Phra Nang Beach in Krabi, with the picturesque Phra Nang Cave, is one of Krabi’s most well-known beaches and one of Thailand’s most beautiful places. If you are planning a trip to Krabi Province, you must visit this magnificent beach! Phra Nang Beach is a tourist destination in Krabi known for its formation of rocks, lush green jungles, fine, soft brown sand, and a bluish-green sea. Phra Nang Beach offers various activities, including swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, climbing, and hiking to the very popular Railay Viewpoint. The beach’s main attraction is the Phra Nang Cave, famously known as the Princess Cave.
About The Phra Nang Beach
Image Credit: kallerna for Wikimedia Commons
Phra Nang Beach is a beautiful beach that can only be reached by boat or by walking the track from Railay East Beach. Because of its secluded location, this white-sand beach is a popular wedding venue and one of the must-see attractions on the Railay Peninsula. The beach is named after the Phra Nang Cave on the east side of the beach. This cave is considered a sacred site by the locals and is dedicated to a mythical sea princess, which is where the name the Princess Cave came from. The beach is safeguarded by lifeguards during the peak visiting season for the safety of tourists and also the locals. It also has a small island just off its own shore, Ko Rang Nok, where one can swim, kayak, or walk during low tide.
Must Read: Best Cities To Visit In Thailand
Things To Do
Thailand is full of happening places and is known for its food and culture. There are various activities one can do in Thailand. Here are some of the things to do on Phra Nang Beach:
1. Phra Nang Beach Cave (Princess Cave)
Image Credit: Maksym Kozlenko for Wikimedia Commons
The most famous thing at Phra Nang Beach is the Princess Cave, also known as Tham Phra Nang Nok in Thai. This large cave is at the east edge of the beach, near where you walk out from Railay East Beach. One of the first things you’ll notice is the large wooden phallic symbols and a shrine at the cave entrance.
Location: 2R3R+R4R, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000
Entry Fee: NA
2. Dine At The Famous Rayavadee Cave Restaurant
Image Source: Facebook
The Rayavadee Resort is one of the most amazing places to stay in southern Thailand.This restaurant has been going viral on social media lately, with elegant tables set up inside a natural limestone cave, illuminated with soft lighting overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Phra Nang Beach. The restaurant serves a mix of Thai food and international cuisine. If you want to dine at this restaurant and you’re not staying at Rayavadee, you’ll need to call them to reserve a table.
Location: 2R4Q+6GP, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi,
Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM
Suggested Read: Yung Island
3. Relax & Swim On Phra Nang Beach
Image Credit: Nick Steemans for Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do on Phra Nang Beach is just to enjoy the white sand and shallow waters for swimming and relaxing. The beach is quite long, with plenty of space to lie down. You’ll even have a clear view of Koh Poda from the beach in the distance.
Best Time To Swim: November to March
Ideal For: Swimmers, Family, Couple
4. Go Kayaking
Image Credit: kallerna for Wikimedia Commons
With its calm, shallow water dropping into a deep blue and surrounded by amazing caves and limestone cliffs, Phra Nang is the perfect beach for kayaking. The great news is, that visitors can rent kayaks, as well as other water sports equipment like stand-up paddleboards or snorkels, right on the beach, and prices are quite reasonable.
Best Time For Kayaking: November to April
Ideal For: Adventure lovers
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phi Phi Islands
5. Walk To The At Phra Nang
Hidden Beach is located on the western edge of Phra Nang Beach, surrounded by forest. The only way to get here is to wade through the crystal-clear waters beneath the limestone cave. At low tide, this is very simple. However, you may need to get wet up to your chest at high tide. This beach has a small stretch of soft sand shaded by dense forest. This is the perfect place to find peace and quiet away from the crowds.
