Exploring Railay, Thailand: A Hidden Oasis Accessible Only by Boat
Railay, Thailand, located in the Krabi Province of Thailand is a true tropical paradise that captivates anyone that can manage to get there. Nestled between towering limestone cliffs and featuring gorgeous beaches, hidden lagoons, and fun caves to explore, it is a breathtaking escape to have. Whether you’re a rock climbing enthusiast, a romantic couple seeking tranquility, a family looking for adventure, or a budget-conscious traveler craving community, Railay has something for everyone.
Get ready to plan your a 3 day 2 night trip to Railay, Thailand:
- How To Get There
- What To Know About Railay
- Where To Stay In Every Area Of Railay
- The Beaches
- What To Do
- FAQ
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How To Get There
Step 1: Book a flight to Krabi International Airport
Krabi International Airport in Krabi Town is the nearest airport to Railay and from there, there are comfortable and convenient options to get you out to Railay. I always recommend pre-booking a transfer from the airport to where you’re headed first. Personally, I find it is safer and more convenient. I’m always just a little bit frazzled after a long-haul flight, aren’t you?
Step 2: Pre-book transportation from the airport to Ao Nang.
There are various transportation options available, including shared mini busses, taxis, and private vans. Shared mini busses are a cost-effective choice, providing a shared ride with fellow travelers, while taxis offer a more personalized experience.
Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, the journey from Krabi Airport to Railay typically involves a combination of road and boat travel. From the airport, you’ll be driven to Ao Nang, a nearby coastal town. I stayed for a night in Ao Nang before catching a boat to Railay the next day. This really depends on what time you arrive and how quickly you want to get up and out. Ao Nang is a great spot to spend an evening though.
Step 3: Catch a boat from Ao Nang to Railay
At Ao Nang, you’ll find long-tail boats or speedboats waiting to ferry passengers to Railay, among other islands in the area. The boat ride itself is quite the adventure. Once you arrive at Railay Beach, you can hop off the boat into the water and wade up to the beach to find your hotel and enjoy the scenery.
What To Know About Railay
Railay is one of those picture perfect places in Thailand showcased in tourism photos for good reason. A resort town in the Krabi Province of Thailand, enjoy towering limestone cliffs that hug beautiful beaches. There are four areas that make up Railay: Phra Nang, West Railay, East Railay and Tonsai.
The peninsula is cut off from the main land by high cliffs and only accessible via boat which gives it an island like atmosphere even though it’s actually connected to the mainland. Due to the karsts, this area is isolated and there is no road access. Adventuresome travelers go to Railay to rock climb as the area boasts more than 600 climbing routes in 45 different accessible areas. Railay is actually considered one of the world’s best rock climbing destination.
But, the beaches are worth a day or more lounging for the slower traveler as well. There are hot springs, the Thung Teao Forest National Park, hidden lagoons and more to explore. It’s a destination that is great for solo travelers, couples, and families.
Where To Stay In Railay
There are four distinct areas in Railay, Thailand so read through to see where you’d like to stay for your ideal trip to Thailand. When I arrived, I hadn’t booked anything ahead and just walked around to see what was going on. It was low season so I didn’t have any problem rocking up and getting a room. You might do the same, or book ahead just to be safe.
Phra Nang
Located on the southern tip of Railay, Phra Nang features what is considered the most beautiful beach of the areas. This area is famous for the iconic Phra Nang Cave, a revered shrine housing offerings made by local fishermen. Travelers seeking a serene and idyllic beach retreat with turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and a peaceful atmosphere may like this side of the island. Phra Nang is a perfect choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway or those in search of a peaceful beach escape.
Rayavadee: This is the only 5-star luxury hotel in the area. Just next to Krabi Marine National Park, it has a full service spa and four dining options as well as an outdoor pool. The hotel perfectly mingles with the gorgeous natural surroundings so it doesn’t overpower but provides a perfect location to rest, relax, and enjoy the views. Book a room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
West Railay
West Railay is the main tourist hub in the area where the mid-range hotels are located and the popular Railay Beach Club. It is the most developed area of the island but it doesn’t detract from the very natural surroundings of the island at all. There is easy access to beautiful beaches and with a wide variety of dining options, this is an ideal place to stay for travelers looking for a more lively atmosphere with plenty of activities.
Railay Village Resort: Stay in a private villa surrounded by limestone cliffs. All of the villas and rooms are fully furnished. This is one of the top-rated places to stay in Railay. Book a room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Railay Bay Resort & Spa: Stay on a spacious cottage right on the beautiful white sands. This is a great spot for the couples looking for a spot to stay. Book a room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
East Railay
This side doesn’t really have a beach and is really a giant area filled with mangroves but there are bungalows and medium-priced resorts hidden among them. This known as a base for the rock-climbing travelers of the island. If you stay here, it’s a bit secluded which is nice, but you’ll have to take a 10 minute walk to the beaches. It’s more laid back than other areas.
Railay Garden View Resort: Stay in a more rustic bungalow surrounded by nature. This is the option for you if you’re looking for a secluded stay. Book a room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
Tonsai
Tonsai is opposite from Railay on the island and is pretty opposite in vibe as well. The accommodations here are more budget-friendly and attract more of the boho travelers. There is a lot of lush greenery and direct routes to rock climbing so it’s also an area popular with the rock climbing crews as well as the budget-conscious travelers and those seeking more community among travelers. If off the beaten path and rustic is your vibe, check out Tonsai.
