All you need to know to visit Railay

Practical guide to go and visit Railay

Hidden behind towering limestone cliffs, the isthmus of Railay in the province of Krabi is only accessible by sea. For those who love beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, it's probably one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, but the time when Railay was a somewhat hidden gem is long gone! It remains a destination with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, climbing spots, nature, monkeys, and all the amenities for tourists (bars, hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, sea excursions...)

On Railay West, there is a long stretch of fine sandy beach surrounded by tall limestone formations, sometimes steep cliffs with summits covered in greenery and crystal-clear blue waters, a true feast for the eyes! Very photogenic! Railay West is the busiest spot. Personally, I have a preference for Phra Nang Beach, a bit less crowded because it's less known and requires a bit of a walk to reach. It's worth mentioning that Railay East beach with its mangroves is not suitable for swimming, especially since most boats from Krabi and Ao Nang dock there on the long floating pontoon. Separated by a small rocky point from Railay West and quickly accessible by a steep path or more leisurely through the forest, Tonsai Beach is much quieter, prettier, and has more charm in my opinion. Plus, thanks to its cliff, it's easier to find shade there.

In Railay, you'll clearly be among tourists exclusively; the place has only developed to accommodate vacationers, there's no real local life. Almost constantly, at least in high season (December to late April), you'll hear the noise of longtail boat engines bringing in new tourists or taking them on excursions to nearby islands.

Its relative inaccessibility is increasingly failing to protect Railay from ever-growing tourism. It's already quite difficult to find affordable accommodation there, especially on Railay West. The most affordable accommodations are more on the Railay East side.

Despite its proximity to the large city of Krabi, the lack of a road to get there, and the tourism boom in the area, everything is noticeably more expensive there. Railay is no longer the backpacker destination it was 30 years ago, but from my point of view, it remains more enjoyable than Ao Nang while offering similar tours and being only a 15-20 minute longtail boat ride away.

Hotel in Railay

Railay East

Practical information about Railay

There are no cars in Railay, hardly any traffic, not even two-wheelers. So, you'll be getting around on foot or by boat, to access neighboring beaches like Tonsai or Phra Nang, for example. There are day trips to Railay from Krabi or Ao Nang. But you can just as easily come on your own by taking a longtail boat (150 THB one way, 150 THB return). For me, it's nicer to stay in Railay because my favorite moments are sunset and the early hours of the day.

You'll typically arrive at Railay through the floating pontoon of Railay East. After that, you'll have to carry your luggage on foot to your hotel. No tuk-tuks or porters with their carts like in Koh Phi Phi.

Other places to see in Railay

Phra Nang Cave Shrine & Princess Cave
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I bring together the 2 small caves of Phra Nang beach on a single visit page. These two sanctuaries are dedicated to the goddess who gave its name to the beach and the offerings made to her are a little, let's say... special !