Railay Beach is a small peninsula located in Krabi province, southern Thailand. It is known for its beautiful beaches and limestone cliffs, which are popular for rock climbing and cave exploration. Some of the most famous caves in Railay include Diamond Cave, Phra Nang Cave, and Princess Cave. The beaches at Railay are also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The area can only be accessed by boat, as it is surrounded by high cliffs on all sides.
In addition to the beaches and caves, Railay also offers a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and island hopping. Visitors can also take a guided tour to explore the mangrove forests and see the diverse wildlife that calls the area home. The nightlife in Railay is also quite lively, with a variety of bars and restaurants catering to both tourists and locals.
The main beaches in Railay are the East and West Railay beaches. West Railay Beach is known for its long white sandy beach and crystal clear water, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. East Railay Beach is a bit smaller, but it’s surrounded by beautiful cliffs and offers great views. It’s also a popular spot for rock climbing and cave exploration.
Overall, Railay is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Andaman Sea while also engaging in outdoor activities and experiencing the local culture.
The most popular activities in Railay are rock climbing, cave exploration, and beach activities.
Rock climbing: The limestone cliffs surrounding Railay provide some of the best rock climbing in Thailand, with routes for all skill levels. There are over 400 routes available, and many climbing schools and guides offer instruction and equipment rental.
Cave exploration: The caves in Railay are a popular destination for visitors. The most famous caves are the Diamond Cave, Phra Nang Cave, and Princess Cave. These caves offer unique rock formations and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours are available to explore the caves and learn about their history and geology.
Beach activities: The beaches at Railay are some of the most beautiful in Thailand, and offer a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and island hopping. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular activities on the beaches.
In addition, there are many other activities like yoga, massage, and traditional thai cooking classes. Visitors can also take a guided tour to explore the mangrove forests and see the diverse wildlife that calls the area home.
There are several ways to get to Railay Beach:
By boat: The most popular way to get to Railay is by longtail boat from Krabi town, Ao Nang beach or Ton Sai beach. Boats depart regularly and the trip takes around 20-30 minutes. The boat ride offers scenic views of the limestone cliffs and nearby islands.
By car or minivan: Visitors can also take a car or minivan from Krabi town, Ao Nang beach or other nearby towns to the nearby pier, and then take a longtail boat to Railay Beach.
By flight: The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport, which is around 20 km from Railay Beach. From there, visitors can take a taxi or minivan to the pier, and then take a longtail boat to Railay Beach.
It’s worth noting that there’s no road access to Railay beach since the cliffs surrounds the area, so visitors will have to take a boat to access the peninsula.
Once you arrive at the boat dock in Railay, you can walk to the beach or take a short taxi ride, depending on your accommodation location.