Railay Beach, often written Rai Leh, is a peninsula on the Krabi coast that no road reaches. Sheer limestone walls cut it off from the mainland, so everything arrives by boat, mostly longtails from Ao Nang that take about twenty minutes. The result is one of Thailand's most distinctive beach areas: long, tall cliffs with climbers dotted on them, a west beach for sunset and a quieter east side with mangroves and a wooden walkway, and Phra Nang Beach a short walk around the headland. Most visitors come for the day, but a stay on Railay changes the feel completely, because after the day boats leave the peninsula is quiet and beautiful. The Viator tour we link, rated 4.9 from 776 reviews, is a sunset speedboat cruise from Ao Nang that passes Railay, stops at Phra Nang Cave Beach, Poda Island and Tup Island, includes lunch, national park fees, a night snorkel and a start time of about 1 p.m.
The two beaches: West Railay faces the sunset and has the wide sand and the long-tail boats. East Railay is more of a working shore, with mangroves, small hotels and the climbing schools, and its water is not good for swimming at low tide. The walkway between them takes about five minutes and is lined with restaurants, shops and climbing outfitters. Phra Nang Beach is a further walk and has the finest sand, and the Railay viewpoint and hidden lagoon trail is a steep scramble for the energetic.
Getting there and staying: from Ao Nang, longtail boats leave when full from the beach and run until sunset, and the price is modest. At low tide, passengers may have to wade ashore from the boat, so keep luggage dry. Staying on Railay lets you avoid the rush, and options range from budget bungalows to the luxury of Rayavadee at the tip of the peninsula. There are no cars, so you carry your own bags and walk everywhere.
What to avoid: do not swim on East Railay at low tide, when the water is thin mud, and respect the monkeys, which can steal food. The area is crowded at midday and quiet at dawn and dusk, so plan your visit for those hours. Pair Railay with a rock climbing lesson, Phra Nang Cave and a Four Islands tour. If you only have one day, take the sunset cruise, which gives you the views, the snorkelling and the golden hour in one trip.
What to expect
The experience
A speedboat sunset cruise from Ao Nang that passes Railay and stops at Phra Nang, Poda and Tup, ending with a night snorkel; or a self-guided day by longtail.
Best time
Late afternoon for the glow on the cliffs; arrive early or stay over to avoid the midday crowds.
How long
About six and a half hours on the cruise; a day on the sand is up to you.
Tips
Carry small bills for longtail fares, wear sandals you can wade in, keep food out of sight of the monkeys and check the tide before swimming on East Railay.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the signature Krabi cliffs-and-sand scene.
- Families
- Beaches suit children, but the boat landings and the steps to viewpoints are not stroller-friendly.
- Couples
- The sunset cruise with a night snorkel is the romantic pick.
- Pair with
- Phra Nang Cave, a climbing lesson and the Four Islands tour.
- Time needed
- A day trip, or two nights to feel the peninsula after dark.
Good questions
How do I get to Railay Beach?+
By boat only. Longtails run from Ao Nang beach in about twenty minutes, and speedboat tours include Railay on their routes.
Is Railay worth staying overnight?+
Yes, the peninsula is quiet and beautiful after the day boats leave. Book a hotel on the west side or at Phra Nang for the best sand.
Can I swim at East Railay?+
Only at high tide. At low tide the water is shallow mud, so use West Railay or Phra Nang instead.
Is Railay good for families?+
The beaches are calm and suitable, but you carry luggage and walk everywhere. Older children enjoy the kayaks and short trails.
What is included in the Viator sunset tour?+
Lunch, fruit and drinks, national park fees, snorkel gear and a night snorkel, with stops at Phra Nang, Poda and Tup islands. Pickup varies by hotel and may carry a fee.
