Shell Cemetery
Time this one with the tide or don't bother. The draw is a shoreline of fossilised gastropod shells, roughly 75 million years old, compacted into slabs that look more like poured concrete than anything that was ever alive. At low tide the formations are exposed and the whole thing makes sense. At high tide you've paid 200 baht to look at water, and plenty of people leave grumbling about exactly that. Thais pay 40.
There are two viewing areas. The second is easy to walk to. The first needs a proper climb, so factor that in if you're travelling with anyone who won't fancy it. There's a visitor centre that's worth ten minutes for the context, and a clifftop stretch with a wide view out to sea that comes free with the ticket. This isn't a beach for swimming, and it isn't a half-day. Half an hour to an hour, then move on. If your Krabi list is already full, it's a fair thing to drop.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Shell Cemetery, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A true hidden gem. It overlooks a cliff with a great view of the sea, which is a free bonus in addition to the mind-boggling history behind these rocks and geology
This isn’t a beach for swimming and relaxation, but rather a place to get a closer look at fossilised gastropod shells from around 75 million years ago. Fossils are best seen at low tide. There’s a visitor centre that’s a recommended stop to gain some context about the place. It’s not too far from Ao Nang and easily accessible by motorcycle or Grab. The entry fee for locals is 40 THB, while foreigners pay 200 THB. However, it was high tide when I visited, and I didn’t think 200 THB was worth it at that time. There are three zones to observe the fossils, and it takes well over an hour if you’re keen to explore. There are many souvenir shops outside, but I found them a bit pricey.
This is a paid attraction, price is quite steep for foreigners. Personally, this is NOT one of those places, you must visit in Krabi. Only if you have spare time. We enjoyed shopping at the souvenir shops nearby though.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 2,766 reviews on Google.
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Shell Cemetery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shell Cemetery worth visiting?
Shell Cemetery holds a 3.9★ rating from 2,766 Google reviews. Reviews are mixed, so check recent visitor feedback above to see if it fits your plans.
What are the opening hours of Shell Cemetery?
Shell Cemetery is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 Shell Cemetery?
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 Shell Cemetery located?
Shell Cemetery is at 2VFM+4FX, Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Location Info
2VFM+4FX, Sai Thai, 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 Shell Cemetery
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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
HM Lanta War Ship Museum
A free decommissioned warship museum covering Krabi's naval, natural, and cultural history — far more than it appears.
Diamond Cave / Phra Nang Nai Cave
A limestone cave on Railay Beach combining dramatic stalactite formations with Buddhist shrines and a resident bat colony.
Guanyin Bodhisattva Mountain Ao Nang
Climb early, before the heat, and the Andaman opens up behind the karsts as you go.
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 Shell Cemetery
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