The Beaches
Railay Beach
When you land, you’ll probably be landing on Railay Beach. If not, go find it. It’s gorgeous. Surrounded by these immense cliffs, it just feels like a hidden oasis because it’s hugged by these huge cliffs though it’s definitely the most popular spot to check out. This extremely scenic beachside will make you want to just soak up the sun all day. Go earlier in the day and you can really enjoy a picturesque and quiet atmosphere.
Railay Beach was, by far, the most beautiful beach I visited when I was in Thailand. It’s popular and mainstream, but worth the trip to get there.
Phra Nang Beach
Follow the boardwalk on the east side south instead of north and you’ll find Phra Nang, another beach located on the west side. The path opened up at the southernmost end where rock climbers were enjoying the walls and I found Tham Phra Nang a shrine for local fisherman. It stood out in the cave it was located in as it was so colorful and the sign explained that it was believed that the spirit of a princess goddess resided in the cave.
The legend is that a barge carrying an Indian princess sank in a storm around the 3rd century BC and this cave is where the spirit of the princess came to rest. Fishermen come here to leave flowers, incense and most notably wooden phalluses to ask for good luck in their fishing for the day. Though the phalluses would lead one to believe this is a shrine for fertility, it is not.
Phra Nang is a gorgeous white sand beach with huge karsts on the sides and even one in the center. In the morning the water was very high, coming up to the wall, so there wasn’t much of a beach to lie on. The waves were also large and intensely crashing into the beach, which made me think twice about swimming out. Later in the day though, the water went out and people flocked to the sandy beach with their blankets and towels. The karst in the center could even be reached with just a little wading and so that is what I did. You might also notice that longtail boats with kitchens pull up so you don’t have to go far for food. It’s a dream really.
What To Do
Watch the sunset
There are some epic views and I really shouldn’t have to say it, but sit back, relax and just enjoy mother nature. She is gorgeous and will provide the most beautiful scenery. If you’re in Railay, Thailand, then you’ve made some good decisions. Just enjoy the moments.
Limestone cliff rock climbing
While I’m not a rock climber, I did talk with some enthusiasts who said Railay is one of the best places around to climb the limestone cliffs. They also told me they are great for beginners so I should tag along. I didn’t, but you can. Apparently, Railay also has deep water soloing for the more experienced climbers. Picture free climbing on cliffs that jut out over the ocean. Hang on or plunge into the water. There are only two choices.
- Join King Climbers who can take you out for rock climbing adventures for anywhere from a half day to 3 days.
Railay Beach viewpoint
If beaches and caves to cool off aren’t enough and you want to break a sweat, go for a hike. You can climb up a rather intense vertical cliff to get the view. It’s not rock climbing, but it’s as close to rock climbing as hiking gets. You’ll want to wear proper hiking shoes and not just sandals. It’s not for the faint of heart. It is an intense steep hike that requires confident stepping. I saw some pictures of others that dared to climb and it is a gorgeous view 200 meters above Railay. I myself enjoyed watching the others climb while I sat on the beach.
Cool off in Diamond Cave
While heading to our place of stay, we happened upon Diamond Cave and thought we’d have a gander before moving on. Amusingly as we stood near the sign with the amount to pay, a very small amount hardly worth mentioning, no one came to collect. There was a group of guys nearby having an afternoon siesta of sorts and though they saw us, didn’t stir. I asked if we should pay and they said yes and still didn’t move. I asked if they wanted to take my money and they said yes and finally at that point one guy came our way.
Step up to the wooden planks that lead you deep inside. We were the only people inside with, I can only assume, many bats because of how noisy they were overhead though we couldn’t see them. We walked by walls of red and grey, saw stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoyed twenty minutes in a chilly cavern away from the heat of the day. There are stalactites, stalagmites, columns and some very cool things to see between the bats.
The railways are lit so no flashlights are required. It’s a great way to cool off or a good activity if it rains when you visit Railay.
Find the hidden Sa Phra Nang Lagoon
Another one for the adventure seeker, Sa Phra Nang has cliffs on all sides which means to get to it requires ascending a vertical cliff, climbing through roots and jungle plants and then sliding down a steep cliffside. It’s not for the faint of heart at all. Worth it? Absolutely. Easy to get to? Not at all.
The best time to visit is high tide so the water is nice and clean. At low tide, it’s more a muddy mess.
Kayaking or paddleboarding
I’ve mentioned a lot of caves and climbing, but there are also plenty of ways to enjoy the beautiful blue waters. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the coastline. You’ll have no problem finding out where to do it. Just look around and you’ll spot the places with rentable options.
FAQ
How long should I stay in Railay, Thailand?
While many people head to Railay for just a daytrip from Ao Nang, I stayed in Railay for two nights and three days and enjoyed every minute of the quiet ambiance. It was a good time for introspection and lots of reading of the trusty Douglas Coupland book I’d brought along. It was a spectacular introduction to what the beaches of Thailand we often see on postcards look like in reality and let me just say that the postcards hold true. I thought the time I spent there gave me enough time to explore, relax, and sunbathe on the beaches.
Railay, Thailand was one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Thailand. If you’re looking for one of those picturesque, postcard-perfect Thailand spots, this is where you should go. From there, I headed back to Ao Nang and then on to the amazing Khao Sok National Park. Looking for floating bungalows and limestone cliffs that tower above with a Jurassic Park-like aesthetic, then that’s where you should go next.
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