Railay Beach, also known as Rai Leh, is a stunning and exotic beach located on the Railay peninsula in the Krabi province of southern Thailand. Cut off from the mainland by towering limestone rock formations, this little paradise is only accessible by boat from the nearby town of Ao Nang. With its crystal clear waters, white sand, and lush vegetation, Railay Beach has become a popular tourist destination for those seeking to enjoy natural beauty and tranquility.
Railay Beach is made up of four main beaches: Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai. Each offers something unique to visitors, from the sunbathing beach at Railay West to the quiet and picturesque Railay East. Phra Nang is famous for its rock formations and the local legend that surrounds it, while Tonsai attracts climbers from all over the world due to its challenging limestone cliffs.
One of the most popular activities at Railay Beach is rock climbing. The limestone cliffs offer climbing routes for all levels, from beginners to experts. There are several climbing schools in the area that offer courses and equipment rental for those interested in trying this exciting sport.
In addition to rock climbing, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The crystal clear waters around Railay Beach are home to an impressive variety of marine life, making the area perfect for underwater exploration.
For those looking to relax, Railay Beach has numerous resorts and bungalows offering accommodation to suit all budgets. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy delicious Thai food and tropical cocktails while watching the stunning sunset.
Railay Beach is a unique and picturesque destination that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. With its dream beaches, exciting outdoor activities and a relaxing atmosphere, this Thai paradise is a place not to be missed.
Getting to Railay Beach is quite simple, although it is only accessible by boat due to the surrounding limestone rock formations.
Transfer to Ao Nang: From Krabi airport, you can take a taxi, bus or shared shuttle service to Ao Nang town, which is about 25-30 kilometers away and usually takes around 30-45 minutes by car. If you arrive at Phuket airport, the drive to Ao Nang is longer, approximately 2-3 hours by car. It is also possible to take a bus or minivan from Krabi Town to Ao Nang.
Boat to Railay Beach: Once in Ao Nang, head to the pier (Ao Nang Pier), where you can take a longtail boat (traditional Thai boat) to Railay Beach. The boats are usually available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., but hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The boat ride takes approximately 10-20 minutes and will take you directly to Railay West or Railay East, depending on sea conditions.
Keep in mind that boats often wait until they fill up with passengers before leaving, so you may have to wait a bit at the dock. You can also choose to hire a private boat if you prefer not to wait or if you want a more personalized service.
Railay Beach is made up of four main beaches: Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai. Each offers something unique to visitors, from the sunbathing beach at Railay West to the quiet and picturesque Railay East. Phra Nang is famous for its rock formations and the local legend that surrounds it, while Tonsai attracts climbers from all over the world due to its challenging limestone cliffs.
One of the most popular activities at Railay Beach is rock climbing. The limestone cliffs offer climbing routes for all levels, from beginners to experts. There are several climbing schools in the area that offer courses and equipment rental for those interested in trying this exciting sport.
In addition to rock climbing, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The crystal clear waters around Railay Beach are home to an impressive variety of marine life, making the area perfect for underwater exploration.
For those looking to relax, Railay Beach has numerous resorts and bungalows offering accommodation to suit all budgets. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy delicious Thai food and tropical cocktails while watching the stunning sunset.
Railay Beach is a unique and picturesque destination that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. With its dream beaches, exciting outdoor activities and a relaxing atmosphere, this Thai paradise is a place not to be missed.
How to get there?
Getting to Railay Beach is quite simple, although it is only accessible by boat due to the surrounding limestone rock formations.
Transfer to Ao Nang: From Krabi airport, you can take a taxi, bus or shared shuttle service to Ao Nang town, which is about 25-30 kilometers away and usually takes around 30-45 minutes by car. If you arrive at Phuket airport, the drive to Ao Nang is longer, approximately 2-3 hours by car. It is also possible to take a bus or minivan from Krabi Town to Ao Nang.
Boat to Railay Beach: Once in Ao Nang, head to the pier (Ao Nang Pier), where you can take a longtail boat (traditional Thai boat) to Railay Beach. The boats are usually available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., but hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. The boat ride takes approximately 10-20 minutes and will take you directly to Railay West or Railay East, depending on sea conditions.
Keep in mind that boats often wait until they fill up with passengers before leaving, so you may have to wait a bit at the dock. You can also choose to hire a private boat if you prefer not to wait or if you want a more personalized service.
