Discover Railay Beach, Thailand: A Complete Guide + Highlights Map

Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Railay Beach is a tropical paradise on the Andaman Coast of Thailand (province of Krabi) that offers dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect escape for adventurers, beach lovers, and anyone seeking a slice of paradise. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Railay Beach!

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Best Time to Visit

You will hear that the best time to visit the Krabi area is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is sunny, and the seas are calm. Avoid the rainy season (May to October), as heavy rains and rough seas can limit activities and make travel challenging. 
 
This is true BUT you should know that sometimes the rainy season extends into December, which is what happened to us. We also heard that the shoulder season was the best time to visit Krabi for good weather and fewer crowds, so we decided to spend some time in the Krabi area at the end of November/beginning of December and got unlucky with some ready bad weather. We didn’t see the sun for an entire week. This doesn’t happen every year but if sunny days are a priority, we recommend going between the end of December and March.
 
Just know that this is peak season, so things tend to be more expensive and crowded. You can book your accommodation and flights in advance to save money. Tours are usually cheaper if you book them on-site but could sell out. 

How Many Days to Stay

Plan to stay 2–4 days to fully enjoy Railay Beach and its activities. If you’re into climbing or want to explore nearby islands, consider extending your stay to 5–7 days. Just know that Railay Beach is small so most people go on a day trip and while that’s great and you will get to see most of it in a few hours, you won’t get to experience the magic of Railay without the crowds. 
 
In our honest opinion, the beauty of Railay is best experienced early in the morning before the tours arrive and after 4 PM after most people have left so we highly recommend staying for at least 2 nights.
 

How to Get to Railay Beach

Railay is only accessible by boat due to the towering limestone cliffs that cut it off from the mainland. Here’s how to get there:

  • From Krabi Town or Ao Nang:
    • Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach or Krabi’s Ao Nam Mao Pier. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and costs approximately 100–150 THB per person.
  • From Phuket:
    • Travel by ferry or speedboat to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, then transfer to a longtail boat to Railay.
  • From Bangkok:
    • Fly to Krabi International Airport, then take a taxi to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao Pier for a longtail boat ride to Railay. 

Tip: Use 12Go to find the best transfer options. 

Best Free Things to Do

Railay Beach offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Here are the top free things to do:

  • Relax on the Beaches
    • Railay West Beach: The main beach with soft white sand and calm waters.
    • Phra Nang Beach: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs and caves.
    • Tonsai Beach: A quieter spot, popular with rock climbers.
  • Hike to the Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon
    • For stunning views of Railay, hike up to the viewpoint. Continue the trek to the hidden lagoon but be prepared for a steep and muddy climb! Make sure to wear proper shoes.
  • Explore Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave)
    • Visit this unique cave filled with offerings to the spirit of the princess, believed to bring fertility and prosperity.

Best Tours and Activities

  • Take a longtail boat or speedboat tour to nearby islands like Koh Poda and Chicken Island. Many tours also include snorkeling stops.
  • Visit Phi Phi Island and the beautiful Maya Bay.
  • Explore the famous James Bond Island, Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Lading Island, and Pakbia Island.
  • Enjoy a romantic Sunset Cruise with beautiful views, snorkeling, and even night swimming with bioluminescent plankton.
  • Take Rock Climbing Lessons. Railay is a world-famous rock-climbing destination, offering routes for all skill levels.
  • Explore the Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple.
  • Rent a kayak or paddle-board to explore hidden coves and limestone formations along the coast. This was one of our favorite things to do. It costs about 200 TBH an hour for a double kayak.
  • Visit the Diamond Cave, a stunning limestone cave with stalactites, great for exploring. Entrance is 200 THB per person.

Food and Drink Guide

  • Best Restaurants for Different Meals:
    • Breakfast: Coffee Station (Great coffee & smoothie bowls)
    • Lunch: Railay Family Restaurant (Authentic Thai cuisine)
    • Dinner: The Grotto (Romantic setting & great seafood)
    • Street Food: Get mango sticky rice and fresh fruit shakes from local vendors
  • Must-Try Local Dishes:
    • Pad Thai
    • Massaman Curry
    • Fresh Seafood BBQ
    • Mango Sticky Rice
  • Nightlife & Bars in Railay
    • The Last Bar – Best for live music, fire shows, and cocktails
    • Tew Lay Bar – Chill, reggae vibes with stunning sunset views
    • Why Not Bar – Fun beach bar with occasional party nights

Railay Beach Highlights Map

This map includes all of our favorite locations on Railay

Where to Stay in Railay Beach

Railay offers accommodations for all budgets, from luxury resorts to backpacker bungalows:

  • Luxury:
  • Mid-Range:
    • Railay Village Resort: Cozy villas located just steps from Railay West Beach. This is where we stayed and we have nothing bad to say about the resort. We really enjoyed our time here.
    • Sand Sea Resort: A great option for beachfront stays with a relaxed vibe.
  • Budget:

Important Tips for Planning Your Trip

  • Currency: Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are mostly accepted but most places charge a fee for using them so be sure to carry some cash. Be aware of ATM withdrawal fees (usually 150–220 THB per transaction).
  • Language: Thai is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Google Translate is very useful if you can’t communicate with someone.
  • Pack Light: You’ll need to wade through shallow water to board or disembark boats, so keep your luggage manageable and waterproof.
  • Bring Cash: ATMs are limited, and many smaller businesses don’t accept credit cards.
  • Wear Proper Footwear: For hikes and climbing, sturdy shoes are essential.
  • Book Tours Early: During peak season, tours can fill up quickly.
  • Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water and use sunscreen.

Packing Essentials for Railay Beach

Make sure to pack light for easier transfers in the South of Thailand but these are must-haves.

  • Waterproof Dry Bag – Essential for boat rides, kayaking, and keeping valuables safe. This is the one we use and recommend.
  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protects both your skin and the marine ecosystem.
  • Bug Spray – Mosquitoes can be an issue, especially in the evenings. I am a mosquito magnet and bought this one from a Seven-Eleven in Thailand and it worked perfectly.
  • Quick-Dry Towel – A must-have for beach days and island hopping. We always travel with this towel to beach destinations. It’s compact and very effective.
  • Power Bank – Limited charging spots, especially if you’re out all day on tours. This one has enough power to charge our phones a few times.

Final Thoughts

Railay Beach is a must-visit destination in Thailand, offering something for everyone—whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. With this guide, you’re ready to plan the perfect trip. See you in paradise & don’t forget to Explore More 🌎

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