Nopparat Thara Beach, Ao Nang Overview

Located on one end of Ao Nang and one of its two main beaches, the Nopparat Thara Beach is a four-kilometre long sandy stretch, best known for its serenity and beauty, and of course for the fantastic opportunity to enjoy a picnic with the local Thais that the beach offers.

The beach is located just 20 kilometres away from Krabi Town and is split into two halves by a river. The side that is in proximity to Ao Nang is more developed (since it is closer to the main road). The other part of the beach can be accessed only by a boat or a dirt track. The rocky beach has numerous recreational options for those who visit this area. Direct boat connections are available from the pier to the surrounding islands of Phi Phi and Lanta. Longtail boats can be hired to pay a quick visit to these local islands. In fact, during low tide, the water recedes so much, that it is often just 20 meters wide, and on such days, you can walk from the beach, through the shallow water, to reach the island of Koh Khao Pak Klong, which is on the other end of the beach.

Things to Do At the Nopparat Thara Beach

Sightseeing
A lush green hill borders the Nopparat Thara Beach on the eastern side and a park on the western side. Visitors can frequently spot long-tail boats arriving and departing from both the ends, bringing along travellers and tourists from neighbouring beaches. You can also hire one such boat and explore beaches like Koh Phi Phi and other islands that are located in the surrounding area.

Swimming

Travellers are allowed to swim in large areas that have been marked out, especially for this purpose. Boats are not allowed in these designated areas, and thus you are sure to have a great undisturbed time. Since the sea is quite shallow at the edges, children can also have a good time here. However, during low-tide days, you might have to walk a while to reach for a swim.

Beach Walk
Enjoying a long walk along the beach, while viewing the lush greenery and the sites of the offshore islands are highly recommended! On the way back, you should walk along the promenade, where you will come across multiple local shops, bars, and restaurants. This is precisely why the beach is so famous among joggers, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Aqua Sports
There are also some opportunities for enjoying water sports at the beach, though not plenty. Just by the shore, you will find a small diving school, that offers snorkelling trips and diving courses. There is no diving on this beach itself, but boats for the same do depart from this beach. Unfortunately, there is hardly any wind or waves around, which is why you will not spot many surfers or windsurfers in this area.

Best Time to Visit

Though the weather is pleasant at the beach all through the year, visiting the beach in the peak season of December to February is recommended, so that you can enjoy the local culture and pleasant weather, and also interact with the local Thais.

Visitor Tips

As a result of the frequent arrival and departure of the boats at the beach, it often gets a bit too loud. The western end at the park is an excellent choice for some peace, while at the Nopparat Thara Beach.
During low tide, the water retreats very far, as a result of which, essential residues are exposed. Be careful of sharp shells, pebbles and shards of glass in this case. Also, be on the lookout for jellyfishes.
There is free parking available for cars and motorbikes along the road, along the length of almost the entire beach. Make sure to avail this facility, since parking at the western end is paid.
Kitesurfing is prohibited at the Nopparat Thara Beach.

How To Reach Nopparat Thara Beach

The Nopparat Thara Beach is just 25 kilometres away from the airport and is also easily accessible from the bus station.

Via Cab
From the airport/bus station, you can hire a cab to reach your final destination. A shared cab from the bus station would cost you around THB 80, while a taxi from the airport would cost you THB 400.

Via Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses also operate on this route and charge THB 100 per person.

Via Coastal Road
If one happens to be in the vicinity reaching the Nopparat Thara Beach is accessible from Ao Nang via the coastal road by heading west from the neighbouring Ao Nang Beach.

Via Ferry
One could also take a ferry from Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi directly to Ao Nang to reach the beach.