[Page updated: 9 March 2025]
Noppharat Thara Beach is just next to the famous Krabi beach – Ao Nang Beach in Krabi province. Noppharat Thara Beach is cleaner, has deeper and cleaner sand, and has really nice trees that provide shade for much of the beach – perfect for a beach picnic!
There are rocks and coral under the water here, like Ao Nang Beach, so do be cautious when swimming or wading.
Why Go to Noppharat Thara Beach?
The beaches at Ao Nang are not really anything special, but everyone goes anyway and uses Ao Nang as a jumping-off point to go see some really amazing places. The closest nice beach you can visit from Ao Nang is just up the road at Noppharat Thara Beach.
This is a generally clean beach (locals clean it) – and it has some nice water, relatively free of rocks and coral – and easy waves for kids to play in. There are also many tall pine trees (ironwood) trees to sit under for a picnic or to hang a hammock and fall asleep under.
Stay at a hotel or resort in Ao Nang and then go see:
- Railay Beach West or East | Tonsai Beach (climbing) | Ao Phra Nang Beach
- Ngorn Nak Mountain Trail (Jungle Trekking)
- Koh Phi Phi Islands
- Noppharat Thara Beach
Noppharat Thara Beach Location in Krabi: On the Andaman Ocean just up the road (northwest) from Ao Nang Beach. South of Thalen Bay and Nong Talay. About 14 kilometers from Krabi Town.
Direction Facing: Southwest
Beach Length: 2.37 kilometers (1.47 miles)
Beach Width: 35 meters on average! (115 feet)
Estimated Beach Area Meters2: 82,950
Beach Quality: Sand is better than Ao Nang, but still not so ideal. Large grains, some hidden bottle caps, and glass. Sharp shells. Nice trees for shade! Great food in the parking lot area – street stalls and a couple of convenience stores for cold drinks and ice cream.
Ocean Bottom: Soft, sandy bottom with large and small rocks partially submerged. Lots of crabs to walk on, and occasionally you’ll find some metal or glass. Not recommended to walk without shoes here.
Surrounding Beaches: Ao Phra Nang Beach is just to the south.
Restroom/shower facilities? Yes, both are available, though dirty and dangerous – sharp tile broken, doors are broken, it smells… typical Thailand beach facilities! The main restroom is by the restaurants near the pier. The other restroom is further down the beach, not at the end where the islands are. Walk south to find them across the road by the parking area.
Beach Features: Soft, deep, clean sand. Wide beach for lying down. Excellent calm water for swimming. Crystal clear water. Limestone karst formations in the water. Islands in view.
Public or Private? Entrance fees? Public, no fees.
Boat anchorage possible? Short-term is possible
Boat dock and marina? Yes, large dock but not sure if private boats can dock there.
Attractions: Ao Nang Beach is just 2 km. down the road. Ngorn Nak Mountain (jungle hiking) is about 12 km toward Thalen Bay.
Activities: Walking out to the islands at low tide is fun. Good place for flying a kite. Can bring a paddleboard or windsurfboard. There is a windsurfing place on Ao Nang Beach where you can get lessons.
Surfing? Not so good, but occasionally the waves are big enough and junk – but you can ride a bodyboard there for fun until you get tired of the chop.
Warnings: Rip tides are dangerous here, and at all west-facing Thailand beaches when the waves are big.
