Railay Beach is a small peninsula situated between Krabi and Ao Nang. It is only accessible by boat due to soaring limestone cliffs blocking off any mainland entry. This makes it feel as if you’re on a secluded island free to roam the pristine beaches, scale the cliffs, explore jungles and caves, and smoke pot or drink mushroom shakes. Yes, you read that correctly. Railay is filled with local Rastafarians who makes you forget you’re in Thailand and not the Caribbeans! Reggae bars, music, and the soul of Bob Marley can be found at every corner. Backpackers looking to party hard will be greatly disappointed as Railay radiates laid-back, carefree and chill vibes. The locals here tell me, “no police, no problem.”
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
THAILAND BASIC ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Visit Thailand Travel Guide: How to Get Started to review basic essential information covering topics including visa, weather, money exchange, electrical socket types, internet & cell data, language, and more.
ATM
There are several ATM Machines available around the island with one located at Railay Bay’s MiniMart. Credit card is accepted at modern vendors but most small shops and markets are cash only. It’s best to withdraw cash before arrival as ATMs are often out-of-service.
WIFI & MOBILE DATA
Wifi and mobile data are easily accessible. Digital nomads will find no problem settling here.
TRANSPORTATION
There are no roads available for public transportation in Railay. Those traveling here will find no cars and only few bicycles and motorcycles. Getting around by foot is relatively easy while long-tail boats are available as water taxis for covering longer distances.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Did you remember to consider getting Travel Insurance? It is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to any foreign country. Railay Beach is filled with outdoor activities such as hiking through jungles, rock climbing, and water sport activities. One can get seriously injured if not careful. On top of that, different climate conditions, insect bites, or trying new types of food can cause one to become seriously ill. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can add up and ruin your trip. The most popular insurance for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.
HOW TO GET TO RAILAY BEACH
KRABI TOWN
Long-tail boats depart daily from Krabi town’s Klong Jilad pier and costs 150 THB. The boat ride takes roughly 40 minutes and will drop you off at Railay East Beach jetty. Walking between Railay West Beach and Railay East Beach takes less than 10 minutes to walk to so don’t panic if your accommodation is located on the other side.
AO NANG BEACH
Long-tail boats depart daily from Ao Nang’s main beach and costs 100 THB. The boat ride takes roughly 15 minutes and will drop you off at Railay West Beach. Boats run until 18:00 (24:00 during high-season at a nightly higher rate) and tends to not depart until they are filled with 8 people. This may take a few minutes or an hour. You can get dropped off at Railay West, Ton Sai, or Phra Nang beach. There are no jettys so be prepared to wade through waters.
AO NAM MAO
Long-tail boats depart daily from Ao Nam Mao’s Pier and costs 80 THB. The boat ride takes roughly 20 minutes and will drop you off at Railay East Beach jetty. Boats depart every hour until 18:00 during high-season and every 8 people during low-season.
TO/FROM OTHER ISLANDS & DESTINATIONS
Ferries can often be found departing from other islands to Railay. These include Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and others. You can also travel by land to one of the main departing docks around Krabi and take a boat from there.
WHERE TO STAY IN RAILAY BEACH
Railay West is the most beautiful and popular beach on the peninsula. Railay East is where all the boats dock so the water is not suitable for swimming, and there is not much beach around the jetty. Ton Sai Bay is the place to be if you’re looking to spend most of your time rock climbing. Phra Nang Bay is beautiful beach but does not contain any hotels. Regardless of where you decide to settle, the peninsula is not that large and you can easily walk to any of these four popular regions.
RAILAY BAY WEST
Railay West is where most people tend to stay due to the long stretch of beach being right at it’s doorstep.
Hotel Suggestions:
- Railay Bay Resort
- Sand Sea Resort
- Rayavadee (Insane Luxury Hotel)
RAILAY BAY EAST
Railay East is located on the opposite side of Railay West and contains a jetty where boats are docked. There is not much of a beach on this side but accommodations tend to be slightly cheaper. You are also closer to the bars and restaurants located outside of the Walking Street.
