ไร่เลย์A peninsula cut off by cliffs: powder beaches, climbing crags and boat-only access.
Railay is not an island, but it might as well be. A limestone headland on Krabi's coast, it's cut off from the mainland by sheer cliffs, so the only way in is by longtail boat from Ao Nang, Noppharat Thara or Krabi Town. There are no roads, only sandy footpaths, and the feeling is of a small, walkable resort surrounded by towering rock.
The peninsula has four beaches, each with a different character. Railay West is the classic postcard with calm water and sunsets, Railay East is lined with mangroves and climbing crags, Phra Nang Cave Beach is the most spectacular cove in the Andaman, and neighbouring Ton Sai is the backpacker and climbers' hangout. The cliffs above them are among the best sport-climbing in Asia, with hundreds of routes from beginner to expert.
Come from November to April for calm seas and clear skies. In the monsoon, longtails struggle in the waves, and many businesses close.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ · THB)
- Getting there
- Longtail from Ao Nang (about 15 minutes), Noppharat Thara or Krabi Town
- No roads
- Everything is on foot along sandy paths
- Climbing
- About 700 routes on limestone cliffs
- Best season
- November to April
- Monsoon
- May to October: rough seas; many places close
Top things to do in Railay Beach.
18 places we chose and described by hand. Open any of them, with photos, hours and directions, in the catalogue below or in the app.
Places to visit
- Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave) Phra Nang
A cliff-side shrine of wooden offerings to a legendary princess.
- Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai) Railay East
A cave of sparkling stalactites, a short walk from Railay East.
- Railay Viewpoint & Hidden Lagoon Railay East
A steep scramble to a limestone viewpoint, with a hidden lagoon below.
Beaches & islands
- Railay West Railay West
Calm water and soft sand beneath the cliffs, with sunsets that draw a crowd.
- Phra Nang Cave Beach Phra Nang
A famously beautiful cove with pale sand and towering cliffs.
- Railay East Railay East
Mangroves, climbing crags and a tide-dependent pier, with a local feel.
- Ton Sai Beach Ton Sai
The climbers' beach: a low-key bay beneath famous crags.
Restaurants
- Railay Walking Street Walking Street
A short lane of Thai, pizza and seafood restaurants linking East and West.
- Beach BBQ at Railay West Railay West
Grilled fish and prawns on tables over the sand at sunset.
- Budget Stalls & Cafés on Railay East Railay East
Cheaper pad thai, noodles and coffee near the pier.
Activities
- Rock Climbing Courses & Guides Railay
Some of Asia's best limestone climbing, with schools for beginners and pros.
- Kayaking & Stand-up Paddle-boarding Railay West
Paddle along the cliffs and across to Phra Nang and the nearby islets.
- Sunset Longtail & 4 Islands Trips Railay West
Longtail trips around the nearby islets and Phra Nang at golden hour.
Entertainment
- Beach Bars & Fire Shows Railay West
Barefoot bars with live music and fire-dancing after a day of climbing.
Hotels & stays
- Rayavadee Railay
A landmark luxury resort between three beaches, reached only by boat.
- Resorts on Railay East & West Railay
Mid-range and upscale resorts with pools, gardens and cliff views.
- Budget Bungalows & Hostels Ton Sai / Railay East
Simple huts and dorms on Railay East and Ton Sai, popular with climbers.
Shopping
- Railay Shops & Climbing Gear Walking Street
Small shops for climbing gear, beachwear, souvenirs and supplies.
Explore all 323 places in Railay Beach.
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From the Thailand Guide app’s catalogue: OpenStreetMap places with traveller notes from Wikivoyage and photos from Wikimedia Commons. Photos marked “Representative” show the same kind of place, not this exact one. Neighbouring islands and day-trip areas may be included. “Open now” uses listed hours in Thailand time; confirm hours and access before travelling.
Best time to visit Railay Beach.
The best time to visit Railay Beach is December to March. Railay has a tropical monsoon climate. November to April is hot, sunny and calm with clear water and easy boat access. From May to October heavy rain and rough seas make boat transfers difficult, and many restaurants and resorts close.
Approximate long-term monthly averages in °C and millimetres of rain. These are planning notes, not a weather forecast.
Railay Beach travel tips.
The princess shrine
The Phra Nang cave shrine holds offerings to a spirit, including wooden phallic carvings, placed for fertility and safe fishing. Treat it respectfully.
Protect the reefs
Don't touch or stand on coral, don't feed fish and use reef-safe sunscreen on boat trips.
Monkeys
Wild macaques roam the paths and beaches and will grab food and bags. Keep everything zipped and never feed them.
Climbing ethics
Use accredited guides and check bolts and equipment. Don't climb alone if you're inexperienced.
Keep your cool (jai yen)
Staying calm and smiling solves most problems in Thailand; raised voices lose face for everyone.
Plan Railay Beach on your phone.
Save places, see what is open now, check the weather and air quality, and browse all twenty guides in the free Thailand Guide app. Works offline.