Railay Beach is a stunning spot on Thailand’s Andaman coast in Krabi Province. The peninsula is cut off from the mainland by high limestone cliffs, giving it a feeling of being in a secret world. There are four main beaches, which are, Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang, and Tonsai, together stretching a little over a kilometer with soft white sand and clear turquoise water.
Fun Fact About Railay Beach
A curious thing about Railay is the Phra Nang Cave at the south end of Phra Nang Beach. Locals say a mythical sea princess lives there, so fishermen and climbers leave small wooden carvings for luck and safety. Hundreds of these offerings, some very old, fill the cave, making it one of the strangest and most photographed spots in Thailand.
History of Railay Beach
Railay’s history goes back a long time, when the Chao Leh, or sea gypsies, used the area’s caves for shelter and fishing. The towering limestone cliffs, shaped over millions of years, created natural lagoons and caves that are still seen today.
In the 1980s, rock climbers found Railay for its steep walls, and now there are over a thousand climbing routes bolted into the cliffs. At first, visitors came by fishing boats and stayed in simple huts. During the 1990s, small bungalows and restaurants appeared as more backpackers heard about the place.
The 2004 tsunami damaged some buildings but the beaches stayed safe because of the cliffs. Since then, luxury resorts like Rayavadee have opened, but long-tail boats remain the only way to reach the peninsula. This keeps Railay free of cars and preserves its quiet, island-like feel. Today, more than a million people visit each year, but the caves, turtles, and climbing spots are still looked after.
Things to Do at Railay Beach
Sunrise and Sunset
Railay West is famous for its sunsets, with the golden light hitting the cliffs—very beautiful. Phra Nang is quiet in the morning and the sunrise there is also lovely.
Rock Climbing
There are lots of climbing routes for beginners and experts. Beginners can take short courses, while more experienced climbers can try deep-water soloing.
Island Trips and Snorkeling
Long-tail boats can take you to nearby islands like Chicken, Poda, Tub, and Phra Nang. The waters are clear, full of fish, and some hidden lagoons can be found.
Phra Nang Cave and Princess Lagoon
Visit the sacred cave, then take the short trail to the viewpoint for a wide view of the area. The hidden lagoon is a bit tricky to reach but worth it.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore caves and quiet coves along the coast at your own pace.
Relax on the Beaches
Railay on West: Best for swimming, near resorts.
Railay on East: Mangroves, calm waters, budget stays.
Phra Nang: Beautiful scenery, good for snorkeling.
Tonsai: Backpacker and climbing vibe.
Local Food
Small stalls along walking areas serve dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, fresh seafood, massaman curry, or grilled squid which is especially nice at sunset.
Nearby Places
Take a short boat ride to Ao Nang or go for a hike and climb the steps to Tiger Cave Temple for amazing views.
How to Get to Railay Beach
Railay Beach is only reachable by boat as no cars or roads go there.
By Air
Fly into Krabi International Airport, about 30 km from Railay. From there, take a taxi to the long-tail boat pier, then a short boat ride to the beach.
By Bus and Boat
From Bangkok, overnight buses go to Krabi Town. From Krabi, take a local truck (songthaew) or taxi to the pier, then a boat to Railay.
By Boat from Nearby Places
From Ao Nang, a quick 15-minute boat ride takes you straight to Railay. Boats usually leave when full.
From Krabi Town, the boat ride is about 30 minutes.
From Phuket, you can take a ferry via Ao Nang, taking a few hours in total.
From Koh Phi Phi, ferries reach Railay in around 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit Railay Beach
November to April (Dry Season)
25°C–33°C, calm seas, perfect for climbing and island hopping. December–January is busiest, book 2–3 months ahead.
May to October (Green Season)
Rainy but cheaper (30–50% off). Mornings are usually sunny, afternoons bring short showers. Fewer crowds, great for budget travelers.
Travel Tips for Railay Beach
Boat Timing: Last boats from Ao Nang leave around 5:30–6 pm. Miss them and you might need to pay much more for a private ride.
Tides: At low tide, some spots like Railay East can get muddy. High tide is better for swimming at Railay West and Phra Nang.
Respect the Cave: At Phra Nang Cave, don’t touch or take any of the offerings. Locals are quite serious about this.
Sun & Water: The sun can be quite strong, so better to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Towering karst peaks rise up to 300 meters around the beaches, making the scenery dramatic. You can reach Railay in about 20 minutes by long-tail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. There are no cars here, just footpaths and the constant sound of waves. Visitors come for rock climbing, snorkeling in clear waters, or simply to watch beautiful sunsets.
The beaches are managed by Krabi authorities and local families, keeping them fairly clean even with more tourists arriving. On one side, there are luxury resorts, and on the other, small backpacker bungalows, Railay has something for everyone, all set in some of the most scenic landscapes in the world.
