Railay is a small peninsula between Ao Nang and Krabi Town, separated from the mainland by limestone cliffs. There is no road to it, and it can only be reached by boat. The usual route is by longtail boat from Ao Nang beach; the journey takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs 100 baht per person. Four beaches share the peninsula. Railay West is a swimming beach, Railay East is the mangrove beach with more affordable accommodation and bars, Phra Nang at the southern tip is the beach featured in the photos, and Tonsai, around the northern tip, is popular with climbers.

It's still one of my favorite trips to Thailand. From Ao Nang, you can see the highlights in a day for 200 baht (boat fees), but I would recommend spending two nights there. The entire peninsula is picturesque and peaceful at certain times, namely before the day boats arrive and after the shared boats stop running around 6:00 PM.

Where to stay in Krabi

This route ends in Krabi. Search for hotels in Krabi for your travel dates or narrow your search to the region you wish to visit. Filter for hotels with free cancellation if you'd like to book a room and decide later.

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My picks in Krabi in every price range

  • Dusit Thani Krabi Beach ResortLuxury · 5 stars · 4.7 (4,946)
  • Sea Seeker Krabi Resort · Mid-range · 4 stars · 4.5 (3,332)
  • The Fong Krabi Resort · Budget · 3 stars · 4.3 (450)

    • Key facts

    The longtail from Ao Nang costs 100 baht.

    Purchase your paper ticket at the boat club's ticket booths on the Ao Nang beachfront promenade, not from the driver. Boats depart once approximately eight passengers have boarded, between about 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. A round trip costs 200 baht. In the evening, the fare increases to about 150 baht, and once the shared boats stop operating, a private boat costs approximately 600–800 baht.

    Expect a wet landing in Railay West.

    Boats from Ao Nang dock at Railay West beach, so you're standing knee-deep in the water. Boats from Krabi Town and Ao Nam Mao use the floating dock in Railay East, where disembarking with luggage is much easier.

    Four beaches, all within a 20-minute walk.

    From Railay West to Railay East it is about five minutes on the pedestrian street, from Railay East to Phra Nang about ten minutes on the cliff path, and from Railay West to Tonsai 15 to 20 minutes via a jungle path or along the rocks at low tide.

    The Ao Nam Mao speedboat operates all year round.

    From Ao Nam Mao Pier, a few minutes east of Ao Nang, a speedboat departs for Railay East every 30 minutes between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. A one-way ticket costs 150 baht, and a return ticket costs 250 baht. The boat operates on a schedule and is the safest option in rough seas.

    Bring cash from the mainland.

    Railay has only a few ATMs, and Tonsai has none at all. Thai ATMs charge 250–350 baht per withdrawal with foreign cards. Food and drinks are more expensive than in Ao Nang, as everything is delivered by boat.

    January and February are the driest months

    The weather station in Krabi records approximately 32 mm of rainfall in January and 43 mm in February, compared to 324 mm in October, the wettest month. From May to October, rough seas on the Ao Nang side can delay or completely halt longtail boats.

    The four beaches and which one is which

    Railay is a peninsula with four beaches, listed here in the order I would recommend them to most people. Only two of them, Phra Nang and Railay West, are suitable for swimming.

