Originally a fishing village, Ao Phra Nang is now a major city beach resort and a travel destination in its own right catering for the full range of foreign tourists. Ao Phra Nang’s chief feature is a long white sand beach set against crystal clear water, but people also come here for a full range of activities such as diving, kayaking and trekking.
Less developed than other beaches in Thailand, Ao Phra Nang none the less offers guesthouses and hotels that fit any budget. The beach enjoys a vibrant nightlife which includes excellent seafood restaurants dotted along the beach and some bars that offer live music.
However, this is not an ‘expat’ type scene oppressive numbers of go-go bars, etc. It has a much nicer feel and is a good choice for families. Ao Phra Nang has numerous agencies were it is possible to arrange trips to attractions and activities available in the vicinity. Bird watching is a favourite in the area, as are jungle treks and boats to neighboring islands.
Diving is another popular draw and again agencies in the area arrange dives for all levels. They also offer liveaboard trips that take in the local islands. Day trips are relatively inexpensive, but ask around for the most reliable places and shop around for the best deals. Despite everything on offer, Ao Phra Nang is quite a small beach and can get crowded.
Laem Phra Nang
The combination of sheer limestone cliffs, pure white sand and clear tropical waters of Laem Phra Nang is simply irresistible.There is no shortage here of bungalows set amongst coconut palms or in beautifully landscaped gardens.
The headland has 3 beaches within a short walk of each other: Ao Phra Nang is on the south western edge and is flanked on either side by East and West Railay Beach.
Set against a backdrop of cliffs and palm trees, the tiny Ao Phra Nang attracts sun worshippers to its glorious soft sand and snorkellers to the coral reefs only 200 metres off shore. Named after a princess (Phra Nang means 'revered lady'), the beach can be only be reached via East Railay and is served by relaxed beach front cáfes and bars.
West Railay, sometimes known as Sunset Beach, has similarly impressive scenery and crystal waters, but has a much longer stretch of sand. For more seclusion, walk a few hundred metres beyond the longtails that serve the beach to another lovely uncrowded beach around the headland.
The beach of East Railay is not really suitable for swimming due to fairly strong mangrove growth and a tidal movement, though there is a proliferation of inexpensive bungalows here that are no more than ten minutes walk from West Railay and Ao Phra Nang.
Laem Phra Nang is only accessible by boat from Krabi Town or Ao Nang Beach departing from various points along the Krabi riverfront, leaving the pier as they fill up. Given the surrounding landscape, there's a huge potential for rock climbing, absailing and caving at Laem Phra Nang with some 300 bolted sport-climbing routes on the cape of varying difficulty for those seeking an extra adrenalin rush.
There are various climbing out-fitters where you can rent equipment, guides and instructors. The limestone cliffs and mangroves in this area also make fantastic locations for kayaking, and there are several operations at both East and West Railay that rent out kayaks by the hour, half-day or full-day.
How to Get There
Krabi is the adjacent province to Phuket, in southern Thailand. Both Thai Airways (www.ThaiAir.com) and Bangkok Airways (www.BangkokAir.com) run at least 2 daily flights between Bangkok and Krabi, while Andaman Air flies between Phuket and Krabi 3 times daily.
The tiny airport at Krabi is approximately 18 km east of Krabi Town and Thai Airways run a shuttle bus for only US$ 2 (in Thai Baht), though if they are fully booked or if you prefer more comfort, you can get a taxi into town for only US$ 8. Direct air-conditioned and VIP buses leave Bangkok's southern terminal between 18:30 hrs and 20:30 hrs every day, or you can catch the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then pick up a bus to Krabi, though there is little to be gained in comfort or speed.
