Railay beach is a hidden gem in the Andaman coast of Thailand. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters, Railay beach offers a paradise-like escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, Railay beach has something for everyone. In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll show you the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there, so you can plan your perfect trip to Railay beach.
Things to Do in Railay Beach
Railay beach is not only a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sun, but also a playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Here are some of the top attractions and activities that you can enjoy in Railay beach:
Rock Climbing: Railay beach is one of the world’s best rock climbing destinations, with over 700 routes for all levels of climbers. You can join a guided tour, rent equipment, or take a lesson from one of the many climbing schools in Railay. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the thrill of scaling the sheer cliffs is unforgettable.
Kayaking: One of the best ways to explore the stunning scenery of Railay beach is by kayaking. You can rent a kayak and paddle around the bay, admiring the rock formations, caves, and lagoons. You can also venture further and visit the nearby islands, such as Koh Poda, Koh Hong, and Koh Lao Liang, where you can snorkel, swim, and picnic.
Snorkeling: Railay beach has some of the best snorkeling spots in Thailand, with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can snorkel right off the beach, or join a boat tour that will take you to the best locations. Some of the most popular snorkeling sites are Hat Tham Phra Nang, Sa Phra Nang, and Tham Phra Nang, where you can see clownfish, angelfish, sea turtles, and more.
Hiking: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to some of the hidden gems of Railay beach, such as the Railay Viewpoint, the Lagoon, and the Princess Cave. The trails are steep and challenging, but the rewards are worth it. The Railay Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the bay, the Lagoon is a natural pool surrounded by cliffs, and the Princess Cave is a sacred site with a collection of phallic offerings.
Caving: Railay beach is home to several caves that are worth exploring, such as the Diamond Cave, the Phra Nang Cave, and the Pirate Cave. The Diamond Cave is the largest and most accessible, with a wooden walkway and electric lights. The Phra Nang Cave is located at the end of Hat Tham Phra Nang, and is famous for its fertility shrine. The Pirate Cave is a hidden cave that can only be reached by kayak or boat, and is said to contain a treasure buried by pirates.
These are just some of the many things to do in Railay beach, but there are plenty more to discover. You can also enjoy other activities, such as yoga, massage, cooking class, fire show, and more.
Where to Stay in Railay Beach
Railay beach has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly bungalows to luxury resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Railay beach, based on budget, location, and amenities:
Railay Bay Resort & Spa: This is a four-star resort that offers spacious and comfortable rooms, villas, and cottages, with private balconies, jacuzzis, and outdoor pools. The resort is located on the west side of Railay beach, with direct access to the beach and stunning views of the sunset. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a fitness center.
Railay Princess Resort & Spa: This is a three-star resort that offers modern and cozy rooms and suites, with air conditioning, minibars, and free wifi. The resort is located on the east side of Railay beach, with a short walk to the beach and the pier. The resort also has two outdoor pools, a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a spa.
Rapala Rock Wood Resort: This is a budget-friendly resort that offers rustic and charming bungalows, with fans, mosquito nets, and hammocks. The resort is located on the east side of Railay beach, with a peaceful and natural setting. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, and a rock climbing wall.
These are just some of the many places to stay in Railay beach, but there are plenty more to choose from. You can also find other options, such as hostels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Where to Eat and Drink in Railay Beach
Railay beach has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, from local Thai cuisine to international dishes. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Railay beach, based on cuisine, price, and atmosphere:
Mangrove Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant that serves authentic Thai food, such as curries, soups, salads, and stir-fries. The restaurant is located on the east side of Railay beach, with a cozy and casual ambiance. The restaurant also has a vegetarian and vegan menu, and a happy hour with cocktails and beers.
The Last Bar: This is a lively bar that offers live music, fire shows, and games, such as pool, darts, and foosball. The bar is located on the west side of Railay beach, with a fun and friendly vibe. The bar also serves food, such as burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, and drinks, such as buckets, shots, and smoothies.
The Coffee Station: This is a cozy cafe that serves freshly brewed coffee, tea, and juices, as well as pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. The cafe is located on the east side of Railay beach, with a relaxing and charming atmosphere. The cafe also has free wifi, books, and magazines.
These are just some of the many places to eat and drink in Railay beach, but there are plenty more to try. You can also find other options, such as seafood, pizza, and ice cream.
How to Get to and Around Railay Beach
Railay beach is not an island, but it feels like one, as it is only accessible by boat. Here are some of the different ways to get to and around Railay beach:
By Plane: The nearest airport to Railay beach is Krabi International Airport, which is about 25 km away. You can fly to Krabi from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other domestic and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, where you can catch a longtail boat to Railay beach. The boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and costs about 100 to 150 baht per person.
By Bus: You can also take a bus to Krabi from Bangkok, Phuket, Surat Thani, and other cities in Thailand. The bus ride takes about 10 to 12 hours, and costs about 500 to 800 baht per person. From the bus station, you can take a taxi or a songthaew to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, where you can catch a longtail boat to Railay beach.
By Train: You can also take a train to Surat Thani from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities in Thailand. The train ride takes about 12 to 15 hours, and costs about 500 to 1000 baht per person. From the train station, you can take a bus or a taxi to Krabi, where you can catch a longtail boat to Railay beach.
The best time to visit Railay beach is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant. The peak season is from December to January, when the prices are higher and the crowds are larger. The low season is from May to October, when the weather is wet, humid, and unpredictable. The prices are lower and the crowds are smaller, but the boat services may be limited or canceled due to the rough sea conditions.
Once you’re in Railay beach, the best way to get around is by foot, as the area is small and walkable. You can also rent a bike or a kayak to explore the nearby areas. You can also take a longtail boat to visit the other beaches and islands, such as Ton Sai, Phra Nang, and Koh Phi Phi.
Conclusion
Railay beach is one of the most amazing and unique destinations in Thailand, where you can experience the beauty, adventure, and culture of the country. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, a thrilling escapade, or a cultural immersion, Railay beach has it all. In this travel guide, we’ve shown you the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there, so you can plan your dream trip to Railay beach.
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