  • 1. Phra Nang Beach, Southern Tip: The view is in the photos. I proposed to my wife on this beach in 2023, so I'm not exactly impartial. It's the most beautiful of the four beaches, a short stretch of sand under an overhanging cliff with clear water and offshore karst islands. At the western end is the Princess Cave Shrine, where locals leave offerings and carved wooden figures for Phra Nang, the princess spirit said to reside in the cave. The beach and shrine are free; the toilets cost 10 baht. This is also where all the Four Islands excursion boats dock, so the beach gets crowded between about 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and the shallow waters are full of longtail boats. Arrive before 10:00 AM or after the excursion boats have left, and you'll understand why it's so often ranked among Thailand's best beaches. Directions: About ten minutes along the paved path by the cliff from the southern end of Railay East or 15 minutes from Railay West. Best time to visit: Before 10:00 AM or late afternoon. Phra Nang Cave Beach 4.7 (4,603) Directions
  • 2. Railay West, West Side: Swimming and Sunset. The main swimming beach, a curved stretch of white sand between two limestone cliffs, is set back slightly behind the trees, and the longtail boats from Ao Nang dock right at the water's edge. The sea is much clearer here than in Ao Nang, and since the beach faces west, it's a popular spot in Railay to watch the sunset. The catch: the boats. Longtail boats come and go all day long, and on a busy afternoon, that's a lot of motors for a single bay. It's best to swim at one of the two ends, away from the boat docks. Getting there: Longtail boats from Ao Nang beach dock here. Best time to go: Early morning for swimming, evening for sunset. Railay West Beach: 4.5 (7,719) Open 24 hours daily. Getting there. Hotels in Railay.
  • 3. Railay East, East Side: Cheaper rooms, bars, and the pier. Railay East is not a swimming beach. The shoreline consists of mangroves and mudflats, and at low tide, the water recedes far. Behind it is the promenade with the more affordable resorts, restaurants, bars that stay open late, and climbing schools, as well as the floating pier where boats from Krabi Town and Ao Nam Mao dock. Two worthwhile hikes also start here: the trail to Phra Nang and the climb to the viewpoint. If you're staying on a budget in Railay, you'll likely sleep here and walk five minutes to the swimming area on the west side. Getting there: Five minutes across the peninsula from Railay West or by boat to the floating pier. Best time to go: Evenings, for dinner, and for the bars. East Railay Bay Beach: 4.2 (696) Directions to Railay Hotels
  • 4. Tonsai Beach, around the northern headland: Climbers and budget accommodation. Tonsai is the next bay to the north and the starting point for climbers. The cliffs rise directly from the beach, and the place feels a bit more rustic and budget-friendly than Railay. Longtail boats depart from here to Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara, ceasing service around sunset. The area has changed a lot in recent years. Bungalows Andaman, Banyan Tree, Thiew Khao, and Saithong have closed permanently, leaving only about ten accommodation options. The bay is powered by generators. Expect daytime power outages, cold water, no air conditioning in most rooms, and no ATM. If that appeals to you, this is the most laid-back spot on the peninsula. Getting there: A 15- to 20-minute jungle trail from the northern end of Railay West or along the rocks at low tide. Avoid the trail with heavy luggage or after rain. Best time to visit: Late afternoon to watch the climbers. Tonsai Beach (Railay) 4.4 (765) Open 24 hours daily. How to get there

    • All routes to Railay compared

    The shared boats wait until they are full. During the off-season, the wait can therefore be 30–60 minutes. At low tide or in rough seas, departures from Ao Nang may be rerouted to Nopparat Thara pier, which is just a short boat ride up the coast. Speedboat schedules from Phuket and Koh Lanta vary depending on the season. See the route guides linked below for timetables.

    Arrival in Railay

    From Ao Nang, go to the boat club ticket booths on the beach promenade, buy a paper ticket, and wait until the boat is full. The crossing takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll land in the shallow waters of Railay West, so wear waterproof shoes and keep your luggage above water. If you have a large suitcase, I would avoid this boat and instead take the ferry from Ao Nam Mao, which is just a short drive east of Ao Nang. There, the speedboat docks at the floating pier of Railay East and transports one large suitcase free of charge.

    From Krabi Town, longtail boats depart from Chao Fah Pier to Railay East once approximately eight people have gathered. The journey costs around 150 baht and takes about 45 minutes. There is no fixed schedule, so this option is suitable for a flexible morning. From Krabi Airport, a shared taxi to Ao Nang costs 150–200 baht and takes 35 to 45 minutes. A taxi costs 700–1,000 baht per person.

    Railay is also a departure point for island boats. Speedboats from Phuket reach Railay East in one to two hours for approximately 880–1,100 baht. Boats from Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Koh Lipe also dock there. When booking, ask about Railay, as a ticket to Ao Nang may not be sufficient to board a longtail boat.

    Activities in Railay

    Railay is primarily a beach holiday destination. Everything that follows can be planned around a morning on Phra Nang and an afternoon on Railay West.

