Railay Beach

While the talcum-soft sand is certainly a compelling reason to visit Railay Beach—visitors can easily find day trips by longtail boat from Phuket and Ao Nang—the other big draw is the rock climbing here. It’s considered some of the best in Thailand, especially on the rocks around Railay East, and you don’t need any special experience to try it. Guided climbing tours cater to climbers of all ability levels, including newbies.

• Railay Beach is a must-visit for sun seekers and adventure travelers.

• Don’t forget to bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection for time on the beach.

• Excursions to Railay Beach can take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the option chosen.

• Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to rock climb or hike to some of the area viewpoints.

• Purchase sunscreen, snacks, and drinks before you arrive, as prices tend to be higher in Railay.

• Be sure to keep your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags during the boat ride to Railay Beach.

• Island-hopping day tours that include Railay often stop at Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Tup Island.

Though on the mainland, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, either from Krabi (90 minutes) or Ao Nang (15 minutes). There are no motorized vehicles in the area, but all the points of interest can be reached on foot.

For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit in either May or October. The dry season falls between December and April, when the beaches become busy with day trippers. September is the wettest month in this region.

Aside from the soft sand and limestone rocks, Railay Beach has a couple of other notable points of interest. Just to the north of Railay East sits Phra Nang Cave, also called Diamond Cave, where visitors can follow a boardwalk past glittering cave formations. Phra Nang Shrine, located at the northern end of Phra Nang Beach, has become known for the collection of carved phalluses left there by local fisherman asking safe journeys of the drowned princess the beach is said to be named for.

The stretches of sand known collectively as Railay Beach are worth visiting to discover a jungle-backed coastline away from the main tourist track. Getting there involves some planning—it’s only accessible by boat—but the sheltered waters and scope for rock climbing and hiking reward those who make the effort.

There are day trips to Railay Beach from Ao Nang, Phuket, or Krabi, but an overnight trip is ideal if you have time. The vibe is different in the evening after the day-trippers have left, when you can check out Walking Street’s eclectic bars and then catch a sunrise, too.

There’s no official entry fee for Railay Beach; however, getting there will involve some spending. If you’re not planning to arrive as part of an organized day trip, you’ll need to pay for a round-trip boat ride and then obviously have some money for eating, drinking, and activities once you arrive.

It depends on what you like. Railay West Beach is arguably best for swimming or snorkeling, with waters sheltered by the rocks; Phra Nang Beach is said to be the most photo-worthy, backed by looming cliffs; and Tonsai is more challenging to reach, but it has remote appeal and a wilder vibe.

Railay Beach welcomes a range of travelers, from those who want to lay out a towel and bask on a beach to those who want adventure. And while the area is only accessible by boat, visits aren’t so difficult to organize that they’re a hassle. It’s an easy day trip destination.

If your budget allows it, Railay Beach is the better option, as you’ll have the beaches, hiking trails, and beauty all around you. Ao Nang isn’t far away, though, and it’s a tourist hub with the amenities that come with it: a selection of accommodation, more shops, and ample transport.