Krabi Beaches
Tham Pranang Beach
The area possesses some of the best Scuba-diving sites
in the world, with certified instruction courses offered
on site. In addition, some of the most sought after rock-climbing
sites are found in the vicinity, making it a perfect area
for a truly complete vacation.
Hat Tham Pranang can be reached from town
via longtail boat from the Chao Fah jetty for a fee of
40 baht, and also from Hat Pranang, and the Phi Phi Islands.
These trips cost 20 baht and 150 baht respectively.
Pranang Beach
Hat Pranang is a long, beautiful stretch of beach, located
just south of Hat Noppharat Thara. This stretch of beach
is rapidly developing, however, it still remains quite
stunning. In addition to the broad, white-sand beach,
Hat Pranang has clean, clear water and a backdrop of striking
limestone islands and cliffs. There are a total of 83
small islands in the bay, and they can be explored by
boat trips arranged by many of the guesthouses. Unlike
Hat Noppharat Thara, Hat Pranang is a full service beach
offering a wide variety of recreational water sports.
This entire area offers excellent Scuba diving, with both
reefs and a wide variety of marine wildlife.
Railay Beach
This beach is generally divided into two sections, East
Hat Railay and West Hat Railay. Of these two, West Hat
Railay offers visitors more traditional beach scenery.
The bay is rather pretty, and there is a broad sandy beach
and clean, clear water. Although it has less to offer
in the way of facilities, and has a more limited variety
of recreational activities than Ao Nang, West Hat Railay
is quieter and more peaceful.
Across the peninsula from West Hat Railay is East Hat
Railay, which varies from the other beaches in the area
in that it could actually be classified as a mud flat,
especially during low tide. Even so, it does offer some
rather remarkable views. One end of the beach is covered
with mangrove trees, and good views of mountains and islands
are available.
As for sandy beaches, East Hat Railay has
relatively little to offer, but is within walking distance
of both West Hat Railay, and Hat Tham Phranang, which
offer some of the best beaches anywhere.
Both East and West Hat Railay can be reached
by boat from Krabi's Chao Fah Bridge. These boats cost
50 baht per person, and typically take about 45 minutes.
However, outside of the months between November
and April, these boats usually do not go all the way around
to West Hat Railay, because of unfavorable sea conditions.
During this period, you must get off the boat at East
Hat Railay, and then walk to your final destination.
Klong Kaong, Lanta Island
This beach, 2 km south of Phra Ae, is extremely
peaceful, and has excellent accommodation at bargain prices.
Although the food is not quite as good as
at Phra Ae, the beaches are isolated, tranquil and serene.
Kantiang, Lanta Island
Towards the southern tip of the island, Kantiang beach
is one of the most beautiful on Koh Lanta.
Although accommodations are only average, the sparkling
sands and iridescent aquamarine waters more than compensate.
There is also excellent snorkeling available
in the surrounding area.
Klong Jark, Lanta Island
This is the southernmost beach on Lanta,
and although rather average by most standards, the proximity
to completely deserted Mai Phai beach, and the national
park make this a good place to stay. Also, there is a
small waterfall and a lagoon nearby.
Klong Nin, Lanta Island
Like nearly all the beaches on Lanta, Klong
Nin is isolated and quiet. Fine, sandy beaches are essentially
all one will encounter here, and the accommodations are
adequate.
Again, this is not the place to go if you want to go jet-skiing
or para-sailing, but perfect if you want to read a book
on a beautiful beach.
Phra Ae, Lanta Island
At the northern end of Lanta, this beach
is known for its fine sand and quickly shelving coastline.
Where to stay: Accommodation at Phra Ae
are extremely affordable, and the food is sumptious. Like
most of the beaches on Lanta Island, recreational activities
are few and far between.
Klong Dao, Lanta Island
This beach is the most populous of those offered on Lanta,
with several bungalows at very reasonable prices.
Located 2 km from the Saladan pier, this beach offers
visitors clean, sparkling sand, tepid, translucent waters,
and excellent views of the surrounding areas.
Recreational activities are limited, but
there is plenty of sand and sun to go around, making this
a wonderfully relaxing and stress-free vacation spot.
Yao Beach, Phi Phi Don
This beach, also known as Long Beach, is one of the most
famous on the island. Not only does it offer a broad,
sweeping beach and unbelievable scenery, it also is home
to some of the best coral reefs in the area.
Snorkeling and Scuba diving top the long list of things
to do here, and accommodation is plentiful. The only complaint
might be a little too much development. Hat Yao can be
reached on foot or by longtail boat from the pier at Ton
Sai.
Lanti Beach: Phi Phi Don
This beach is in close proximity to Hat Yao, and is equal
to it in nearly all respects. Once underdeveloped, Hat
Lanti has only recently given way to commercialism, and
remains quite beautiful. Offshore coral reefs provide
for some great snorkeling, and accommodation is cheap
and decent.
Hat Lanti is accessible on foot via the viewpoint trail.
Boats to Hat Lanti are difficult to find, because bungalow
owners refuse to pay commissions, but boats can be arranged
from Hat Lanti quite easily.
Hin Khao Beach, Phi Phi Don
This is one of the more isolated beaches on Phi Phi Don,
accessible only on foot. This beach offers good views,
and peace and quiet.
Ao Ton Sai, Phi Phi Don
This is the oldest developed beach area on Phi Phi Don,
and the most congested. Still, Ton Sai offers some rather
good views of the surrounding territory, and although
lacking beauty, it is the most accessible and convenient
place on the island.
Laem Tong, Phi Phi Don
This is one of the nicest beaches on Phi
Phi Don, offering spectacular views and a nice stretch
of marvelous beach.
Hat Laem Tong has its own pier, and therefore
is accessible. However, it is targeted at the high-budget
tourist.
Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand