Krabi

Kayaking in Ao Thalane goes down in our history as one of the most beautiful kayaking trips ever, and we’ve had quite a few!

You’re picked up by a minibus and driven to Ao Thalane, where you hop into your kayak. Then, you paddle calmly through the mangrove forests and the endless limestone cliffs.

During the kayaking, you only hear the sounds of nature—it’s completely peaceful. After about two hours of paddling, you can take a break and dock at a beautiful little beach.

Ao Nang is an ideal starting point for exploring Krabi province. From here, you can easily access all the mainland attractions, and its location near the harbour makes it a convenient gateway to the islands.

While Ao Nang doesn’t boast the most stunning beach, it’s a perfectly pleasant spot, especially if it’s your first beach stop of the trip. The beach is wide, with plenty of shaded spots under the trees where you can relax and unwind.

The town itself is highly touristy and commercial, which may or may not suit your preferences. You’ll find countless restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Street vendors are always vying for your attention, doing their utmost to convince you to buy from them. If you enjoy bargaining, this is the perfect place to put your skills to the test.

For a spectacular end to your day, head to the beach and watch the sunset against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs. As night falls, the atmosphere comes alive with impressive fire shows.

Don’t miss the night market, open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm, where you can indulge in the most delicious and affordable street food.

Railay West, often simply called Railay Beach, is frequently ranked as one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.

This is the beach where you’ll arrive if you take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay. During the day, it can feel a bit busy with boats on one side and a designated swimming area on the other. If you’re up for some adventure, you can also rent kayaks here.

When the day-trippers leave, the entire peninsula transforms into a peaceful and laid-back paradise. Railay West is the perfect spot to watch a stunning sunset before unwinding at one of the nearby reggae bars.

Phra Nang Beach, also known as Tham Phra Nang, is the other popular beach on Railay—and for good reason, as it’s absolutely stunning. However, don’t expect to have it to yourself. By around 11 am, the beach fills up with day-trippers. After 5 pm, though, Phra Nang transforms into a serene spot, perfect for enjoying a beautiful sunset at your leisure.

This beach is also the best for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding, as there are no longtail boats to disturb the waters.

Phra Nang Tip

There are no food or drink stalls here. The only option is the (very expensive) Rayavadee resort, but don’t count on buying anything there—you’ll likely be turned away by their guards. Be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, which you can pick up at the shops along the walk to Phra Nang.

Most day-trippers don’t venture to Railay East, but if you decide to stay on Railay, this is likely where you’ll find accommodation, as most lodging options are located here.

While it’s not considered the most picturesque part of the peninsula, it has its own charm with rocky waters and mangroves. It’s also much quieter compared to other areas. Though it’s not a beach for swimming, it’s a great spot to relax and unwind.

If you walk all the way to the far end, you’ll find Tew Lay Bar, a cosy spot where you can enjoy cocktails, pizzas, or other dishes from its diverse menu. However, the real reason to visit isn’t the menu—it’s the breathtaking view of the crystal-clear water.

Other fun activities in Krabi