Top 7 Beaches in Ao Nang | Beach Guide
Ao Nang Beach is the largest holiday destination on the mainland of Krabi and amazes with fantastic beaches and with huge limestone-rocks as a backdrop. The main beach is Ao Nang Beach, a 2 km long sandy beach, located on a waterfront lined with bars, restaurants and shops. But there are also plenty of stunning places to swim close by. Some beaches are absolutely heavenly, and they are even among the most beautiful in Thailand. Velvety soft sand, turquoise blue sea colors and huge palm trees, embedded between mighty rocks, create an unforgettable panorama! But where are actually the most beautiful beaches in Ao Nang, what are the best kept secrets and which bays are perfect for a beach vacation?
In this travel guide, we will reveal the ultimate best beaches in Ao Nang. We also share amazing beach pictures and give useful tips that will help you to plan your trip!
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is located right in the center of Ao Nang and is the main beach in the region. This is where the most tourists are staying: on the main street that runs along the beach. In the many side streets there are numerous shops, excursion agencies, massage parlors, bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. Due to its central location, Ao Nang is ideal to start trips to Krabi’s island world or to explore real dream beaches nearby. The sunsets in Ao Nang are also incredibly beautiful and a highlight of every vacation.
The eastern end of the beach, where the striking cliffs are located, is more suitable for swimming and sunbathing. There are no longtail boats in this area. That is why this section is a bit quieter.
Tip: The Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi is in a prime location directly on the beach of Ao Nang. Also great is the pool and the beautiful rooms.
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Phra Nang Beach with its Phra Nang Cave is an absolute dream beach in Thailand and not far away from Ao Nang. Its picture embellishes the cover of many travel magazines, and really, this sandy beach is amazingly beautiful and a real eye-catcher. Spectacular rocks, turquoise blue sea and deep green jungle in the hinterland make this beach a real highlight. Also interesting is the Phra Nang Cave, also called Princess Cave, where you can find a very special fertility shrine with tons of phallic symbols.
Phra Nang Beach is located on the Railay Peninsula and is not connected to Ao Nang by land. The best way to get there is to take a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach. Early morning and late afternoon are the quietest times to visit this beach!
Tip: There is only one and very exclusive luxury hotel on this beach. Cheaper accommodations for a beach vacation can be found at the nearby Railay Beach!
Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach, more often known as Centara Beach, is an absolute dream beach next to Ao Nang. This beautiful bay is somewhat secluded, located right next to Ao Nang Beach and can be reached by longtail boat, but also via a small trail – the so-called monkey trail. Once you arrive, a beach awaits you, just like straight-out of the travel catalogue: palm trees, light, fine sand and imposing stone formations create a breathtaking backdrop. It is pleasantly quiet here, as almost only hotel guests frolic on the beach.
The sea is also wonderfully clear here and therefore perfect for swimming. However, you should take food with you if you are a non-hotel guest. You can use the beach, but unfortunately the restaurant is only for hotel guests!
Tip: There is only one hotel on Pai Plong Beach, the beautiful 5-star Hotel Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas. Perfect for a very special stay in Krabi!
Railay Beach
Beautiful and another outstanding beach near Ao Nang is the world-famous Railay Beach in Krabi. This fabulous dream beach is located on the Railay peninsula and impresses with its emerald-colored sea, incredible rock formations and a long sandy beach. Even this beach is no longer an insider tip anymore, but still, it is really worth visiting! Along Railay Beach there are some great resorts and good restaurants that serve local delicacies.
Here, too, Railay Beach can only be reached by longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach. If you would like to explore other dream beaches nearby, you can explore Phra Nang Beach and Tonsai Beach by foot!
Tip: Spending your vacation on Railay is a real highlight. The Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa is very romantically located at the sea and the modern pool area is an absolute eye-catcher.
Tonsai Beach
Another beautiful beach not far from Ao Nang is Tonsai Beach. Here you will find tall palm trees, a wonderful sea and impressive limestone cliffs, where brave souls climb the steep walls. This beach is one of the secret tips of Krabi and, above all, it is a really popular spot for backpackers and rock climbers. The mood is really relaxed here, although the many hippie and reggae bars probably largely contribute to that.
If you are looking for a quiet beach near Ao Nang, you might find your perfect bathing spot at Tonsai Beach. This dream beach can only be reached by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Railay.
Tip: On the quiet Tonsai Beach you will find only a few accommodations! An insider tip is the Tinidee Hideaway in a paradisiacal location directly on the beach and with a magnificent view of the sea.
Nopparat Thara Beach
The beautiful Noppart Thara Beach is just around the corner from Ao Nang and is another popular beach where you can swim and relax. This rather quiet beach is part of the Hat Nopparat Thara-Koh Phi Phi National Park, and over a length of around 3 kilometers, everyone is guaranteed to find their perfect spot under the Thai sun. The bright sandy beach is lined with trees that provide pleasant shade on hot days. When there is low tide, the sea pulls back really far and the beach becomes really wide.
Tip: The Holiday Inn Resort Krabi is located directly on the white sandy beach of Nopparat Thara Beach, a bit away from the hustle and bustle.
Klong Muang Beach
The Klong Muang Beach in Krabi is strongly recommended for a relaxing holiday. This wonderful beach is located around 10 kilometers from Ao Nang, and it’s the quiet alternative to the lively Ao Nang Beach because everything is really relaxed on the beautiful Klong Muang Beach. Right on the wide sandy beach there are really cozy bars where you can watch the incredible sunsets of Krabi. In addition, this beach is also ideal for diverse excursions to Krabis Islands, but also to explore the mainland.
There are some really lovely hotels and resorts along the beach. Perfect if you are planning to have an unforgettable beach holiday in Krabi.
Tip: The Nakamanda Resort & Spa impresses with its direct location on the beach, stunning views, large pool and very nice rooms!
Find the best Accommodation at Ao Nang:
More about Krabi:
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20 Best Things to do in Krabi
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Top 10 Most Amazing Islands in Krabi
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Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Ko Lipe (Route & Tips)
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Where to stay in Krabi: Best Places & Beaches
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