Phra Nang Beach is situated between Krabi and Ao Nang beach as a part of a small peninsula. The coral reefs, caves, and cliffs are lapped around by crystal clear waters and are home to two small islands – Koh Rang Nok and Nai. Celebrated for its white duvet-soft sand, clear water, caves, and gorgeous coral reef, Phra Nang is also well recognized for its “Princess Cave” or Tham Phra Nang Nok. You can reach the beach by a 20-minute long-tail boat trip directly from Ao Nang or a 10-minute walk from Railay East.
Not only does the breathtaking view of the Phra Nang beach attracts tourists all year round, but it is also known to be the favorite spot for rock climbers. The Phra Nang Cave here is famous for a large number of wooden phallic symbols present in varying sizes apart from the soothing white sand and magnificent views of Krabi. Considered a symbol of fertility, people visit the Phra Nang shrine (nestled inside the cave) to offer wooden phallic symbols at the shrine, praying to cure their infertility problems. Legends have it that Phra Nang Cave is home to Phra Nang, the Princess Goddess, who lives in the cave underneath the cliffs. There are phallic symbols lying in the cave, which itself has an opening in the shape of a vulva. The sizes of phallic symbols vary from several inches to several feet. The cave is also visited by the local fishermen who pray to the Phra Nang Princess to save them from the dangers of the sea. Most tourists visit the Phra Nang Cave to soak in the sun, laze on the white sand beach and relish the stunning Krabi scenery.
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Legend of Phra Nang
There are varying legends related to the Phra Nang Cave, but each of them talks about and worships it as a symbol of fertility. Hence, people often visit the cave to offer wooden phallic symbols at the shrine, praying to cure their infertility problems. According to one legend, an Indian Princess drowned in a shipwreck near the Railay coastline, and in search of land, the spirit of the princess took refuge on the island. Since then, it is believed to be living in the Phra Nang Cave. Due to this reason, most of the fishermen offer their prayers at the shrine, wishing for a good fishing catch and a successful journey across the waterways.
The stunning Phra Nang Cave and Beach (Source) One of the most popular local legend mentions that Phra Nang, or Nang, was a beautiful woman who received marriage proposals from many people across the globe, but she rejected them all. One individual, who got rejected by Phra Nang, attempted to kidnap her. In doing so, she was saved by a local man, whom she later decided to marry. However, on the date of their wedding, the bride and the groom were attacked again by the person. A hermit, who lived close to their wedding venue, tried to control the violence, but when his efforts went in vain, he used his magical powers to convert everyone into stone. As a result of this, Phra Nang became the cave, the groom became the Chicken Island, and the rest of the men were converted into groups of the island, one of which is believed to be Poda Island. Due to this reason, Goddess Phra Nang is also considered as a symbol of love amongst the locals.
Wooden phallic structures at Phra Nang shrine (Source)
Things to Do at Phra Nang Beach
1. Scuba Diving
The patch along the Railay Beach including the Phra Nang Beach are amongst the best spots to go Scuba diving. Explore the gorgeous coral reef along with the underwater wildlife and take up-close photographs of the flora and fauna under water to pin them onto the board of your adventurous activities. The coral reef is situated 200 meters from the beach, hence making Phra Nang a top spot to explore these breathing flora down the deep blue sea.
2. Snorkeling
Walk the way to the tiny islands of Koh Rang Nok and Nai along the sand bars and the low tides, and dive deep to see the pristine world of thousands of exotic fishes, coral reefs, and sea urchins. This extravagant experience of the three dimensional world of the Andaman sea will leave one awestruck with joy and an incredible muse to take home. Depending on the guided to private snorkel tour the price of snorkeling would cost around THb 1,300 – 2,500.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing
Explore the underwater world off the Phra Nang Beach without getting too wet on a Kayak. Go solo, or with a group of people, discovering the world beneath the clear blue waters of the sea from different angles and lay back to the land with an adventurous affair of memory to take home. The activity will cost around THB 800 – 1500 conditional to the package chosen from.
4. Enjoy Food from Floating Kitchens
Whilst exploring the beautiful coastline of Phra Nang with white sands and a backdrop of emerald green palm trees, enjoy the local and international cuisines and drinks available on the floating kitchen boats to curb those hunger pangs. The beach is also renowned for the sea–front bars and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
Situated along the sea coastline, Phra Nang experiences a tropical climate making it warm all year round. Though November to April witnesses the high tourist season making the beach a little more crowded, it is best recommended to visit Phra Nang from February to April when the tourists are sparse and the temperature is cozy. December and January are considered to be the peak season to visit the beach, hence the prices of accommodation, food, travel etc. go high up along with the number of tourists visiting making the beach crowded.
Tips
Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing to avoid any discomfort.
Bring along the mats, towels and other beach items. Wear strong sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned.
Beware of jellyfishes along the shore. Though they are harmless, it might get difficult to swim freely in some areas of Phra Nang Beach due to appearance of Jellyfishes.
How To Reach Phra Nang Beach
Located distantly on the Railay peninsula of Krabi city, Phra Nang beach can only be reached by a long-tail boat taxi. Krabi being well connected to the rest of the world via flights, can be approachable via trains, buses and taxis from the nearby cities and towns. On reaching the city center, take a private taxi or a public bus shuttle (songthaew) to reach Ao Nang at an affordable price. There are several boat taxis that can run between the Ao Nang Beach and Nopparthare beach, and can directly take one to the Phra Nang Beach in about 10-15 minutes ride. One can buy the authorized ticket from counters or kiosks on either ends of Ao Nang or Nopparthare Beach. The tickets can be booked online in advance as well.
One can even walk from the west of Railay Beach, hiking across the peninsula to the east end of Railay beach, around the base of the cliff and towards the Rayavadee Resort till you reach the Phra Nang Beach.
Long Tail Boat Taxi fare (one side) from Ao Nang to Phra Nang Beach: THB 100 The long tail boats are cheap to travel to Phra Nang, although one might have to wait until it fills up with minimum 8 PAX or hire the whole boat to leave immediately.
