Railay Beach in Krabi – Complete Travel Guide in 2025

The first time I heard about Railay Beach in Krabi, it immediately reminded me of that scene in The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio — where travelers set off to a remote island in search of paradise.

Railay isn’t actually an island (it’s a small peninsula), but it feels like one. With limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland, the only way to get there is by boat.

When I finally made the trip, it felt like I was heading off on an incredible adventure. I boarded a longtail boat with my huge backpack, the old engine sputtering to life as we pulled away from the shore.

With the sea spray on my face and nothing but dramatic cliffs on the horizon, it felt like I was chasing after some hidden world. And when Railay finally came into view, the levels of my excitement went through the roof.

In this guide, I’ll share how to get there, what to expect, why it’s worth the trip, and some of the activities you shouldn’t skip.

At a Glance

Getting to Railay isn’t the easiest (I’ll explain how later), but that’s exactly what makes it feel special. The mainland disappears behind you, and suddenly you’re surrounded by limestone cliffs that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a movie set.

Honestly, it looked beautiful in photos, but one thing I didn’t expect was just how dramatic it feels once you’re actually there. It’s a fantastic place both for first-time visitors and returning travelers.

By day, Railay is busy with day-trippers, climbers, and boats pulling in and out. But when evening comes and the crowds thin, the whole place takes on a romantic, almost hidden-away atmosphere.

Why I think it’s worth it

So, is it worth your time? In my opinion — absolutely. Railay stands out because it’s not just a beach, it’s a little world of its own. There are no cars, just sandy paths, jungle trails, and cliffs rising above you in every direction.

Compared to other nearby attractions like Ao Nang or even the Phi Phi Islands, Railay feels more compact, more walkable, and more adventurous.

Where is Railay Beach

Railay Beach is located in Krabi Province, southern Thailand, between Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Although it’s part of the mainland, it’s completely cut off by towering limestone cliffs.

Distances from nearby spots:

• From Ao Nang: about 10–15 minutes by longtail boat
• From Krabi Town: around 20–25 minutes by boat
• From Krabi International Airport: roughly 45 minutes (drive to Ao Nang or Krabi pier + boat transfer)

How to get there

Longtail Boat From Krabi town

I personally took the longtail boat from Chao Fah Park Pier in Krabi Town. I showed up in the morning and waited until the boat filled up, which didn’t take long.

There’s no fixed schedule — they wait until they have 8 passengers to collect 1,200 THB in total, or you can split the cost with whoever’s there to leave earlier.

The ride takes about 40 minutes, and arrives at the Railay East floating pier. The nice thing about this route is that you don’t have to jump into the water when you arrive — unlike Railay West.

Join a 4-island tour from Krabi

Another easy way to reach Railay is by joining a 4-Island Tour from Krabi. These trips usually stop at Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and also include Phra Nang Cave Beach and Railay.

If you’re short on time and want to combine Railay with a few other stunning spots in one day, this is a great option. Everything (boat, transport, guide) is organized for you, so you don’t need to worry about arranging transfers on your own.

From Ao Nam Mao Pier

Another option is to catch a longtail boat at Ao Nam Mao Pier, about 20 minutes from Railay. The price is 100 THB one way, and these boats also drop you at Railay East. From Krabi Town, though, you’ll need to organize transport to reach the pier (about a 15–20 minute drive).

From Ao Nang

From Ao Nang Beach, longtail boats run frequently since it’s the most popular route. Tickets are easy to buy right at the beach and usually cost 100 THB one way. The ride is about 10–15 minutes.

Boats typically wait until they have 10 passengers before departing, unless you’re willing to split the cost. Prepare for boarding and disembarking from the water. The boat takes you to Railay West.

Things to do at Railay Beach in Krabi

1. Phra Nang Beach

Phra Nang Beach was the first place I headed to after checking in to my hotel at Railay Beach in Krabi, and honestly, it’s the most iconic beach on the whole peninsula.

Even the walk there was an experience — the trail winds along a massive cliff towering on your left, and at one point, a giant stalactite hangs over the path.

On the way there, I also came face to face with a huge monitor lizard standing right on the narrow path — the first time I’d ever seen one in the wild. What a welcome to Railay!

