Nopparat Thara Beach: A Long Sandy Gateway to Island Tours
Just northwest of Ao Nang, and within a roughly 7-minute walk of its center, Nopparat Thara Beach offers a longer, quieter stretch of casuarina-lined sand — part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park — along with its own pier serving as a departure point for island-hopping tours.
Nopparat Thara runs along a national park boundary, giving it a slightly more natural, less commercially dense feel than Ao Nang proper, even though the two beaches essentially merge into one another. A row of casuarina trees lines much of the shore, providing shade for the many local families and visitors who come to relax on the sand or picnic beneath the trees. At the beach's northern end, near the Ao Nang Night Market, a shallow river mouth separates the sand from the pier area — the water quality directly around this crossing point can be less pleasant, so most visitors prefer to keep their swimming to sections further along the beach.
The pier at Nopparat Thara (Klong Thara Pier) serves as an important departure point for boats heading to the Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island, and other nearby destinations, making Nopparat Thara as much a transport hub as a beach in its own right. Sunset views from the beach, looking out across the water toward the Phi Phi Islands in the distance, are a popular reason to visit even for those not booking a boat trip.
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Highlights
- A long, casuarina-shaded stretch of sand within a national park boundary
- Within easy walking distance of Ao Nang's town center
- Home to Klong Thara Pier, a key departure point for Phi Phi Islands tours
- Popular with local families for picnicking and relaxing
- Good sunset views looking out toward the Phi Phi Islands
- Quieter and more natural feeling than central Ao Nang
Quick Facts
| Location | Northwest of Ao Nang, within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park |
| Water conditions | Generally calm; avoid swimming near the river mouth crossing at the northern end |
| Best for | Relaxed beach time, sunset views, island tour departures |
| Best time to visit | November–March |
| Getting there | ~5–10 min walk or drive from Ao Nang center |
Things to Do at the Beach
- Relaxing under the casuarina trees, popular with local families
- Swimming, best away from the river mouth crossing near the northern end
- Sunset viewing, looking out toward the Phi Phi Islands
- Booking island tours directly from Klong Thara Pier
- Walking along the long stretch of sand, connecting toward Ao Nang
- Visiting the nearby Ao Nang Night Market, a short walk from the beach
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Nopparat Thara's transport-hub role and relaxed setting pair well with:
- Phi Phi Islands — a full-day boat trip departing from Klong Thara Pier
- Bamboo Island — another popular island destination reached from the same pier
- Ao Nang — a short walk away, for restaurants, shopping, and additional tour bookings
- Krabi 4 Island Tour — a popular alternative day trip covering closer islands
- Ao Nang Night Market — a short walk from the beach, good for evening food and souvenirs
- Railay Beach — reachable by boat, either from Nopparat Thara's pier area or nearby Ao Nang
Getting There
Nopparat Thara Beach sits just northwest of Ao Nang, within a roughly 5–10 minute walk or short drive of Ao Nang's town center. Taxis, songthaews, and rental scooters connect the two areas easily, and Klong Thara Pier at the beach's northern end serves as the departure point for most Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island boat tours.
Need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions answered
About Nopparat Thara Beach
Nopparat Thara Beach guide — a long sandy beach next to Ao Nang and gateway to island tours. Things to do and the best nearby attractions.
All Krabi guidesGenerally yes, though it's best to avoid swimming near the river mouth crossing at the northern end, where water quality can be less pleasant.