    The viewpoint and the lagoon

    The trail begins on the road from Railay East to Phra Nang, on a red clay slope with fixed ropes. The ascent to the viewpoint overlooking both bays takes 10 to 20 minutes and is more of a climb than a hike – steep, slippery, and in places only accessible by hand. Beyond the viewpoint, a second route leads down to Sa Phra Nang, the cliff-enclosed lagoon, through a narrow passage and over a near-vertical section secured with ropes.

    I would only visit the lagoon in dry weather, wearing non-slip shoes and without carrying anything in my hands, and avoid both routes after rain. The lagoon's water is tidal and can be murky, so I recommend hiking and enjoying the view rather than swimming.

    Climb

    Railay and Tonsai offer over 700 bolted climbing routes, from easy slabs for beginners to challenging overhangs, many directly on the sand. No prior experience is necessary. Half-day beginner courses, including equipment, cost around 1,500 baht and are offered daily during the season by the climbing schools in Railay East and Tonsai. Basecamp Tonsai's price list starts at 2,000 baht for a half-day bouldering course and goes up to 7,500 baht for a three-day course.

    Even if you never go climbing yourself, sit on Railay East in the late afternoon and watch the climbers on the rocks above the boardwalk. It costs nothing.

    Diamond Cave

    The Phra Nang Nai Diamond Cave is located behind Railay East. It's a small cave accessible via an elevated walkway and contains stalactites, Buddhist shrines, and a bat colony. It's open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the entrance fee is 200 baht, and a visit takes 15 to 20 minutes. Whether it's worth the entrance fee is debatable. On a rainy afternoon, you should allow at least half an hour.

    Island excursions from Railay

    You don't need to return to Ao Nang to visit the islands. Longtail boat operators offer private trips from the floating pier in Railay East, with the standard route including the four islands of Phra Nang, Tup, Chicken, and Poda. Speedboats to Koh Phi Phi also depart from the same pier.

    Sunset and evening

    Railay West is the beach to enjoy the sunset. As soon as the last boats leave around 6:00 PM, day-trippers follow. We ate most of our meals on Railay Walking Street, the restaurant and shop strip between Railay West and Railay East. It's also where you'll find the best restaurants and bars on the peninsula. After dark, the nightlife shifts to the bars along the Railay East promenade, with the Last Bar and the Bang Bang Bar at the far end.

    Day trip or overnight stay?

    A day trip is ideal. Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang at 8:00 AM, walk to Phra Nang before the tourist boats arrive, climb up to the viewpoint while it's still cool, swim in Railay West in the afternoon, and be back on the boat before 6:00 PM. That's 200 baht for the boat trips – and you'll experience the most beautiful parts of the peninsula.

    But I would stay overnight. Railay is at its best when the day-trippers miss the peak hours: Phra Nang is deserted by 8:00 a.m., the sunset from Railay West is breathtaking, and there's no traffic in the evenings since there are no roads. Two nights are ideal: one full day for the beaches and the viewpoint, and a second for a climbing course or the islands. Find a room that's easily accessible with your luggage—either in Railay East because of the floating pier, or in Railay West if you don't mind a wet landing.

    The best-rated hotels in Krabi

    Here is my ranking of the 10 best hotels in Krabi. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com, where you have already entered your travel dates.

  • #2 Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort 4.7 (3,574 reviews) Luxurious resort near Krabi with a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and tropical grounds. Check prices
  • #4 Anana Ecological Resort Krabi 4.7 (1,619 reviews) Eco-friendly resort in Ao Nang with spa treatments, suites with private pools, and a quiet location with direct beach access. Check prices
  • #5 The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort 4.7 (1,506 reviews) A boutique resort right on Krabi beach with pool villas, bay views, two restaurants, and a spa. Check prices

    • Accommodation in Railay

    Railay West offers the beachfront resorts and the highest prices. I stayed at the Railay Village Resort & Spa on the west side of Railay, where the villas are arranged around a garden pool. In Railay East, most of the mid-range and budget-friendly rooms are located along the beachfront promenade, just a five-minute walk from the beach. The luxurious Rayavadee Resort stretches across the headland between Railay East and Phra Nang, its villas clinging to the cliffs. Tonsai is the cheapest and simplest resort and is powered by generator electricity.