The beach itself is stunning. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs with climbers all around, turquoise water, and soft white sand, it feels like something out of a dream. I ended up coming back here a few times during my stay.

I loved it here the most early in the morning and late in the afternoon (after 18:00), that’s when there were no tour boats, and it felt much more peaceful.

Beach facilities

Khrua Phra Nang restaurant is right at the end of the trail, just opposite the Phra Nang Cave. While the food is tasty and the views are fantastic (it has a terrace right on the beach), the prices are too high.

Another restaurant is The Grotto. I haven’t been there personally, but the reviews say enough. When I saw the photos of this place, I thought this might be the coolest restaurant I’ve seen! It has tables right in the cave, overlooking the sea.

Apparently, the staff is somewhat rude, the service is terrible, the food is not recommended, and the prices are what you’d expect – it’s an expensive place.

And then there’s the longtail boat restaurant parked just offshore. It has menus hanging from the sides and offers cheap snacks and drinks. I loved grabbing a cold can of Chang here — it’s such a unique experience and feels so different from a typical beach bar.

2. Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave)

At the very end of Phra Nang Beach, there’s a little cave you really can’t miss when visiting Railay Beach in Krabi.

It’s known as Princess Cave, and let’s just say it has a pretty unusual collection inside. Locals bring wooden carvings here as offerings to a fertility goddess — and yes, most of them are shaped as a penis.

The first time I walked up to it, I didn’t know whether to laugh, be impressed, or just quietly back away. In the end, I did all three. It was funny watching tourists taking selfies here.

Honestly, it’s quirky, surprising, and very different from the usual “temple on a hill” kind of shrine you’d expect in Thailand.

3. Climb to the East Railay Viewpoint

On my way from the hotel to the beach, I noticed a small turnoff into the jungle. It didn’t look inviting at all — just a steep hill of slippery red mud with ropes tied to the trees for climbing. A little sign said “Viewpoint.”

Most people were walking straight past, but I bumped into a couple coming down and asked what was up there. Their answer was enough to make me think: you only live once, so why not give it a try?

The climb was much tougher than I expected, especially since I was wearing sandals. The ropes are slippery and stained red from the mud, and every section seems crazier than the last. It isn’t exactly safe or easy.

When I finally reached the top after 20 minutes, the view made it all worth it. From the viewpoint, you can see Railay East and its turquoise bays with the strip of palms and cliffs in the distance.

I was sweaty, muddy, and a little shaky from the climb — but honestly, I was so thankful I’d decided to give it a go. It felt like stepping into a postcard from a paradise.

4. Hike to Princess Lagoon

If you’ve made it to the viewpoint — congrats! Why not keep the crazy, not-so-safe adventure going a bit longer?

On my way back down, I noticed another turn leading straight down the cliffs to Princess Lagoon. A hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs? That sounded like the kind of place I definitely didn’t want to miss.

The trail down is intense. At one point, I had to squeeze through a narrow rock “window,” only to find myself facing a vertical drop with just a rope to cling to. By the time I reached the bottom, I was already questioning my life choices.

And the lagoon itself? Honestly, it wasn’t quite the turquoise paradise I’d imagined. The water was more murky and muddy when I went, though I’ve seen photos where it looks clearer and brighter — so maybe it depends on the tide or time of year.

Still, standing in a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs was surreal in its own way. There’s also a small cave in the back that’s worth a peek before heading back up.

5. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard

One of the best ways to take in Railay’s dramatic cliffs is from the water. Renting a kayak or paddleboard is super easy — you’ll find them right on Railay West.

From the water, you really see how massive the limestone walls are, and if you go a bit further, you can reach hidden coves or even paddle over to Ton Sai Beach.

There are also kayak and SUP group tours available. One of the recommended companies is Freebird Paddle Co.

6. See the Bioluminescent plankton

Some of the SUP and kayak tours also run at night, giving you the chance to see the bioluminescent plankton. When you dip your paddle or hand in the water, it sparkles with tiny glowing dots — like swimming through a sky full of stars.

I didn’t join one of those tours myself. Instead, I met a private longtail boat owner on Phra Nang Beach who offered to take a small group out after sunset. The price was reasonable, so I gave it a try — and I’m glad I did.

This was my very first encounter with bioluminescent plankton, and it felt magical. The glow wasn’t super intense, but floating in the dark water with little sparks of light all around was unforgettable.

