A pristine, golden sandy beach with dramatic cliff landscapes only accessible by boat. No vehicles (other than golf buggies) are allowed on the peninsula, creating a blissfully peaceful atmosphere.
Hire a canoe or paddleboard to explore nearby islands or swim in the sparkling sea. Adventurous travelers mix relaxing with rock climbing. Newbies can take structured climbing classes with hired equipment. Visit for a day or stay a while longer with over a dozen budget hostels and luxury beach resorts to choose from.
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Look Around
Stand up paddle boarder at sunset
West beach at low tide with cliffs in background
Long boats on West beach at sunset
View of West beach from bar
Beach soccer at low tide
Southern cliffs at end of West beach
Sand crab holes at low tide
Sand Sea Resort - 3-star beachfront hotel
Laneway with retail outlets and restaurants
Sea floaters at sunset
Restaurant with seaside seating
Mangroves on east side at low tide
Primary walkway along east side
Southern cliffs at end of East beach at low tide
Towed by tractor - the only way to reach boats on East beach at low tideWho Will Like Railay Beach
Relaxation Guru
Stay at a luxury beach resort and spend your days listening to the gentle sound of waves breaking on the shore. Alternate between lounging by the pool with a book and sunbaking on pristine white beach sands.
Nature Lover
Feel the sand between your toes as you walk along soft beach sands and admire dramatic cliff landscapes. Go for a bush walk to explore rocky mountains and caves or take a day tour to the Phi Phi islands to snorkel amoung tropical fish.
Outdoor Trailblazer
Try a rockclimbing course and soar up Krabi's iconic limestone cliffs. Group classes and private lessons are available for beginner, intemediate, and advanced climbers. Celebrate your climb with a beer at a nerby bar.
Photography Whiz
Capture that iconic Thailand photo with sparkling cobalt waters, soaring limestone cliffs, and a traditional long-tail boat in the foreground.
Insider Tips For Railay Beach
The Railay peninsula is accessible only by boat due to the series of limestone cliffs that cut off access from the mainland. The east and west sides of the peninsula are connected by several paths running through resorts and bush trails in the jungle.
Railay Beach West is ideal for swimming and admiring the spectacular cliff landscapes. A small walking street between resorts is lined with several market-style stalls and restaurants.
Railay Beach East is not a swimming beach due to the dense mangrove forest. Just behind the main pier is a long boardwalk with many restaurants, bars, massage parlors, and tour stalls.
How To Get There
Boat
Railay Beach is only accessible by boat. Public long-tail boats run to Railay Beach from Chao Fah Park Pier in Krabi every half-hour (฿60 per person) or Ao Nam Pier every hour (฿100 per person). Public boats are usually very crowded. Most beach resorts on Railay can organize private longboat rides to and from Krabi for a fee.
Ao Nam Pier
Ao Nam Pier longboat scheduleTech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Golden Hour
Tips: Use an ND filter to reduce water glare and get the "floating boat" effect around the middle of the day.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Food & Drink
Restaurants ranging from lazy beach bar to upscale fine dining can be found facing Railay Beach.
Etiquette
In Thai culture, it's disrespectful to walk around with skin showing, ie. shirtless or in bikinis. Railay Beach locals are more accepting of swimsuits and summer wear than other areas of Thailand, but be respectful and cover up a little when you're not in the water.
Scorecard
- Tropical island vibes. Beaches lined with coconut trees, limited shops and restaurants, no noise polution from vehicles, and friendly, smiling locals.
- Day tours to nearby islands. Several day tours leave from Raily Beach to explore the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, or James Bond Island.
- Dramatic cliff landscapes. Wake up to jaw-dropping views of limestone cliffs soaring up from the sparkling sea. It's the kind of beauty you could never take for granted.
- Confusing boat pick up points. Boats may collect and drop-off guests at the east or west side of the peninsula, depending on the tide. It's best to ask for a pick-up point when booking your boat, and don't expect to get dropped off at the same place you were picked up.
- Lack of signage. Very few signs to direct tourists around the peninsula. If you happen to come across a map, pick one up or take a photo to make sure you don't get lost.
Oh, you're so close
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What's Nearby In Krabi
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