Pai Plong Beach: A Secluded Escape via the Monkey Trail
Just around the headland from Ao Nang, Pai Plong Beach feels like a different world entirely — a secluded, jungle-fringed stretch of golden sand framed by towering limestone cliffs, reached by a short, memorable hike known as the Monkey Trail.
The Monkey Trail earns its name honestly: the roughly 450–800 meter path connecting Ao Nang to Pai Plong winds through dense jungle via a mix of wooden boardwalk, staircases, and a narrow sand-bagged path, and wild long-tailed macaques are a near-constant presence along the route, especially in the early sections. The hike takes about 15–20 minutes each way and involves a modest climb of roughly 80 meters, with some steep steps near the Pai Plong end — manageable for most fitness levels, though young children may need to be carried on the steepest sections. There's no entrance fee for the trail itself.
Pai Plong Beach is managed by the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas but remains open to the public daily until 6pm, with a sign-in required at the security post when arriving via the trail. The reward is a well-maintained beach with fine sand, a dramatic limestone island just offshore, and a noticeably calmer, cleaner swimming experience than Ao Nang itself — plus a beach club serving food and drinks for those who want to linger. An alternative to hiking is a short longtail boat ride from Ao Nang, or, at low tide, wading around the headland directly.
Things to Do near Pai Plong Beach – Tours & Tickets
7 results
4 Islands Tour Krabi – Best Island Hopping Tour in Krabi Thailand
7 Islands Sunset Tour Krabi
Blue Dragon Cabaret Show Krabi Tickets – Best Cabaret Show in Ao Nang
Elephant Sanctuary Krabi Tickets | Ethical Elephant Experience in Krabi
Hong Island Tour Krabi – Price & Island Hopping Experience
James Bond Island Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour from Krabi
Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Bamboo Islands Tour by Speedboat from Krabi
Highlights
- A secluded, jungle-fringed beach just around the headland from Ao Nang
- Reached via the scenic Monkey Trail, a 15–20 minute hike through jungle with resident macaques
- Managed by Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, open to the public until 6pm daily
- Calmer, cleaner swimming than at busier Ao Nang Beach
- A dramatic limestone island visible just offshore, similar in feel to Railay
- Beach club with food and drinks available on-site
Quick Facts
| Location | South of Ao Nang, reached via the Monkey Trail or by boat |
| Water conditions | Generally calm and cleaner than Ao Nang |
| Best for | Seclusion, families, scenic hikes |
| Best time to visit | November–March; late afternoon for cooler hiking conditions |
| Getting there | ~15–20 minute hike from Ao Nang, or a short longtail boat ride |
Things to Do at the Beach
- Hiking the Monkey Trail, a scenic jungle path with resident wild macaques
- Swimming, in calmer, cleaner water than at Ao Nang
- Relaxing at the on-site beach club, with food and drinks available
- Photography, thanks to the surrounding limestone cliffs and offshore island
- Feeding fish near the shoreline at a designated spot, a popular activity for children
- Sunbathing on the well-maintained, fine sand
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Pai Plong's secluded, scenic setting pairs well with:
- Ao Nang Beach — the starting point for the Monkey Trail, offering restaurants, shops, and tour bookings
- Nopparat Thara Beach — a short walk or drive along the same stretch of coast
- Railay Beach — reachable by boat from Ao Nang, offering similar dramatic limestone scenery
- Four Islands Tour — a popular day trip departing from nearby Ao Nang
- Krabi 4 Island Tour — another common boat excursion arranged through Ao Nang operators
- C2 Beach Club — located near the Monkey Trail entrance, a popular stop before or after the hike
Getting There
Pai Plong Beach sits just south of Ao Nang, reached primarily via the Monkey Trail — a roughly 450–800 meter hike starting at the south end of Ao Nang Beach, taking 15–20 minutes each way with no entrance fee. Alternatively, a short longtail boat ride from Ao Nang (around 100 THB) reaches the beach directly, or at low tide it's possible to wade around the headland. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hiking option, given some steep sections near the Pai Plong end.
Need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questions answered
About Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach guide — a secluded Krabi beach via the Monkey Trail from Ao Nang. Access details, things to do, and the best nearby attractions.
All Krabi guidesVia the Monkey Trail hike from Ao Nang (15–20 minutes), by a short longtail boat ride, or by wading around the headland at low tide.