Phra Ae BeachPhra Ae Beach at a Glance
About 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.
Nearby Attractions to Phra Ae Beach
Best Time to Visit Phra Ae Beach
The dry season (Apr-Nov) is best for visiting beaches in southern Thailand-calm seas and stable weather.
Weather & Climate near Phra Ae Beach
Phra Ae Beach's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2062 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Excellent | 23° - 33° | 32° | 29 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 24° - 34° | 33° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 34° | 34° | 122 mm | overcast | 78% | 1.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 33° | 203 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 32° | 196 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 235 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 296 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 24° - 31° | 30° | 318 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 293 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 207 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 83 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
How to Get to Phra Ae Beach
Reach Koh Lanta by ferry from Krabi or the mainland; once on Koh Lanta, Phra Ae (Long Beach) is accessible by local songthaew (shared taxi) or scooter along the island’s main road.
Tips for Visiting Phra Ae Beach
- Tide and weather affect access and activities-check local forecasts before travel.
- If planning snorkel or dive trips, book with an experienced operator familiar with local currents.
- Observe wildlife regulations-some beaches are nesting grounds for protected species.