Princess Cave
Timing decides whether you love this place or resent it. The shrine sits at the base of a limestone cliff at the far end of Railay, beside Phra Nang Beach, and by 10am in high season the sand is packed and longtail boats are stacked along the shore. Reviewers who arrived at 8am describe soft light on the cliffs and clear water. Reviewers who turned up mid-morning describe chaos and nowhere to put a towel. Same beach, four hours apart.
The cave itself takes minutes. It's an active shrine to Phra Nang, a sea goddess said to watch over fishermen and seafarers, and it's filled with wooden phallus offerings left by local people as fertility blessings. This isn't a display. People still come here to pay respects, so behave accordingly. What most people remember is the setting rather than the shrine, but the two together are what make the stop worth making.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Princess Cave, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Princess Cave (Phra Nang Cave) is an absolutely stunning place and a must visit when you’re in the area. The beach is beautiful, with soft sand, clear water, and dramatic limestone cliffs that make the scenery feel almost unreal. The cave itself adds a unique cultural touch, with local offerings and a strong sense of history and tradition that makes the visit more meaningful than just another beach stop. It’s a great spot to relax, swim, take photos, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. Overall, it’s a perfect mix of natural beauty and local culture. Easily one of the highlights of Krabi and well worth the visit
Whilst visiting Railay, I wanted to see Princess Cave and Phra Nẵng Beach. It’s a very beautiful beach, but get there early, before all the tour boats arrive. I arrived at 8am and it was stunning, but by 10am, it was crazy busy and not enjoyable. The beach is mainly fine sand, but some areas have a mixture of gravel and fine sand. I didn’t see anywhere to buy some refreshments, so it’s best to take some with you. Enjoy!
Way too crowded. Could not evan find a place on the beach to lay our towels. Could not swim at one beach because of all the boats on the beach. I was here 16 years ago and it was not nearly this crowded. I am giving up on Thailand.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,298 reviews on Google.
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Princess Cave: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princess Cave worth visiting?
Princess Cave holds a 4.6★ rating from 7,298 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Krabi.
What are the opening hours of Princess Cave?
Princess Cave is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Princess Cave?
The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Princess Cave located?
Princess Cave is at 2R3R+R4R, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Location Info
2R3R+R4R, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Princess Cave
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Railay stalactite
A natural stalactite formation tucked into Railay's dramatic limestone cliffs, open to explore any time.
Diamond Cave / Phra Nang Nai Cave
A limestone cave on Railay Beach combining dramatic stalactite formations with Buddhist shrines and a resident bat colony.
Krabi Heritage Hotel
A well-located Ao Nang hotel with clean rooms, outdoor pools, and a free beach shuttle service.
TAJ PALACE RESTAURANT AONANG, KRABI
North Indian food in Aonang that's kind to vegans and open till 1am, though not every dish lands.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Princess Cave
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental