Noppharat Thara Beach

Located approximately 20 km west of Krabi Town and adjacent to Ao Nang Beach, Haad Noppharat Thara is a long and quiet white sandy beach. Covered with many shells, it is surrounded by shallow and calm clear waters. The beach is under the protection of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, which also includes an extensive area of the main land and 80 islands scattered in the Andaman Sea including Phi Phi Islands. Lined with a majestic Casuarina forest, the beach is about 5 kilometers long and split into two halves by Klong Haeng River. Several small limestone islands and rocky outcrops are located in front of the small river and at the western end, some of which are so close that are accessible on foot at low tide, like Koh Kao Pak Klong and Koh Khao Sam Nuai. The main eastern stretch is the favorite destination for local Thai families, especially on weekends and holidays, when they like to enjoy picnics under the natural shade provided by the trees. Plenty of foreigners, especially families, are also attracted by the quiet atmosphere of the beach and its calm and safe waters. In fact the sea alongside the shore is very shallow and is ideal for kids to play, however on low tide this beach is certainly not the best for swimming. The area of Noppharat Thara Beach closest to Ao Nang is the most developed, with a good selection of beachfront hotels and resorts and several budget bungalows, which are located further back. Along the beach there is also number of good restaurants offering excellent seafood dishes and Thai Southern cuisine, but they are not concentrated in only one area. Next to the Klong Haeng River and the Noppharat Thara Pier, there is a good selection of seafood restaurants, other are located in the centre of the beach road, close to Deang Plaza, and other are set around Luna Beach Bar at the corner nearest to Ao Nang. The National Park Headquarters is situated at the northern end of the beach. Park's facilities include an information centre, bungalow accommodations and a campsite. In the centre of beach is situated the Noppharat Thara Pier, just a little inside the Klong Haeng River, from here you can take the ferries to Phi Phi Islands. The pier is also used as starting point by the longtail boats reaching the several islands in front of Krabi, Phang Nga Bay and Railay's Beaches, which are only accessible by boat.Read More