Best Time To Walk: During Sunset and Sunrise
Duration: 15 Minutes
6. Go Rock Climbing
Image Credit: kallerna for Wikimedia Commons
Railay Peninsula attracts rock climbers from all over the world for its amazing Thai limestone. One of the best climbing spots on the peninsula is just behind Phra Nang Beach, known as “Escher World”. You’ll find this at the base of the cliff on the way to the Bat Cave (below).his route is popular for beginner and intermediate climbers, with polished rock and safe, titanium anchor bolts.
Best Time For Rock Climbing: November through May
Duration: 35 Minutes
Suggested Read: Hotels In Phi Phi Island
7. The Phra Nang Bat Cave
Image Credit: Maksym Kozlenko for Wikimedia Commons
While Phra Nang Cave Beach is named after and made famous for the Princess Cave, the Bat Cave is a much more impressive natural feature.This huge opening is visible from the shores of Phra Nang and appears as a huge hole carved out of the karst tower on the beach’s western end. The Bat Cave viewpoint is located at the end of a narrow tunnel that leads to a viewing area with panoramic views of Phra Nang Beach.
Best Time To Visit: November To April
Entry Fee: NA
8. Go Snorkelling
Image Credit: Miles Hardacre for Pexels
Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Railay, and Phra Nang has two areas where you can swim with fish and enjoy the healthy coral reef. Both coral areas are found at the ends of the beach, with the western end being a little plumpy.
Best Time To Visit: November To April
Starting Price: Rs. 2050.95 onwards
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Bangkok In 5 Days
How To Reach
Image Credit: sam woodcock for Wikimedia Commons
Since Phra Nang Beach is located in Railay, you cannot drive there from other parts of the Krabi Province. There are no vehicle roads on this peninsula.
Speedboat Tour: The Krabi Islands Speedboat Tour is the most convenient way to get to Phra Nang Beach & Cave. You can reserve it online. This is a fantastic way to combine a trip to Railay with a stop at the must-see Krabi Islands, which include Koh Poda and Chicken Island. The tour from well-known tourist destinations like Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, or Tub Kaek Beach provides free hotel pickup in the Krabi region. As a speedboat tour, it’s also the quickest way to see the most stunning beaches and islands in a single day.
Longtail Boat From Ao Nang Beach: The best option is to take a longtail boat from Ao Nam Mao Pier or Ao Nang Beach if you want to visit Railay on your own or stay overnight. The best option is to take a boat ride from Ao Nang. Getting to West Railay Beach just takes ten to fifteen minutes and costs 100 Thai Baht each way. You must wait until they are filled with at least eight people because these longtail boats are shared.
Further Read: Thailand Airports
Phra Nang Beach is a beautiful, serene beach that will freshen you up from all the tiredness. Far away from the hustling and bustling crowds of the city, it is one of the Krabi’s most popular beaches. This secluded beach feels like a beautiful and picturesque gem. You can even explore beyond the beach. If you love adventure, you can go hiking through jungles and find secret and hidden waterfalls and treasures. You should definitely go to this amazing beach if you love adventure in a group, along with calming scenes to view. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand trip to Thailand, definitely visit here, and you won’t regret it.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Mark Fischer for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Phra Nang Beach
When is the best season to visit the Beach?
The perfect season to visit is November and April. The weather is dry and sunny, perfect for beach hopping.
What's the best time to visit Phra Nang Beach to avoid the crowd?
To avoid the crowd, it is recommended to visit at 8:00 am in the morning.
How can one get to Phra Nang Beach?
The easiest way to get to Phra Nang Beach is through the Krabi Islands Speedboat Tour. This is a great way to visit Railay and the Krabi Islands, such as Chicken Island and Koh Poda.
What is the walking duration from Railay Beach to Phra Nang Beach?
The walk from Railay Beach East to Phra Nang Beach is just 15 minutes. The beaches are separated by a tall cliff, so access to this beach is by sea or via the path connecting it to Railay Beach East.
Why is Railay Beach famous?
Railay Beach East has a famous activity that is popular with foreign tourists, which is rock climbing. This is because at the end of the beach, there is a limestone cliff with a height suitable for rock climbing. Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.
People Also Read:
