Quick answer: Railay is a road-free peninsula in Krabi, reachable only by longtail boat from Ao Nang (about 15 minutes, 100 baht one way per person, 200 baht return according to sources in 2024). Allow a day, or a night to enjoy the beaches in peace. Best time: November to April. Railay brings together three beaches a few minutes' walk apart: West Railay (pale sand, sunset, the nicest to settle on), East Railay (mangroves, the boat pier, cheaper) and Phra Nang (a postcard beach at the foot of the cliffs, with the Princess Cave). Tonsai, further north, is the climbers' haunt. It is Krabi's most photogenic spot: worth seeing if you are passing through Ao Nang, or on a trip from Phuket.
Highlights
West Railay and the sunset
A long beach of pale sand facing the Andaman Sea, very beautiful in the late afternoon.
Phra Nang beach
Cliffs, the Princess Cave and small coves; the busiest in the daytime, visit early in the morning.
The viewpoint and the lagoon
A steep, muddy path climbs to a lookout (about 20 to 30 minutes); bring proper shoes and water.
Climbing
Many routes on the cliffs; schools offer beginner introductions.
Practical info
Tips
- The boat leaves when it is full, from about 8 am to 6 pm; allow 20 to 30 minutes' wait. There is no jetty at West Railay or Phra Nang: you wade ashore, so bring sandals and a waterproof bag. Night boats cost more: check the price before boarding, as some travellers report very high demands for a late return. The monkeys steal food: close your bags. For a night, East Railay is cheaper and West Railay nicer; in the daytime, kayak and boat trips leave from Ao Nang. To organise Krabi from Phuket, read Krabi from Phuket; to choose between the two regions, Phuket or Krabi; to stay in Ao Nang, see the Ao Nang page.
How to get there
Longtail boat from Ao Nang beach: about 15 minutes, 100 baht one way per person (indicative price, May 2024) From Ao Nam Mao pier, slightly cheaper but with fewer departures From Phuket: a one-day trip with transfer, or a road transfer to Ao Nang (about 3 hours) then boat
Opening hours
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