Railay

Railay is a small peninsula near Krabi, cut off from the mainland by huge limestone cliffs, so you can only get there by boat. No roads, no cars, just beaches, jungle and rock climbers. We came by speedboat from Phi Phi on 13 December 2023 and stayed one night.

Getting there

Speedboats from Phi Phi to Railay leave every half hour from 10am, and the last one is at 5pm. Ours cost about €23 each, booked on 12go.asia.

Where to Sleep?

We stayed at Railay Garden View Resort.

1. Railay West

Railay's main beach, also called Sunset Beach. It is one of the best spots for swimming and sunbathing, with sandy stretches free of boat traffic, and plenty of food stalls, beach bars and restaurants around it.

Railay West Viewpoint

At the southern end of Railay West, a steep, rocky trail climbs into the jungle beside the resort. In under 20 minutes you reach a viewpoint over Railay West, Tonsai Beach and the cliffs that separate the peninsula from Ao Nang. It has no signs, but it sits below a huge climbing wall.

2. Phra Nang Beach

Easily one of the most stunning beaches in Thailand: a curve of white sand between cliffs and caves, with the Rayavadee resort's famous cave restaurant looking over it. You can get there on foot or by kayak.

Happy Island (Ko Rang Nok)

Less than 100 metres from Phra Nang Beach, a little island you can swim or paddle to, much quieter than the main beach and with clear water.

3. The Hidden Lagoon

Off the trail to the Railay East viewpoint, a steep scramble leads down to Sa Phra Nang, the Princess Lagoon: a big emerald pool closed in by tall cliffs. It is a tough climb with ropes, so wear proper shoes.

4. Railay Walking Street

Since there are no roads, every street in Railay is a walking street, but this is the name of the main one, linking Railay West and Railay East. It is the heart of the peninsula, with Thai and international restaurants, bars, cafés and souvenir shops.

5. Sunset at Railay West

End the day back on Railay West. Facing west, it has some of the best sunsets in the whole Krabi province.