Introduction

Railay Beach in Krabi is not just a destination—it’s an experience. Encircled by towering limestone cliffs, this tropical paradise is a haven for adventurers, nature lovers, and sun-seekers alike. We think it's a shame to spend half of your holidays in crowded Phuket or Phi Phi Islands and not visit this gem. With its idyllic beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-renowned rock climbing, Railay Beach offers a unique escape from the ordinary. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this guide will help you uncover the best of Railay Beach.

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore why Railay Beach should top your Thailand bucket list.

Getting to Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a small peninsula separated by huge rocks from Ao Nang Beach. Because of this, it is accessible only by long-tail boats. This unique geographic location will definitely make you feel like you’re on a paradise island, even though it’s not technically an island.

From Krabi Airport

• Taxi to Ao Nang Pier or Ao Nam Mao Pier: A quick 30-minute ride costing 400–600 THB.

• Longtail Boat to Railay: From Ao Nang Pier (10–15 minutes, 100–300 THB) or Ao Nam Mao Pier (20–30 minutes, 100–300 THB).

From Phuket or Other Destinations

• Overland buses or private vans to Krabi, followed by a boat transfer. Alternatively, speedboats from Phuket are available for a faster but pricier option.

Pro Tip: Keep small cash handy for boat rides, and pack your essentials in waterproof bags to keep them dry during transfers.

Exploring Railay Beach

1. West Railay Beach

This is the largest swimming beach in Railay and, in our opinion, the most scenic. Most of the developments have been concentrated here. If you’ve booked a day trip to Koh Phi Phi or another island, this will be your starting point. During high tide, this beach is almost non-existent, so each low tide brings the chance to enjoy a perfect stretch of sand.

2. East Railay Beach

hough less suitable for swimming, East Railay is lively with affordable accommodations and a bustling nightlife. As young, budget-conscious travelers, we chose to stay on this side of Railay, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. It had superb views, was quiet, and most importantly, was very cheap.

3. Phra Nang Beach

A postcard-perfect spot with clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Phra Nang Cave. Rock climbing and kayaking are must-try activities here.

4. Tonsai Beach

For those seeking adventure and a laid-back backpacker vibe, Tonsai Beach is the go-to. Keep in mind, it can be challenging to access—you’ll either have to scramble over razor-sharp rocks, take a jungle path across the highland, or hire a long-tail boat. Unfortunately, we stayed here during the worst weather conditions ever, so we had to skip this beach.

Where to Stay

Railay Beach offers accommodations for every budget. If you're planning to visit during the high season, make sure to book your accommodation early.

Luxury Stay

• Rayavadee Resort: A 5-star retreat with private pavilions and access to three beaches. It is considered to be best of the best accommodation in Railay.

Mid-Range Stay

• Railay Bay Resort & Spa: A blend of comfort and convenience right on the beach.

Budget Stay

• Railay Princess Resort and Spa: Social and affordable, perfect for solo travelers or couples.

• Railay garden view resort: Our selected, budget, bungalow stay

Things to Do in Railay Beach

1. Rock Climbing

Challenge yourself on limestone cliffs! Beginner to advanced routes are available with guided climbing schools like Real Rocks Climbing. Keep in mind that Railay Beach is relatively small, so major tourist attractions can get crowded quickly. Start your rock climbing day early to beat the crowds. To avoid confusion and save time, I recommend purchasing tickets online, as the prices are similar to buying on-site.

Check package here -

2. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Explore hidden caves and the dramatic coastline. Rent gear at Phra Nang Beach. For this side-quest activity, I wouldn’t recommend buying tickets online. It’s a touristy place—just head to the beach and see what’s available. Don’t get scammed or overpay for tickets online.

3. Island Hopping

Join a tour to nearby islands like Chicken Island and Poda Island for snorkeling and swimming. Tour prices start around 1,000 THB and can be booked on-site. During the high season, this place can get pretty busy, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting during that time

I recommend booking tours online in advance via

4. Fire Show

When the sun sets, gather your friends and watch a fire show. The artists are true professionals here—don’t miss the opportunity to be mesmerized by this unique performance. Most of the time, you’ll run into people advertising the show during the day, and sometimes they combine the fire show with local Muay Thai fights. Both experiences were amazing!

5. Relax at the Beach

Sometimes, doing nothing is the best plan. West Railay Beach is perfect for soaking up the sun.

Personal Experience

Most of the time, when visiting touristy places, we try to go during the off-season to enjoy discounts and avoid crowds. However, this time, visiting during the low season almost turned this heavenly place into a nightmare. Traveling there by long-tail boat during the rainy season can be quite dangerous, as these boats are not designed for rough seas. There are plenty of stories about them sinking with tourists on board. Even locals at Ao Nang tried to discourage us from going at that time.

Aside from the risky swimming conditions, many places were closed, streets were flooded, and climbing to the viewpoint was nearly impossible. On the bright side, there were almost no tourists, restaurants offered huge discounts, and the same applied to local events like Muay Thai boxing and fire shows.

Even after visiting this place in the worst conditions imaginable, I can honestly say we left with an unforgettable experience. This place truly looks like paradise and is one of a kind.

Pro Tip: If you are planning to visit during rough weather conditions, take a long-tail boat from Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East Pier. This side of the sea tends to be much calmer because huge mountains shield it from strong winds. This tip might have saved our lives during this risky trip!

Conclusion

Railay Beach isn’t just a destination; it’s a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. From its striking landscapes to its adrenaline-fueled adventures, this Krabi gem is a must-visit for every traveler.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your Railay Beach getaway now and discover why it’s one of Thailand’s most cherished destinations.

Looking for more adventures? Check out other Thailand destinations -https://makatrails.com/pran-buri-national-parks-thailand

Discover Railay Beach in Krabi with our ultimate guide! Explore stunning beaches, top activities, insider tips and more.

If you’re heading straight from the airport, grab a taxi to the pier at either Ao Nang Beach or Ao Nam Mao, depending on your preferences or weather conditions. Just keep in mind that the last boat leaves at 1 P.M., so plan your trip accordingly.

Timetable from Ao Nam Mao pier

Phra Nang Beach

Railay west beach

Railay walking street