Krabi has a long coastline sculpted with small coves, towering limestone cliffs, soft white powdery beaches and offshore islands. Much of the province, has been designated national park covering the islands as well as inland. This national park status has helped in keeping development low key and miminising the impact of tourism. As a result, many of Krabi's beaches remain unspoilt and pristine. Here's a brief guide to a few of Krabi's beaches.

Ao Nang Beach

Krabi's most developed beach, still retains its village type atmosphere, despite fairly rapid development over the last few years. The beachfront has been landscaped with a charming promenade which gives elevated views of the expansive beach and the impressive cliffs which separate it from Phra Nang and Rai Lei beaches.

Ao Nang makes an ideal base to explore the other beaches along the coastline and the offshore islands. It's easy to hire a local "longtail" boat for the day and go snorkeling, fishing or exploring. Or simply travel from beach to beach along the coast.

There's a wide range of accommodation from basic bungalows (although these are disappearing fast) to modest resorts, hotels, spa resorts and guesthouses. It can get busy here at peak holiday season like Christmas/New Year, when it's best to book in advance. It's a small but growing beach resort, where development has been kept low rise. Expect to find small shops, local vendors and Internet cafes, along with some brand name shops selling upmarket sports equipment.

For such a small place, there's a choice of good value restaurants with Italians providing a lot of the local flavours. Italian Pizzerias, an Italian Ice Cream Parlour aptly named "La Dolca Vita," Chinese, vegetarian, Thai and even a Macdonalds.

Nightlife is pretty relaxed with a a few bars along the beach road, notably the Full Moon Bar where you can watch the world go by (with Linkin Park, and a few old 70's classics to pepper your conversation.) Planet Ao Nang provides a promenade view, accompanied by R & B. Close to here and just at the back of the beach road is a small "bar scene" which looks like Ao Nang's version of Patong's bars, lots of noise, but without the obvious attractions.

Rai Lei (Railay) Beach

Take a boat from Ao Nang around the southern headland and you will come to beautiful beach backed by limestone cliffs and jungle, contrasting with the flat blue waters of the Andaman sea. The very picture of tropical paradise, with no roads and no hassle, Railay offers lazy days, adventure forays and chill-out evenings.

It's a favourite place for climbers with stalactite overhangs and sheer faces posing a challenge. Over the last few years around 150 new routes have been discovered. There are a couple of climbing schools which offer equipment and courses for both beginners and more advanced climbers.

Lots of bungalows and simple accommodation alongside a luxury resort. A few restaurants and bars provide the basic necessities and some remarkably good food and the place has a real community feel to it - probably because there are no roads, just footpaths.

High season it's busy, but also worth making a trip in low season when most activities can still be enjoyed. Although it can be a bit rough on trips to the islands the monsoon weather changes provide spectacular views over the ocean.

Railay East, on the other side is home mostly to mangroves. There's some accommodation and a few restaurants. It is also the most convenient spot from which to hail boat transport (unless you want to hike back over the headland).

Long-tail boats leave regularly in high season from Chaofa Pier in Krabi Town (crossing takes about 45 minutes) or Ao Nang Beach to the North (15 minutes) or Nam Mao Beach to the East (15 minutes). During the monsoon season boats leave from Nam Mao Beach only.

Pra Nang Beach

Connected to Rai Lei by a small path is Phra Nang (not to be confused with Ao Nang) on the outer most point of the headland, backed by a limestone cliff which soars above the beach providing some welcome shade in the hot afternoon. At the bottom of the cliff lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok - local legend surrounds the cave and local fishermen leave offerings for good fortune.

It's a great beach to simply hang out. In the late morning the "sandwich boats" arrive. Local longtail boats equipped with ice boxes, bread and sandwich ingredients. Fancy a cheese and ham baguette? Freshly made and not expensive, the ladies on the boats will serve with a smile and often a free piece of fruit. A path Swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed off this pristine, white sandy beach, and from here it is possible to hike to the top of the headland to get spectacular views of the entire area.

Klong Muang Beach/Tubkaak

Krabi's latest beach destination, Muang Klong is aiming upmarket with 5 star and boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort. Unlike Ao Nang it doesn't have the impressive cliffs immediately towering over the beach, but it does have powder white sand and safe swimming.

Nopparat Thara Beach

Located within 18 km west of Krabi town, this quiet beach lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park and features a long sandy stretch lined by casuarina trees. Popular with local Thai picnickers and those who like to swim and sun worship, it is also possible at low tide to walk from the beach across to some of the islands dotted in the bay. Great for a day visit.