Princess Cave
Tucked into the base of a towering limestone cliff at the far end of Railay Beach, Princess Cave — known locally as Phra Nang Cave — is a revered shrine dedicated to Phra Nang, a sea goddess believed to protect fishermen and travellers at sea. The cave is filled with wooden offerings in the shape of phalluses, placed by local people as gestures of respect and fertility blessings, making it a genuinely distinctive cultural site that reflects living Thai spiritual tradition rather than a preserved relic. The cave sits directly beside Phra Nang Beach, widely considered one of the most visually striking beaches in Krabi, framed by dramatic karst cliffs and clear turquoise water. Visitors can expect a compact but memorable experience: the shrine itself is small, but the surrounding scenery and cultural atmosphere give the stop real weight. The beach draws significant crowds during high season, with tour boats arriving throughout the day and the sand filling up quickly. Arriving early — around 8am — makes a considerable difference. The beach is far more peaceful in the morning before tour groups land, and the light on the limestone cliffs is particularly striking at that hour. The site is accessible only by boat from Ao Nang or by kayak around the headland from Railay, so factor travel time into planning. Wear footwear suitable for rocky ground near the cave entrance, and be respectful of the active shrine, which continues to hold genuine religious significance for local communities.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Princess Cave, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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
Princess Cave is a small but fascinating cultural spot right by Railay Beach. Local people come here to pay respect to Phra Nang, a sea goddess believed to protect fishermen and travelers. The cave is filled with colorful offerings and has a unique atmosphere — a mix of local tradition, spirituality, and coastal scenery. It’s a very interesting place to stop for a few minutes while walking along the beach. Worth a visit, especially if you enjoy learning about Thai culture beyond just the views.
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!
Location Info
2R3R+R4R, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, ThailandTips 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.
Also Popular in Krabi
Ko Lanta
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Ko Phi Phi Don
Largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, featuring scenic inlets, beach resorts & restaurants.
Emerald Pool
A natural spring-fed pool in Krabi's jungle, famed for its striking emerald-green water and peaceful rainforest setting.
Kodam Kitchen branch 1
Highly regarded budget Thai restaurant in Ao Nang, open daily, known for curries, seafood, and Pad Thai.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
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Doi Suthep Temple
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.
Pattaya Walking Street
Colorful red-light area, closed to vehicles nightly & lined with bars, nightclubs, eateries & neon.
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/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