Spectacular limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, blue water, and a relaxed atmosphere is what brings people to Railay. Limestone cliffs cut the peninsula off from the rest of the mainland making it accessible only by sea which add to the unique feel.
Railay is a peninsula on the coast between the Krabi and Ao Nang in southern Thailand and consists of four different areas: East Railay, West Railay, Phra Nang, and Ton Sai. Railay fits the definition of a tourist trap, the place seems to exist solely off tourists. Every single local seems to be working in the tourist industry. With that in mind, Railay is a beautiful and relaxed destination, and a very easy place to visit for less experienced travellers. The prices may be a little higher than Krabi Town for example, but that can be justified by everything needing to be bought in by sea. Embrace the incredible natural setting of Railay and have fun!
East Railay
East Railay is the main arrival/departure point for boats to/from Krabi. Much of the beach is lined with mangroves and is generally not suitable for swimming. A path follows the length of the beach and is lined with cafes, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels. East Railay is significantly more relaxed than West Railay, and generally a little cheaper. Phra Nang beach is reached by following the main path south.
Diamond Cave (Tham Pranangnai)
East Railay Lookout
West Railay
West Railay is the main arrival/depature point for boats to/from Ao Nang and Ton Sai. West Railay Beach is the most frequently visited beach in Railay, and for good reason. West Railay beach is long, sandy, has beautiful blue water, and unobstructed views of huge limestone cliffs at either end. A busy walking street leads away from the beach and is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and souvineer stands. Its possible to walk to Ton Sai from the northern end of the beach.
Walking Street
West Railay Lookout
Phra Nang
Arriving to Phra Nang beach is absolutely breathtaking. A huge limestone cliff overhangs the entrance to the beach in spectacular fashion. With cliffs to explore at one end, a beautiful beach, an island you can swim to, a long-tail shop, and a limestone pillar with a cave the the far end, this beach has everything.
Ton Sai
Ton Sai is in its own little bay and is by far the least visited of the Railay beaches. A rough track leads from the northern end of West Railay to Ton Sai. Alternatively long-tail boats will talk you there from West Railay or Ao Nang.
Where to EAT
Railay Family Restaurant
This family run restaurant has an authentic charm that a lot of other places seem to miss. The food is reasonably priced and really good!
Joy Beach Bar
Joy Beach Bar is a nice relaxed place to just chill and when you want some down time to have a read or just relax.
Where to STAY
There are heaps of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Railay. Its a competitive market so the quality is high. A lot of places even have their own private pool! You can’t really go wrong, it just depends on how much you want to spend. These are two cheaper options. Blanco Hideout is one of the only hostels in Railway, but is definitely the best and with budget friendly prices too!
Blanco HideouT
637 Moo 2, East Railay
Rapala Rock Wood Resort
559 Moo 2, East Railay
How to get to Railay
West Railay to/from Ao Nang via long-tail boat: 100 baht, 10 minutes
East Railay to/from Krabi Town via long-tail boat: 150 baht, 30 minutes
Ton Sai to/from Ao Nang via long-tail boat: 100 baht, 10 minutes
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