Railay West
Railay peninsula
The postcard beach of soft sand between towering cliffs, with the best sunsets and swimming at high tide.
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Krabi, Thailand
Railay Beach
A peninsula cut off by limestone cliffs and reached only by boat: beaches, viewpoints and world-class rock climbing.
Favourite places
Railay East
Railay peninsula
The mangrove side, where boats from Krabi Town land. It has climbing walls, bars and cheaper rooms, but no swimming beach.
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Trail between Railay East and Phra Nang
A very steep, muddy climb using ropes leads to a viewpoint over the peninsula and down to a hidden lagoon. Only for the fit and well-shod.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Diamond Cave
Railay East
A cave with sparkling limestone formations, reached by a walkway.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Tonsai Beach
Next to Railay West
A rustic beach popular with climbers, reached across the rocks at low tide or by a jungle path.
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Local food
Massaman curry
Krabi, Thailand
A mild, peanutty southern curry, usually made with chicken or beef and potatoes.
Roti
Krabi, Thailand
Crispy fried flatbread from street carts, often with banana and condensed milk.
Grilled seafood
Krabi, Thailand
Fish and prawns grilled by the beach in the evening.
Where to eat
Walking Street
Between Railay West and East
A small lane of restaurants, bars and food carts linking the two beaches.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Railay East bars and restaurants
Railay East
Simple Thai food and drinks along the mangrove walkway.
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Where to stay
Railay West
Krabi, Thailand
Resorts on the best beach, with the sunsets on your doorstep.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Railay East and Tonsai
Krabi, Thailand
Cheaper bungalows and guesthouses, close to the climbing walls.
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Culture
Railay is a climbing community with a laid-back feel. Climb only with proper equipment or a school. Do not leave rubbish on the beaches or trails, and cover up when walking into Krabi Town or the villages.
History
Railay's towering cliffs make it feel like an island. Railay West has the sunsets and the sand; Railay East the mangroves and the climbing walls. Climbers have come here since the 1980s, and schools run courses for beginners.
Tour plans
Railay in a day
1 dayStep 1: Longtail from Ao Nang
Take an early boat to Railay West.
Step 2: Phra Nang Cave Beach
Walk to Phra Nang for a swim before the crowds.
Step 3: Climb or explore
Take a half-day climbing course, or hike to the viewpoint.
Step 4: Sunset at Railay West
Stay for sunset, then catch a boat back if you are not staying.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April.
How to get there
Longtail boat from Ao Nang beach (about 15 minutes) or Krabi Town.
Getting around
There are no roads on Railay. Everything is reached on foot between the beaches, and longtail boats connect to Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Boats can stop running in rough weather, and the last boat leaves around dusk.
Travel tips
Boarding often means wading in shallow water. Stay overnight to enjoy it after the day boats leave.
