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Princess Cave

Get there by 8am or the tour boats will take the whole beach off you.

4.6(7,298)Floating Pier (East Railay) · 8 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Open 24 hours daily
Getting there
Floating Pier (East Railay)
8 min walk

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.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Why go, and how to do it well

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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

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Tours that include Princess Cave

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Princess Cave, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

2R3R+R4R, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

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.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

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: May – October (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.

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