    If prices in Railay are too high for you, stay overnight in Ao Nang and take a day trip to Railay – that's what most visitors do. My Ao Nang guidebook recommends boat trips to the islands, the Monkey Trail, and the night markets from there. The "Krabi Accommodation" guidebook compares Ao Nang, Railay, Krabi Town, and the quieter beaches further north along the coast.

    Railay or Ao Nang

    For beautiful scenery and peaceful evenings, Railay is recommended, while Ao Nang offers a wider selection, better prices, and more comfort. Ao Nang boasts hundreds of hotels, a night market, and all the necessary tour pick-up points. Railay is just 15 minutes away. The Ao Nang travel guide offers further suggestions for leisure activities. In Railay, you can enjoy the views right from your doorstep, but all excursions begin with a boat trip. For your first trip to Krabi, I would recommend spending two nights in Railay and the remaining nights in Ao Nang.

    When should you go?

    The dry season on the Andaman coast lasts from November to April, with January and February being the driest months, recording approximately 32 and 43 mm of rainfall respectively at the Krabi weather station. This coincides with the peak season, when Phra Nang is most crowded, making an early start particularly important.

    Rainfall increases from May onwards. October is the wettest month with 324 mm of precipitation, and November is also quite wet with around 180 mm. The bigger problem during these months is the sea, as the rough seas on the Ao Nang side can delay or even prevent longtail boats from crossing. The Ao Nam Mao side is calmer, making this crossing recommended during the monsoon season. Even during the rainy season, the mornings are often clear, making it a good option for a day trip, provided you have some flexibility in your schedule.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently asked questions about the Railay Beach travel guide.

    On a small peninsula in Krabi province on Thailand's Andaman coast, between Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Limestone cliffs separate it from the mainland, so it can only be reached by boat; the journey from Ao Nang takes 10 to 15 minutes by longtail boat.

    A one-way trip on the shared boat costs 100 baht, a round trip 200 baht. Tickets are available at the boat club stands on Ao Nang beach. The boats depart once about eight people have boarded, between approximately 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In the evening, the fare is around 150 baht. After the shared boats have stopped operating, a private boat costs approximately 600–800 baht.

    Shared taxis depart from Chao Fah Pier to Railay East once approximately eight people have gathered. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs 150 baht. There is no fixed timetable. Alternatively, you can take a van or taxi to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao and attempt the crossing from there.

    No. The beaches are accessible to everyone, and day-trippers from Ao Nang arrive throughout the day. It feels secluded because there's no road, and the resorts behind the beaches, including Rayavadee, keep their grounds clear for guests.

    Yes, on Railay West and Phra Nang, where the water is clear and the sand firm. Railay East consists of mangroves and mudflats; nobody swims there. On Railay West, the best place to swim is at one of the two ends, away from the longtail boat docks.

    Yes. With a round-trip ticket from Ao Nang for 200 baht, you can visit Phra Nang, the viewpoint, and Railay West in one day, provided you're back on the boat by 6:00 PM. If you plan on staying one or two nights, you can visit the beaches before and after your day trips.

    For most visitors, a two-night stay is recommended, with one day dedicated to the beaches and viewpoint and the other to climbing or an island excursion. If time is limited, a day trip from Ao Nang, covering the main sights, is a good option.

    There are several ATMs on the peninsula, but none on Tonsai. Thai ATMs charge 250–350 baht per withdrawal with foreign cards. Bring sufficient cash from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

    This is a short, steep climbing section with fixed ropes, located 10 to 20 minutes off the trail between Railay East and Phra Nang. Sturdy footwear is recommended, but the section should be avoided after rain. The path to the lagoon is more difficult and involves descending a near-vertical section using a rope.

    The dry season lasts from November to April, with January and February being the driest months. From May to October, rain and rough seas can affect longtail boat trips from Ao Nang; during this time, the speedboat from Ao Nam Mao is the more reliable alternative.

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    I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.

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