Among countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand is placed among the top for having beautiful nature destinations. From the mountains to its beaches, Thailand offers such breathtaking spots that attract many visitors internationally.
One of them is destinations in Krabi, the southern part of Thailand that is said to be the tourist spot that rivals Phuket. While Phuket is more around luxury resorts, Krabi presents nature, more relaxed, and affordable trips that are just as stunning as Phuket’s.
The must-visit destination in Krabi is Phra Nang Cave Beach, a beautiful site with its crystal-clear turquoise water and the unique story behind the sacred shrine that attracts many travelers.
How to Get to Phra Nang Cave Beach
As for location, Phra Nang Cave Beach is part of Railay Beach, precisely at the southern side of the area. There are several ways to get there: by ferry, longtail boat, speedboat tour, and even by walking.
You can get to Phra Nang Cave Beach by taking a ferry, going directly from the Krabi Town or Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East, which is expected to cost more. If you choose the longtail boat to go there, it would cost you much cheaper, around 100-200 Baht, departing from Ao Nang Beach. This one is the most common and recommended way to reach the destination among tourists.
Another option you can do is by speedboat tour. This offers visitors a complete package of tour around Railay Beach, and even includes a hotel pickup. This option suits better for people who want easy access for trips and are willing to pay more on tour. The last alternative to offer is by walking to the beach itself, which you can do from Railay East Beach that only takes 10 minutes. Depending on your budget, you can choose the option that suits you best.
The Breathtaking View of Phra Nang Cave Beach
Phra Nang Cave Beach is that magical destination people desire. Its crystal-clear turquoise water is breathtaking, creating a magical view that captivates visitors and makes the beach iconic. Besides, there are also amazing limestone cliffs that give off such a majestic vibe, a real-life paradise. A fun fact, many say it resembles Te Fiti in the movie Moana.
Here, you can enjoy rock climbing, kayaking, snorkeling, or even just sunbathing and being relaxed. It is recommended to visit early in the morning for a better experience enjoying the mesmerizing sight of the beach. However, if you wish to watch a sunset, you can go there pretty late in the afternoon to enjoy the sky when returning.
With such a breathtaking view, this beach is clearly the perfect spot for your travel photo collection or social media pictures.
The Sacred Shrine at Phra Nang Cave Beach
Not only a magical view, the trip is completed with the existence of a sacred shrine, placed inside the cave of the beach. This shrine is filled with offerings, shaped in wooden phallic symbols called “lingams” symbolizing the prayer for fertility, luck, and safe travel.
Also called Princess Cave Shrine, this shrine is dedicated to a local princess that died a long time ago near the cave. There are also other versions that say it was a woman who was waiting for her husband to return from the sea, or the tragic love story of a beautiful maiden.
To this day, there are still fishermen who devotedly pray in the shrine wishing for safety when working, and couples who wish for children.
Phra Nang Cave Beach: When is the Best Time to Visit?
Having a plan to go to Phra Nang Cave Beach is essential as the weather determines the success of a trip with a nature destination like this. It is suggested to visit the beach around November to April, as it is mostly during the dry season.
By visiting Phra Nang Cave Beach during the dry season, you will enjoy more outdoor activities under the warm sun, like sunbathing or snorkeling. Also, it is better to avoid going there around April to June, as the weather would be very hot and humid.
Thailand has a lot of breathtaking destinations, as Phra Nang Cave Beach is completed with its mesmerizing view and the sacred culture that exists there. So, when will you plan to experience this feeling for yourself?
