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
|