Later on, I also went snorkeling with plankton at the Phi Phi Islands, which is another fantastic place to see them.

7. Take the Four Island Tour

The name is a little misleading — since you’re already at Phra Nang Cave Beach, the tour really covers three more spots: Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Tup Island.

Each has its own charm, from sandbars that appear at low tide to postcard-perfect beaches and that famous chicken-shaped rock sticking out of the sea.

I was also offered to join the Four Island Tour by the same longtail boat driver who took me to see the plankton. If you talk to the boat drivers around Railay, you’ll likely find a deal.

Otherwise, you can book island-hopping tours through the small agencies in Railay or even ask at your hotel.

8. Rock Climbing

Railay is famous around the world for its rock climbing, and once you see the cliffs up close, it’s easy to understand why. The limestone walls rise straight out of the beach, full of caves, overhangs, and routes that look both intimidating and exciting.

I didn’t try climbing myself, but you can’t walk far in Railay without seeing people strapped into harnesses, making their way up the cliffs.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a pro, there are climbing schools all over Railay offering half-day or full-day sessions.

9. Watch the sunset

Sunsets in Railay are something else. The best spots to watch are Railay West or over at Phra Nang Beach (walk to the far right edge). By the time evening rolls around, the tour boats have left, and the whole place feels calm.

10. Walk along Railay East

Railay East isn’t really a beach for swimming — the shoreline is muddy and lined with mangroves instead of sand. But it does have its own charm. A wooden boardwalk runs along the water’s edge, with dramatic cliffs towering right in front of you.

It’s a surprisingly nice spot for a quiet stroll, especially in the evening. At low tide, the water pulls so far back that it looks like the sea has completely disappeared.

11. Chill at Railay West

Railay West is the main hub of the peninsula. It’s busy, with longtail boats constantly coming and going to Ao Nang, Phi Phi, and other islands. If you’re standing near the boat area, it can feel a bit crowded and noisy.

But walk a little further down the beach, and it quickly becomes more peaceful. There’s plenty of space to lay down a towel, swim, or just sit back and take in the views of the cliffs surrounding the bay.

In the late afternoon, it’s also one of the best spots to watch the sunset with a drink in hand.

12. Walk over to Tonsai Beach

If you feel like exploring beyond Railay, you can walk over to Ton Sai Beach, the next cove along. The path starts at the northern end of Railay West and cuts through the jungle. It’s not a long walk, but it can be a bit rocky and uneven — so bring shoes, not flip-flops.

Ton Sai has a totally different vibe compared to Railay – laid-back atmosphere, simple resorts, and fewer people.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Railay is during the dry season from November to April. This is when the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and boats run smoothly between Ao Nang, Krabi, and Railay.

It’s also peak season, so you’ll find more visitors around, but the atmosphere is lively and the weather makes it worth it.

From May to October, Krabi enters the rainy season. While you can still visit, heavy downpours and rough seas can sometimes disrupt boat transfers. On the upside, the crowds thin out, prices drop, and the whole area feels much more relaxed.

Other places to visit nearby

• Ao Nang – The main beach town near Railay, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and a lively nightlife.
• Phi Phi Islands – World-famous for their turquoise water and towering cliffs. Best visited for an overnight stay or longer.
• Krabi Town – A more local vibe compared to Ao Nang, with riverside markets and authentic Thai food.
• Tiger Cave Temple – A famous temple just outside Krabi Town, with a steep stair climb (1,200+ steps) that rewards you with panoramic views.

Final thoughts

Looking back, Railay felt like one of those places that’s worth a visit. The moment I stepped off the longtail boat and saw the limestone cliffs towering over the turquoise water, I knew it wasn’t just another beach stop.

Whether you’re into climbing, exploring caves, or simply want a spot to relax on soft sand, Railay has a little bit of everything.

It may not be as remote as the island in The Beach, but it carries that same sense of adventure — being cut off from the mainland, only reachable by boat, and surrounded by incredible scenery.

If you’re heading to Krabi, I’d say make space in your itinerary for Railay. Even just a day here leaves an impression. But I’m thrilled I chose to stay overnight, which gave me the chance to experience it after the day-trippers have gone — and that’s when it’s the most magical.