Krabi: Railay Destination Guide
Explore our ultimate Railay Destination Guide. Discover the best things to do, captivating natural beauty and unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise. Plan your adventurous dream getaway now.
THAILAND: KRABI
In this Railay Destination Guide, we give you insider tips and information. We first visited Railay as back-packers twenty years ago and we have visited many times since, the most recent trip being in 2023. Railay has certainly changed over the years but remains one of our favorite places to visit in Thailand.
Railay, often spelled as "Railay" or "Rayleigh," is a stunning peninsula located in Krabi, known for its captivating natural beauty and adventure opportunities. Railay is easily accessible for a day trip from Ao Nang or Krabi however, we would recommend staying here for a night or two to fully explore all the area has to offer. There's a much quieter vibe in the evenings once the day-trippers have departed.
Railay’s location is especially unique, a peninsular bordered by jungle and a limestone rock landscape, not connected with any road or path to the mainland creating a wonderful seclusion. Being accessible only by boat, Railay has a truly tropical island feel. There are no roads or vehicles on Rayleigh making it a tranquil destination and a “must do” on any Krabi travel itinerary. The pristine, soft-sand beaches are framed by jungle clad towering karst formations, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, sunbathing, and swimming. With a laid-back atmosphere and a range of accommodations, from rustic bungalows to more luxurious resorts, Railay caters to a variety of travellers.
Railay is a mecca for rock climbers, boasting world-class limestone cliffs that draw climbers from around the globe. The towering limestone karsts provide an excellent backdrop for rock climbing and exploration.
Other activities include kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.
The Beaches
Railay is especially famous for its imposing limestone cliffs, which together with the turquoise sea, the tall palm trees and the powder-sugar fine white sandy beaches conjure up a true picture-postcard setting. Railay has four of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi: The Railay West Beach, Railay East Beach, the famous Phra Nang Beach and the quiet Tonsai Beach.
Even though there are lots of activities to pursue in Railay, the sole reason why many people come here is to simply unwind on the beautiful beaches. In Railay, beach-going is an activity unto itself.
Railay West Beach
Railay West Beach is the drop off point for long tail boats from Ao Nang.
The emerald sea and the mighty rock formations conjure up a picture-perfect backdrop here. The fine white sand and shallow calm sea make this beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can enjoy a spectacular sunset from here and in the evenings there are stunning fire shows. You may even see huge fruit bats flying high over the beach to their feeding grounds at sunset. There are restaurants and bars located directly on the beach where you can chill out with your feet in the sand enjoying the beautiful sea view.
From Railay West Beach you can walk through the “middle” to get to Railay East Beach on the opposite side of the peninsula. The pathway is dotted with kiosks, restaurants and bars.
Railay East Beach
Railay East Beach is on the opposite side of the peninsular and is the drop off for long tail boats from Krabi.
The views here are stunning and the beach is idyllic, but less suitable for sunbathing and swimming as the sea here is extremely shallow and at low tide the water recedes hundreds of meters. There is a small promenade for strolling from one end to the other enjoying the views and the dense mangrove forest. You will find budget friendlier food and accommodation on this side.
At the South end of Railay East Beach you will find a track leading you to the breath-taking Phra Nang Beach. The track itself is stunning with limestone rock formations hanging down and over the pathway. Here you will find macaques and with a little luck, cute spectacled langurs. Approximately halfway along this track is the steep route to the famous Railay Viewpoint and Princess Lagoon.
Phra Nang Beach
Due to its striking stone formations and scenic beauty, Phra Nang Beach has become one of the most famous beaches in Thailand. Due to its secluded nature and amazing natural scenery, this white-sand beach is one of the must-visit attractions on the Railay Peninsula. Phra Nang beach is only accessible by boat or by walking the short track from Railay East Beach.
The picture perfect famous rocky island just off-shore, named Ko Rang Nok, is accessible by swimming, kayaking or walking at low tide.
The beach is named after the Phra Nang Cave, a unique attraction, located close to the entrance to the beach. This cave is considered a sacred site by the locals and is dedicated to a mythical sea princess, which is where the name "Princess Cave" comes from. Inside this cave there is a fertility shrine made up of numerous wood and stone penises.
From this beach you can also watch climbers at dizzying heights.
Tonsai Beach
Tonsai Beach is located just north of Railay, somewhat secluded from the other three beaches on the peninsula. Perhaps due to its seclusion, it is still considered an insider tip among backpackers, climbers and individual travelers. Here you hardly notice the hustle and bustle of the neighboring beaches. This beach is accessible from Railay West Beach via a 15-minute jungle hike or by longtail boat from Railay West Beach or Ao Nang. At low tide, you can walk along the rocks from the very tip of Railay West Beach (wear shoes to prevent cuts).
Whether you're into rock climbing, water sports, or simply savoring the breathtaking scenery, Railay promises an unforgettable experience and a perfect slice of paradise on the Andaman Sea.
Rock Climbing at Railay
Rock climbing in Railay is a truly exhilarating experience. This unique destination is renowned worldwide for its stunning limestone karsts that provide an extraordinary natural climbing playground. The rugged cliffs rise dramatically from the clear turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, forming a picturesque backdrop that is both challenging and awe-inspiring. Climbers of all skill levels can find routes to suit their abilities, making Railay a haven for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. The local climbing community is welcoming and supportive, making it easy for newcomers to get started and connect with fellow enthusiasts. As you ascend the limestone walls, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the lush jungle and pristine beaches below, creating a sense of accomplishment that's as fulfilling as the climb itself. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Railay's rock climbing scene is an unforgettable adventure in a tropical paradise.
Read about Matt & Jake's first full-day rock climbing experience here
Railay Viewpoint and Princess Lagoon
The Railay Viewpoint and Princess Lagoon are always on our itinerary when we visit Railay. The viewpoint is one of the best in Railay and the Princess Lagoon is truly a hidden gem.
Diamond Cave
The Diamond Cave “Tham Phra Nang Nai” is a large grotto that is among the most famous in Railay Bay. It features stunning stalagmite and stalactite rock formations and makes for a worthwhile stop.
The cave is close to the famous Diamond Cave Resort at Railay East Beach. It is a popular place to visit for those exploring the peninsula due to its spectacular rock formations and glimmering pool present in the rainy season.
The cave features a large, main cavern which is accessible via a narrow passageway leading to the edge of the limestone cliffs. The cave is also home to many bats. Expect to spend about 15-20 minutes in the cave. Entrance fee THB200.
Where To Stay At Railay Beach
Due to the seclusion and desirability of Railay you can expect to pay a little more here for accommodation than on mainland Krabi. Accommodation options range from budget friendly dorm rooms to luxury resorts. Railay can be budget-friendly in low season as accommodation prices drop significantly, presenting some great deals and excellent values.
We most recently stayed at the Diamond Cave Resort & Spa taking two standard rooms side-by-side, one with a double bed and one with twins beds. The Diamond Cave Resort is mid-range for Railay and offers basic accommodation under a towering limestone cliff. The view from the pool is spectacular.
Prices for food and drink are higher in Railay than elsewhere in Thailand.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscribe to our newsletter to always be the first to hear about recent Blogs and adventures.
