Krabi Beaches
Some of the most idyllic beaches in the world are to be found in this province. It's the wonderful combination of white sand, turquoise sea and fantastically shaped limestone formations that makes Krabi the ideal beach-lover's paradise.
Beach life here is hassle free and light years away from crowded and vendor-laden Patong or Pattaya. Simply don a mask and slip into the velveteen, warm waters to mingle with tropical fish of every hue; observe the untouched coral and reconnect with Nature. Several beaches along this coastline, such as Railay and Phra Nang, are cut off from the mainland and car-free.
Ao Nang Beach
For many, Ao Nang Beach is merely a departure point for many of the surrounding islands and beaches. The beach itself at Ao Nang isn't going to win prizes for its beauty but the backdrop of towering limestone cliffs is epic. At the southern end stands a ticket booth with fixed prices for long-tail boats motoring between Railay, Phra Nang and Poda Island amongst other destinations.
Things may be quiet during the day, but come the evening, Ao Nang is party central for this province and the town features reggae bars, pubs, good restaurants and even a few girlie joints. (Read more...)
Klong Muang Beach
Peaceful, almost deserted and idyllic are some of the words to describe Klong Muang Beach. Until a few years ago there was virtually no one here but several high-end resorts have been built and are up and running with more on the way. Still, they seem to have made no great difference to the general laid-back atmosphere here.
The views out over the bay to the many islands are the jewels in this beach's crown. It's hard to believe that busy Ao Nang is just a few kilometres down the road; such is the serenity at Klong Muang. (Read more...)
Railay Beach
Railay has been the backpacker set's darling for more years than several people care to contemplate but it is slowly morphing into a high-end destination as prices slowly but surely escalate. The many rock climbers who flock here for the wonderful and numerous climbing routes help keep the place vibrant and Railay's rugged limestone cliffs are undeniably easy on the eye.
Being cut off from the mainland lends an exclusive feel to the area and the beach has a good community feel that emerges nightly. After Ao Nang, Railay is the party centre of the area with its fire dancing and juggling scenes. (Read more...)
Koh Lanta Beaches
Koh Lanta lies south of Krabi Town and is some six kilometres wide and over 30 kilometres long. If you arrive by car you will have to take the ferry to Koh Lanta Noi, drive over the smaller island and take another ferry to Lanta Yai.
It has nine beaches lying along its west coast and is, as yet, untainted by mass tourism. Lanta has a large Muslim population and the locals are extremely friendly. The island has accommodation ranging from simple beach bungalows to five-star high-end luxury resorts and all share the same beautiful vistas out over the Andaman. (Read more...)
Other Beaches
Nopparat Beach is just north of Ao Nang. Causarina tree-lined, it's a favourite picnicking place for local Thais. A quiet and cool location with just a few bars and resorts, it makes a pleasant change.
Also north of Ao Nang, Tubkaak Beach is another tranquil spot, playing host to a few resorts but little else. It does, however, have good white sand and wonderful views out to the bay's islands and these can be explored by chartering a local longtail boat at Ao Nang Beach's southernmost tip. (Read more...)
