Phra Nang Beach (not to get confused with nearby Ao Nang) is the southern strip of sand in Railay Bay. With 450 metres in length, and reachable in a just 20-minute long-tail boat trip directly from Ao Nang, or by foot from Railay East (about 10-minute walk) if you are already on the peninsula, it is more popular and busier than Railay West during high season (from Nov. till April).
With duvet-soft sand, clear shallow water for safe swimming, two small islands (Koh Rang Nok and Nai), coral reef, and caves, Phra Nang Beach has all the ingredients of a perfect beach. All this, set against a backdrop of picturesque limestone cliffs that provide natural shade from the hot afternoon sun, and offer rock climbers one of the most stunning sites for this thrilling activity in Krabi.
Phra Nang Beach
At the bottom of the limestone cliffs lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok. Dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess, the cave contains a strange combination of large phallic symbols, garlands and offerings in the hope of increased potency and prosperity. A bizarre sight for some foreign visitors, local fishermen still leave offerings even though it became a local tourist attraction. A second cave - right next to the original - is also used for offerings and prayers; it contains the same kind of items as the original cave.
Adventurous explorers can also find a cave at the western end of Phra Nang Beach: accessible with the help of ropes, it is not a too challenging hike, and the reward is a fantastic view to the Andaman Sea and the islands lying off the coast.
Rock Climbing on Phra Nang Beach
A lot of people choose Phra Nang as part of a one-day tour of other beaches because it is the start of Krabi four islands.
Other adventures on Phra Nang Beach cover rock climbing, hiking, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
Phra Nang is a great beach to simply hang out. Just offshore, are the two tiny islands mentioned above, which you can walk to at low tide along a sand bar and go snorkelling. There's only one accommodation option on Phra Nang Beach, the deluxe Rayavadee Resort which unobtrusively occupies part of the beach. At lunch time, long-tail boats customized as floating kitchens beach along the shore to serve a great choice of local and international dishes as well as fresh drinks to hungry beachgoers.
Rayavadee Resort on Phra Nang Beach
From Ao Nang, you can get a long-tail boat ticket (100 baht) at the booth located along the beach road (toward its southern end). The boat ride is about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also could join a half or full island-hopping day trip by speedboat.
If you go to the West Railay, you need to cross the peninsula to the East Railay, and then follow the path at the bottom of the beach and cliff to the rayavadee resort until you reach Phra Nang Beach.
If you already live on a nearby railay beach, follow the road from the East Railay to Phra Nang Beach.
At Phra Nang beach, the only accommodation you can find is the luxurious five-star rayavadee hotel. This hotel is ideally located for a romantic holiday or wedding. It owns everything needed and provides guests with the best tropical vacation in southern Thailand. Rayavadee is located in the remote Railay peninsula. There is a beautiful garden with coconut trees and tropical flowers. It lives in the atmosphere of local villages. As a unique place and only accessible by boat - the peninsula is separated from the main land by huge and tall limestone cliffs - it provides four beaches, namely Railay East, Railay West, Tonsai Beach and Phra Nang Beach - mangroves, caves and hidden lagoons for tourists to enjoy beyond time.
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