Krabi Beaches
Tham Pranang Beach
The area possesses some of the best Scuba-diving sites
in the world, with certified instruction courses offered
on site. In addition, some of the most sought after
rock-climbing sites are found in the vicinity, making
it a perfect area for a truly complete vacation.
Hat Tham Pranang can be reached from town
via longtail boat from the Chao Fah jetty for a fee
of 40 baht, and also from Hat Pranang, and the Phi Phi
Islands. These trips cost 20 baht and 150 baht respectively.
Pranang Beach
Hat Pranang is a long, beautiful stretch of beach, located
just south of Hat Noppharat Thara. This stretch of beach
is rapidly developing, however, it still remains quite
stunning. In addition to the broad, white-sand beach,
Hat Pranang has clean, clear water and a backdrop of
striking limestone islands and cliffs. There are a total
of 83 small islands in the bay, and they can be explored
by boat trips arranged by many of the guesthouses. Unlike
Hat Noppharat Thara, Hat Pranang is a full service beach
offering a wide variety of recreational water sports.
This entire area offers excellent Scuba diving, with
both reefs and a wide variety of marine wildlife.
Railay Beach
This beach is generally divided into two sections, East
Hat Railay and West Hat Railay. Of these two, West Hat
Railay offers visitors more traditional beach scenery.
The bay is rather pretty, and there is a broad sandy
beach and clean, clear water. Although it has less to
offer in the way of facilities, and has a more limited
variety of recreational activities than Ao Nang, West
Hat Railay is quieter and more peaceful.
Across the peninsula from West Hat Railay is East Hat
Railay, which varies from the other beaches in the area
in that it could actually be classified as a mud flat,
especially during low tide. Even so, it does offer some
rather remarkable views. One end of the beach is covered
with mangrove trees, and good views of mountains and
islands are available.
As for sandy beaches, East Hat Railay
has relatively little to offer, but is within walking
distance of both West Hat Railay, and Hat Tham Phranang,
which offer some of the best beaches anywhere.
Both East and West Hat Railay can be reached
by boat from Krabi's Chao Fah Bridge. These boats cost
50 baht per person, and typically take about 45 minutes.
However, outside of the months between
November and April, these boats usually do not go all
the way around to West Hat Railay, because of unfavorable
sea conditions. During this period, you must get off
the boat at East Hat Railay, and then walk to your final
destination.
Klong Kaong, Lanta Island
This beach, 2 km south of Phra Ae, is
extremely peaceful, and has excellent accommodation
at bargain prices.
Although the food is not quite as good
as at Phra Ae, the beaches are isolated, tranquil and
serene.
Kantiang, Lanta Island
Towards the southern tip of the island, Kantiang beach
is one of the most beautiful on Koh Lanta.
Although accommodations are only average, the sparkling
sands and iridescent aquamarine waters more than compensate.
There is also excellent snorkeling available
in the surrounding area.
Klong Jark, Lanta Island
This is the southernmost beach on Lanta,
and although rather average by most standards, the proximity
to completely deserted Mai Phai beach, and the national
park make this a good place to stay. Also, there is
a small waterfall and a lagoon nearby.
Klong Nin, Lanta Island
Like nearly all the beaches on Lanta,
Klong Nin is isolated and quiet. Fine, sandy beaches
are essentially all one will encounter here, and the
accommodations are adequate.
Again, this is not the place to go if you want to go
jet-skiing or para-sailing, but perfect if you want
to read a book on a beautiful beach.
Phra Ae, Lanta Island
At the northern end of Lanta, this beach
is known for its fine sand and quickly shelving coastline.
Where to stay: Accommodation at Phra Ae
are extremely affordable, and the food is sumptious.
Like most of the beaches on Lanta Island, recreational
activities are few and far between.
Klong Dao, Lanta Island
This beach is the most populous of those offered on
Lanta, with several bungalows at very reasonable prices.
Located 2 km from the Saladan pier, this beach offers
visitors clean, sparkling sand, tepid, translucent waters,
and excellent views of the surrounding areas.
Recreational activities are limited, but
there is plenty of sand and sun to go around, making
this a wonderfully relaxing and stress-free vacation
spot.
Yao Beach, Phi Phi Don
This beach, also known as Long Beach, is one of the
most famous on the island. Not only does it offer a
broad, sweeping beach and unbelievable scenery, it also
is home to some of the best coral reefs in the area.
Snorkeling and Scuba diving top the long list of things
to do here, and accommodation is plentiful. The only
complaint might be a little too much development. Hat
Yao can be reached on foot or by longtail boat from
the pier at Ton Sai.
Lanti Beach: Phi Phi Don
This beach is in close proximity to Hat Yao, and is
equal to it in nearly all respects. Once underdeveloped,
Hat Lanti has only recently given way to commercialism,
and remains quite beautiful. Offshore coral reefs provide
for some great snorkeling, and accommodation is cheap
and decent.
Hat Lanti is accessible on foot via the viewpoint trail.
Boats to Hat Lanti are difficult to find, because bungalow
owners refuse to pay commissions, but boats can be arranged
from Hat Lanti quite easily.
Hin Khao Beach, Phi Phi Don
This is one of the more isolated beaches on Phi Phi
Don, accessible only on foot. This beach offers good
views, and peace and quiet.
Ao Ton Sai, Phi Phi Don
This is the oldest developed beach area on Phi Phi Don,
and the most congested. Still, Ton Sai offers some rather
good views of the surrounding territory, and although
lacking beauty, it is the most accessible and convenient
place on the island.
Laem Tong, Phi Phi Don
This is one of the nicest beaches on Phi
Phi Don, offering spectacular views and a nice stretch
of marvelous beach.
Hat Laem Tong has its own pier, and therefore
is accessible. However, it is targeted at the high-budget
tourist.
Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand
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