Phra Nang Cave Beach: How to Visit

Phra Nang, also called Hat Tham Phra Nang, closes off the southern end of Railay Bay. It has fine white sand, clear water and limestone cliffs cut with caves, including the inner and outer Phra Nang caves and the Phra Nang lagoon. The beach is 450 m long and there is no road to it: you come by boat, or on foot from the Railay side. Phra Nang Cave is listed as an official site of Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

What to see at Phra Nang Beach

1. 1Phra Nang Cave shrine: At the eastern end, local fishermen leave carved wooden phallus offerings to the spirit of a drowned Indian princess, hoping for good catches. Treat the shrine with respect.
2. 2The legend behind the name: According to legend, a royal barge carrying the princess sank here in a storm in the 3rd century BC. The beach and cave carry her name.
3. 3The cliffside path: A coastal path runs along the cliff from the end of Railay to Phra Nang. Look up as you walk: the stalactites along the route are the highlight.
4. 4Caves and the lagoon: The government's Krabi guide lists an inner and an outer Phra Nang cave, plus the Phra Nang lagoon, around the beach. Bring shoes you can scramble in.
5. 5Sunset and a swim: Phra Nang is a good beach for exploring and for watching the sunset. The water is clear and the sand is fine and white.

Boat tours that stop at Phra Nang

Top pickFrom US$37

Full day Hotel transfer to the pier 4.6 (6093)

Krabi: Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch

• Chicken Island snorkelling, the Tup sandbar and lunch on Koh Poda
• Ends at Phra Nang Cave Beach; shared or private, with hotel transfer

Best for: First-timers who want the classic Krabi day out

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Best valueFrom US$22

Full day Ao Nang, Krabi Town and nearby hotels 4.6 (2165)

Krabi: 4 Islands Day Trip by Longtail Boat or Speedboat

• Phra Nang Cave Beach, the Tup and Mor sandbar, Chicken Island and Koh Poda
• Thai mini buffet lunch on the beach; longtail or speedboat option

Best for: Budget travellers who still want the full 4 Islands route

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7 islandsFrom US$30

Full day Krabi area 4.6 (1227)

Krabi: 7 Island Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with Snorkeling

• Seven island stops by luxury longtail, snorkelling included
• Certified by GetYourGuide

Best for: Travellers who want more stops than the standard 4 Islands

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Getting there

From Ao Nang, buy a ticket at the Ao Nang Boat Club counter on the beach. There is no timetable: the longtail leaves once around eight passengers are on board. Published crossing times range from 15 to 20 minutes. If you are already on Railay, walk: Phra Nang is about 10 minutes on foot from Railay East, along the cliffside path. A national park information centre sits on the Railay side, where most walkers set off.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand gives 100 THB per person per trip for longtails from Ao Nang, and local sources quote 200 THB for a return. A good plan is a loop: land at Phra Nang, walk across the peninsula and take a boat back from Railay West, or do it the other way round. No official page lists a national park ticket booth on Phra Nang Beach itself.

Phra Nang is also a stop on the 4 Islands tour, and most of those tours do not include the national park fee in their price, so carry cash. The park's official climate data gives a hot season from early January to April and a rainy season from early May to December, with February the driest month. Accommodation in a wide range of prices is available at Hat Tham Phra Nang.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated September 2026.