Located within a 15 minutes boat ride from Ao Nang, Phra Nang Beach and Phra Nang Cave are two of the most popular attractions in the Krabi Province.
With a picturesque white-sand beach surrounded by huge limestone cliffs, panoramic viewpoints, beach caves, a colorful underwater world, and plenty of things to do such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and rock-climbing, it’s not hard to see why Phra Nang beach is a must-visit on any Krabi travel itinerary.
In this guide, I’ll share some tips on how to visit Phra Nang Beach in Krabi and Phra Nang Cave, including how to get there, the best things to do, and insider tips.
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How to get to Phra Nang Beach & Cave?
The best way to get to Phra Nang beach and Cave is by taking a longtail boat from Ao Nang beach. The boat ride lasts about 15 minutes and tickets can be purchased at either Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service or Ao Nang Boat Service Club.
A one-way ticket from Ao Nang Krabi to Phra Nang beach costs 100 baht (US$ 3). The boats are available from 8 a.m to 6 p.m and if you decide to leave Phra Nang after 6 p.m, you’ll have to pay 150 baht (US$ 4.50) instead of 100 baht.
The boat won’t leave until there are at least 8 people but since it’s one of the most popular attractions in Krabi, you won’t have to wait a lot.
Alternatively, you can take a Krabi 4 Island tour which includes visits to Phra Nang beach, Koh Poda, Chicken Island, and Koh Tub. Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, fruits, and drinks will also be included in the tour price.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A KRABI 4 ISLAND TOUR
Another option is to book a Krabi 4 Island sunset tour. Similar to the above, everything will already be included such as snorkeling gear, dinner, fruits, and drinks.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A KRABI 4 ISLAND SUNSET TOUR
If you’re on a budget, taking a tour is definitely the cheapest way to see some of the best Krabi Islands in one day.
How to get from Railay Beach to Phra Nang?
You can also walk from Railay Beach to Phra Nang Beach. Make your way to Railay Walking Street and follow the signs to East Railay.
Once you arrive at the pier turn right and follow the concrete pathway until you get to Railay East viewpoint.
From there, you just have to walk along a pathway that goes underneath the stalactites until you arrive at Phra Nang Cave and finally the beach.
Related post: The ultimate Krabi Island hopping guide
Phra Nang Beach
With powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters surrounded by towering karst cliffs, Phra Nang Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi.
Phra Nang beach is easily recognizable by the imposing limestone rock sitting in the middle of the ocean. At low tide (usually after 3 p.m), you can even walk there from the beach!
The water is calm and crystal-clear, making it perfect for snorkeling. There’s plenty of shade to relax especially towards the western end which is also less crowded and thus quieter.
There used to be longtail boats selling Thai food on the beach but when I went back to Phra Nang beach at the end of 2022, they were no longer there. So, if you need to buy food, I recommend heading to Railay walking street where most of the restaurants are found.
There’s a toilet/changing room near the beach entrance but it does require a small fee (update: the toilet was being renovated when I visited at the end of 2022).
Apart from lazing on the beach, you can rent kayaks to explore the nearby cave formations, get a massage directly on the beach or hike up to Phra Nang viewpoint (commonly known as the Bat Cave) located on the western end of the beach.
The trail is marked on maps.me app, so it’s easy to find. It’s quite steep in some parts, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. Since it’s less popular than Railay viewpoint, you’re almost guaranteed to have the place all to yourself.
If you’re looking for another adventurous activity on Phra Nang beach, I recommend booking a rock climbing lesson.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A ROCK CLIMBING LESSON AT PHRA NANG
Tip: Make sure to visit Phra Nang Beach either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Related post: 15 best beaches around Krabi + Map
Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave)
Phra Nang Cave (also known as Princess Cave) is no doubt the most popular albeit unusual attraction on Phra Nang beach.
Here you’ll find two small beach caves filled with wooden phallic shrines.
According to legend, these were left by fishermen as offerings to the Princess Goddess in exchange for protection during their journey in the sea. Some even say that the offerings are supposed to help with fertility.
Either way, it’s definitely worth checking out the Phra Nang Cave shrine during your visit.
Tip: At low tide, you can also explore some of the bigger caves found nearby.
Related post: What to do in Krabi in 4 days?
Other attractions nearby
Railay East Viewpoint: Located within a few minutes walk from Phra Nang beach, the viewpoint provides a panoramic view of both East and West Railay. The hike is rather steep and slippery, so make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes. It should take about 20-30 minutes to get to the top.
Hidden Lagoon: Within the same area as Railay viewpoint, you’ll also find the hidden lagoon. The lagoon is completely surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and is best visited at high tide. The hike is more technical, and thus not recommended for everyone, especially those with a fear of heights.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A KRABI 4 ISLAND TOUR WITH VISIT TO PHRA NANG BEACH
Where to Stay?
There aren’t a lot of options for places to stay in Phra Nang Beach apart from a few luxury resorts so if you’re on a budget, it’s best to stay in Ao Nang. You can read my detailed guide to the best areas in Krabi to stay but for now here are a few hotel recommendations:
Villa Macaque and Villa Languor: This luxury private villa is located directly on Phra Nang beach and boasts a stunning view of the ocean. It can accommodate up to 6 people and features 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a kitchen. Check latest price and availability here
Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort: Located on Ao Nang beach, this hotel is great for families and has an awesome swimming pool with water slides. Check latest price and availability here
Wake Up Ao Nang Hotel: If you’re traveling on a low budget, this hotel is perfect for you. Starting from US$ 25, it features clean and spacious rooms with a private bathroom. The location is also ideal – within walking distance of many restaurants and shops. Check latest price and availability here
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS NEAR PHRA NANG BEACH
I hope you enjoyed reading this guide to visiting Phra Nang Beach and Phra Nang Cave in Krabi. Let me know in the comment section below if you have any questions.
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