Best Beaches in Krabi 2025: Complete Guide to Islands, Snorkelling & Relaxing Escapes

If Krabi had a poster child, it would be Railay Beach Krabi. Hemmed in by dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay feels like a world away, even though it’s just a 15-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang. 

• Access: Only by boat, ~10–15 mins from Ao Nang or Ao Nammao.
• Best for: Rock climbing, couples, scenic sunsets.
• Best time: Early morning for calm waters; evenings for sunsets.

Tip: Railay is one of the world's top climbing destinations. Even if you’re a beginner, guided sessions are safe and thrilling.

Just a short walk from Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach is among the popular beaches in Krabi. Renowned for its soft white sand and the Phra Nang Cave Shrine, a place of local spiritual importance.

• Access: Walkable from Railay; 15-minute boat from Ao Nang.
• Best suited for: swimming, photography, and cultural exploration.
• Best time: Morning before tour crowds arrive.

Tip: Respect the cave shrine as it’s dedicated to fertility and visited by locals regularly.

If Railay is peaceful, Ao Nang is Krabi’s bustling hub. Think beachside bars, markets, restaurants, and endless tour counters. It is home to many lively beach bars in Thailand. Ao Nang is the launch point for almost every Krabi tour. Staying here keeps everything within easy reach.

• Access: 30–40 mins by taxi from Krabi Airport.
• Best for: Families, nightlife, easy island access.
• Best time: Evenings for sunsets and strolls.

A small island with fine sand and crystal-clear water, Koh Poda is among the classic beaches in Krabi. It is one of the best places to visit in Krabi for snorkelling and sunbathing. 

• Access: 25–30 min by boat from Ao Nang.
• Best for: Picnics, snorkelling, sunbathing.
• Best time: Early morning before tours arrive.

Tip: Carry cash for the national park fee (usually 200–400 THB per person).

3 km west of Ao Nang Beach, Nopparat Thara is where locals go for picnics and evening walks. Less crowded than Ao Nang, it feels authentically Thai. There are many shops and eateries near the beach where you can satisfy your hunger. 

• Access: 10-minute drive from Ao Nang.
• Best for: Families, local food, relaxed vibe.
• Best time: Sunset.

Tip: During low tide, you can actually walk to small offshore islets 

Tubkaek is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful base rather than day-trip chaos. This beach is lined with some of the upscale resorts of Krabi, which offer spectacular views of the Hong Islands.

• Access: 30–40 min by road from Ao Nang.
• Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and luxury stays.
• Best time: Golden hour for sunsets.

This island is part of the famous “Four Islands Tour.” An amazing fact about the Four Islands tour is that it is one of the best places for snorkelling in Krabi. It is just a 20–30-minute boat ride from Ao Nang.

With its turquoise lagoon encircled by limestone walls, Hong Island feels otherworldly. It is one of the best islands in Krabi for Kayaking, snorkelling, and nature walks. You can reach here by taking a speedboat from Ao Nang.

Tip: Rent a kayak to explore hidden coves and enjoy solitude away from the main beach.

Named for its chicken-shaped rock formation, Chicken Island is a fun stop for snorkelling and photos. This is a must-visit island to add to your Krabi itinerary. Visit Chicken Island (Ko Kai) during the dry season, from November to March. The pleasant weather, clear skies, and calm seas are ideal for indulging in thrilling activities of Krabi like snorkelling, swimming, and island hopping. 

Tip: Combine it with Tup Island at low tide for the sandbar walk.

• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and quick-dry clothing
• Smaller islands and local eateries may not accept cards, so carry some cash. 
• Buy a Thai SIM card at Krabi Airport for cheap data and easy navigation.
• Always check local tide charts before visiting sandbars like Thale Waek (Tup Island).

From dramatic cliffs at Railay to the peaceful sands of Tubkaek, beaches in Krabi tell their own story. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, snorkelling in lagoons, or simply sipping coconut water by the sea, the coastline here makes every moment memorable. But with so many choices, planning can be overwhelming. That’s where curated travel packages come in handy. Planning your trip is easy with pickyourtrail!  Check out curated Krabi tour packages on PickYourTrail to grab the best deals and explore every hidden gem with ease.