; both colours look stunning, surrounded by the mountains that envelop the lagoon on all sides. As well as the lagoon, there’s also a large stretch of beach along the edge of the island with trees from the rainforest behind spilling out onto it, providing not only a natural feel, but also some respite from the sun.
5. Ao Nang
Natural Feature
6. Tub Kaek
Natural Feature
7. Nopparat Thara
Natural Feature
A favourite with the Thai locals, who’ll gather for picnics under the tree line, while it might not have the dramatic beauty of Phra Nang’s cliffs or Hong Island’s lagoon, it’s still perfectly picturesque. Nopparat Thara’s beauty stems mostly from the fact that it’s incredibly peaceful; on a good day, you can swim between the karst on the further point of the 5km beach and not see a single other person. For beauty, seclusion and a window onto local life, Nopparat Thara should be on your list.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.