Phra Ae Beach

Phra Ae Beach (often called Long Beach) is a sandy shoreline on the west coast of Koh Lanta in Krabi province, Thailand. The beach extends for about 3 kilometres and is one of the island’s main swimming and sunset spots.

A broad, gently sloping sand strip with shallow nearshore water and occasional reef sections, it is lined with low-rise resorts, guesthouses, bars and restaurants. Facilities are concentrated along the beachfront and a single coast road provides access to different sections of the beach. The western exposure gives clear views across the Andaman Sea at sunset.

The shoreline is natural; tourism development on the beach increased in the late 20th century with small-scale resorts and local businesses rather than large hotels. The area remains primarily a beach-and-resort stretch rather than a dense urban centre.

Situated on the central-west side of Koh Lanta facing the Andaman Sea, the beach lies within Lanta District, Krabi province. The island’s main ferry and service town, Saladan, is at the northern end of Koh Lanta; the beach is reached by local roads from Saladan and from the island’s southern and northern ferry points (approximately 70 km by road and ferry from Krabi town).

• Alternative name: Commonly called Long Beach; the shore on Koh Lanta runs for roughly 3 kilometres.
• Best time to visit: Best visited late afternoon for west-facing sunsets; tidal and sea conditions change with the monsoon seasons.