Phra Nang Cave Beach

Phra Nang Cave Beach is one of the beaches that is set against a backdrop of beautiful limestone cliffs – perfect background for taking pictures. They also provide some good shade from the sun. For those people who don’t like the crowd this is the perfect beach to hang out in as it is a secluded cave beach.

The beach is located south of Railay Peninsula. There are three other beaches in this peninsula but of the four this one has the cleanest, clearest and calmest waters. The sand is also soft and Phra Nang Beach is perfect for swimming as well as just relaxing as you enjoy the stunning view of Krabi. You can also see the views of Poda, Chicken and Tub Islands from a distance.

What’s great about this cave beach?

Phra Nang Cave Beach bordered by bright green seas on all sides. The beach is a stretch of about 450 meters. The sand is white and very soft for just relaxing as you enjoy the shallow, calm as you soak up the sun.

There is a lot that you can do here. Besides the relaxing and swimming in the shallow waters, travellers as well as locals enjoy other activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and rock climbing. Most people walk to an island called Happy Island which is a great snorkelling spot. There are also the caves to explore.

The locals normally visit Phra Nang Beach mainly because of the Princess Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nok). This is because the cave is apparently home to a Goddess of fertility. There are lots of penis statues. Locals come here to present offerings like flowers and incense.

If you want to experience Thai cuisine, this beach won’t disappoint you because there are many long tail boats anchored at the shores which serve various foods and snacks. And if you want the view of the entire beach, there is off-beat route which leads to amazing viewpoints.

What to watch out for…

When you visit here, expect lots of monkeys swinging from tree to tree. Knowing how cheeky monkeys are, you need to be careful with your things and food as they have a reputation of snatching things from visitors’ hands.

The other thing you need to beware of at Phra Nang Cave Beach is that most of the times, the bay has small jellyfish so swimming or paddling becomes a challenge. Oh! There are no toilets either making it hard to visit for an entire day.

Where to stay…

If you are planning to spend the night, the only accommodation available here is a luxurious 5-star beach resort called the Rayavadee Resort. The hotel is perfect and is located at the perfect spot. It is perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymooners and wedding venue. So, seeing as it’s a 5-star resort, you definitely have to have money to afford a stay here.

The other options available near Phra Nang Beach at the Railay beach.  Much as these hotels have a tropical feel, they still exude the atmosphere of a local village.

How to get there

There are longtail boats from Ao Nang which go directly to the beach. The ride takes between 10 and 15 minutes. If you are coming from West Railay you may have to walk to East Railay and walk along the beach towards Rayavadee Resort up to the beach.