Paradise Found: Pai Plong Beach Krabi – Unveiling a Hidden Coastal Gem

Pai Plong beach is an hidden gem just South of Ao Nang near Krabi. It’s home to a luxury hotel and very little else making it perfect for a relaxing day by the Andaman Sea. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten path in Krabi, Pai Plong beach is for you!

The view across the water to the dramatic karst limestone cliffs is jaw-dropping, exactly like you see on the postcards and in the guidebooks! The sand is bordered by towering coconut palm trees that provide some much needed shade.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small fee if you book through one of them, at no extra cost to you.

How to get to Pai Plong beach

I’m starting with how to get to Phai Plong as this really is one of the most exciting parts to it. And one of the reasons it stays so quiet even though it’s so very stunning. You cannot reach Pai Plong by road. You can either hop on a shared long-tail boat in Ao Nang which costs about 150 Baht each way and takes ten minutes. Or hike the Monkey Trail which is my preferred option.

Best Resorts in Krabi for family

The Monkey trail starts at the Southern tip of Ao Nang beach and is less than 1 km in length, taking around 15 minutes. The route is over narrow paths, bamboo trails and steep wooden steps. It follows the coast and offers some amazing views from the top. As the name would suggest, you’re likely to pass several monkeys on you way. Have a look at my post on the Monkey Trail, Ao Nang to discover more.

You can also wade round to Pai Plong from Ao Nang beach at low tide although I have never been brave enough to risk it! Have a look at the tide times here.

Things to do at Pai Plong Beach Krabi

Honestly…. do very little! This is a beach for relaxation rather than adventure. You can get your adrenaline rush on the monkey trail! Soak in the sun, swim in the sea or try out the beach swing. Maybe even catch up on that book you’ve been waiting to read all year!

Although you can hire kayaks from the Centara hotel or try snorkelling along the rocks you’ll need to head to neighbouring Ao Nang beach for organised activities.

If you like tucked away, quieter beaches then make sure you check out Ao Nam Mao Bay, one of my favourite secret beaches in Krabi.

How much does it cost to visit Pai Plong beach

The beach is run by the Centara Grand Resort which is located on its coast. But they have kept it free to access for all. If you arrive via the monkey trail they will ask you to write your details in book at the base of the steps but there is no fee. Presumably it’s just so they can check everyone’s left at the end of the night. If you arrive via boat you’ll just have to pay the boat fee. A shared longtail is around 150 Baht per person, or it’s under 1,000 for a private boat.

Read Next: Things to do with kids in Krabi

Where to eat at Pai Plong Beach Ao Nang

I’m unsure about whether non guests can eat at the hotel on the beach as we didn’t try it, I imagine it would be ok. Most hotels in Thailand allow walk ins to their bars and restaurants. Other than the hotel there is no where else to eat on the beach.

I also don’t recommend bringing your own food if you’re arriving via the monkey trail, they can smell it even if you bag. Either pack it very, very carefully or arrive on long tail boat and leave by the trail – best of both worlds!

We visited the Last Fishermans Bar which is just on the other side of the monkey trail overlooking Ao Nang beach. It offers great value drinks and food with a spectacular view.

Is the water at the beach safe

The gently lapping turquoise ocean is the perfect temperature for swimming. Compared to other beaches in Ao Nang, there is very little boat traffic. They stay close to the narrow pier to the South. So there’s no need to worry about being mown down. The fine sand in the shallows means there’s no need for water shoes.

If you fancy more than a paddle or swim, you can rent kayaks from the Centara hotel to explore further out of the bay. This is around 600 Baht but is cheaper if you’re staying at the hotel.

Occasionally there may be jellyfish in the water at Pai Plong, particularly during April although we did not encounter any during our visit.

What is the sand like at Pai Plong Beach

The sand at Pai Plong is soft and golden. There are several shaded dry spots bordering the stone wall under gently swaying palm trees. The seclusion of the beach also means it’s a lot cleaner than Ao Nang or Railay. We didn’t see the usual rubbish piles anywhere along the sand.

Where to stay for a visit to Phai Plong Beach

The Centara Grand Ao Nang is the obvious choice for a visit to Pai Plong beach as it’s practically on the sand. It’s a luxury hotel which is super family friendly. The hotel is only accessible by boat, which they provide for guests from the pier in Ao Nang. The Thai style rooms and villas are absolutely stunning and the pool area and well maintained gardens are a great place to relax with a sundowner.

We were staying just outside on Ao Nang at a gorgeous sustainable hotel with fabulous views of the limestone cliffs and ocean. Read about our stay at the Anana Ecological Resort, Krabi to discover more. It took us about 15 minutes to drive from the hotel to the trail head for the monkey trail.

Where is Pai Plong Bay located

Phai Plong bay can be found just south of Ao Nang beach. It is around 1 km from the centre of Ao Nang Town and just over 10km from the centre of Krabi. You can easily (and cheaply) fly to Krabi from all over Thailand or take a ferry from Phuket to Krabi.

In conclusion, Pai Plong beach is a wonderfully secluded bay in an otherwise frantic part of Thailand. It’s a bit of a challenge to reach but that is genuinely part of it’s charm. I definitely think it should be added to everyones Krabi itinerary and if you can squeeze in a stay at the hotel, all the better.

Pin for later for your visit to Pai Plong Beach Krabi