Phranang Cave Beach, located on the stunning Railay Peninsula, is arguably one of the best beaches in Krabi, and perhaps even in all of Thailand. While West Railay Beach is also quite popular, Phranang stands out for its breathtaking beauty and unique charm.
However, the beach’s popularity means it can get crowded, especially during high season, both on weekdays and weekends. In the past, longtail boats would line up closely along the shore, blocking almost half of the beach from the water.
However, the government has recently enforced stricter regulations, and now you won’t see a single longtail boat on the beach. While this has made the beach more peaceful, it can be a bit disappointing for some, as these boats used to offer delicious Thai food right on the sand.
Beach Overview
Phranang Cave Beach is stunning, with crystal-clear water, soft, almost white sand, and towering cliffs that surround it like something out of a movie. The beach is situated on a small sandbar, framed by majestic mountains, creating a postcard-perfect scene. While the natural beauty is exceptional throughout the area, Phranang’s combination of elements makes it one of the most picturesque spots.
It’s like a miniature version of Krabi, offering everything you might expect from the province: caves, cliffs, a religious site, a bounty beach, turquoise waters, and a rock island rising from the sea opposite the beach.
Swimming Conditions
The water at Phranang is deep enough for swimming, with a clean, sandy bottom and no large rocks or corals to worry about. Waves are generally calm, except during windy weather. It’s possible to swim during low tide, but it’s best to arrive before the tourist rush, ideally before 8 AM.
This is the time when boats start ferrying tourists from Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara, and Ao Nammao. Phranang doesn’t offer any beach gear rentals, so you’ll need to bring your own towels and umbrellas.
Sunbeds and Shade
Finding shade at Phranang can be a bit challenging. Part of the beach is privately owned and fenced off, offering shaded areas that are not accessible to the public. There are a few trees on the beach, but they don’t provide full coverage, and there may not be enough space for everyone. In the afternoon, shade becomes scarce as the beach faces west, meaning there’s little protection from the sun.
The best spot for shade is on the left side of the beach, where a cliff provides natural cover. However, this area is often crowded with tourists eager to take photos in front of the grotto filled with phallic symbols.
Beach Photos
Amenities
There are no facilities on Phranang Cave Beach itself. You can”t buy food and drinks from longtail boats that operate as floating vendors, arriving in the morning and leaving at sunset.
There are no hotels directly on Phranang, except for one resort that’s quite exclusive. Most visitors stay on nearby beaches like East Railay, where there are more accommodation options, including budget-friendly choices.
Accommodation
The best-rated hotels in the Railay area include:
- Sand Sea Resort
- Railay Village Resort
These are three-star beachfront resorts with pools, restaurants, and well-maintained grounds, located on West Railay Beach.
On Phranang itself, the only nearby hotel is Rayavadee, which is on East Railay. It’s luxurious but very expensive. If you’re looking to save money, East Railay is a better option with more hotels to choose from. From there, you can easily walk to Phranang or West Railay.
How to Find the Beach
You can reach Phranang Cave Beach by longtail boat from any of the three beaches: Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara (more expensive), or Ao Nammao (20 baht cheaper). If you arrive at a different beach, don’t worry—it’s a short 10-20 minute walk to Phranang, depending on where you start.
All the beaches on the peninsula are connected by footpaths. Alternatively, you can take a boat to your preferred destination for a fee.
The path from East Railay to Phranang is quite enchanting, even though it only takes 5-10 minutes. It’s flanked by a cliff with mini-caves and draped in vines, creating a magical atmosphere.
Halfway along the path, you’ll see a sign pointing to the viewpoint and Princess Lagoon. Climbing up the ropes and rocks will reward you with a breathtaking view of Railay and a hidden lagoon nestled within the mountains.
As you approach the beach, you’ll notice a wall covered with hundreds of handprints from those who climbed to the Princess Lagoon. The path ends at the beach, on the far left side if you’re facing the sea. There used to be a small shrine filled with phallic symbols here, but it has since been removed.
If you continue along the cliff and into the water, you’ll find a grotto. During high tide, you’ll need to swim rather than walk to reach it.
For the more adventurous, you can follow a path through the bushes on the far side of Phranang, away from the grotto. This trail, used by climbers, leads to a massive cave. It’s safe, with bamboo ladders in place, and offers a stunning view of Phranang Beach from above—especially at midday, when the sun reflects off the white sand beneath the water.