Hotel Suggestions:
Hostel Suggestions:
- Blanco Hideout
- Rapala Rock Wood Resort (Cheap Accommodation)
TON SAI BAY
Ton Sai Bay is the hot spot for backpackers and rock climbers looking to scale the limestone cliff. It is also next door to Railay West and contains the cheapest accommodation options.
Hotel Suggestions:
Airbnb is a great option for a more private place, especially if you are going with a group of people. Use my link to get a $40 credit for new users!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KOH PHI PHI ISLANDS
There are many adventurist things to do around Railay. From lounging on beaches to scaling the limestone cliffs, here is a great list to get you started in no particular order.
1. RAILAY WEST BEACH
Railay West beach is the most popular and main beach of Railay. Lounge around while soaking in the beautiful views of the turquoise waters surrounding by soaring limestone cliffs. The sun sets perfectly over here with Flame Tree Restaurant being a hot spot, being conveniently located at the west end of Walking Street.
2. PHRA NANG BEACH
Phra Nang Beach is almost as popular as Railay West and it being more beautiful than Railey West is up for debate. Regardless, both beaches are located right next door to each other, separated by only a short walk. Here you can find beach loungers and courageous rock climbers scaling the limestone walls, right next to the cave full of wooden phalluses. The cave full of what???
3. PHRA NANG (PRINCESS) CAVE
Princess cave, situated at one end of Phra Nang Bay, contains a shrine full of phalluses. It’s pretty hard to miss the massive 4 foot ding dong with it’s smaller minions right behind it. You can be sure to have the ultimate dick pic if you capture a selfie here! Please remember to be respectful as this is still a sacred place for the locals.
“Legend has it that an Indian woman was killed in a shipwreck off the Railay coastline and her confused spirit took refuge in this cave, having never left. Fishermen and boatmen continues to make good luck offerings in the form of flowers, incense, and lingams believing it will bring them success in fishing, protect them in their journey home, and help with fertility. Local folklore says if you carve a wooden penis and release it during high tide around Krabi coast, it will eventually end up in the Phra Nang cave.”
4. THAM PRANANGNAI (DIAMOND) CAVE
Diamond Cave allows you to take a peak inside the massive limestone cliffs. There’s an easy walkway built inside so it doesn’t require anything strenuous. The place is well lit so you can get a clear look at the many stalactite, stalagmites, columns, and bats. There is a 40 THB entrance fee which is worth it, especially during rainy days. It’s unlikely you’ll get trapped in this cave.
5. ROCK CLIMBING AT TON SAI
If Railay Bay West is a beach lover’s paradise, then Ton Sai Bay is a rock climber’s paradise. You can rent equipment, hire an instructor, and find rock climbing spots suitable for all skill ranges. They even offer deep water soloing, a form of bouldering/rock climbing without ropes where you plunge into the ocean below if you fall. You can hike through the jungle or walk along the beach during low tide to reach Ton Sai from Railay West.
6. HIKE RAILEY VIEWPOINT & LAGOON
Hiking up to Railay’s viewpoint is short but not an easy task. It’s very steep and you get nothing but a questionable rope for support. You will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Railey once at the top. If you’re still feeling confident, continue hiking down to the lagoon. The grounds here are treacherous so proceed with extra care. The hidden lagoon is enclosed on all sides with an opening at the top. It’s best to visit during high tide when the ocean fills the lagoon and makes it swimmable.
7. 4-ISLANDS BOAT TOUR
If you’re getting tired of Railay (you’re doing something wrong!) then go on the 4-islands boat tour. The tour will take you to Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Tub, and Koh Mor where you can explore the islands and go snorkeling.
Thale waek, or “separated sea,” is an occurrence during low tide where a three-pronged sandbar links Koh Gai, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor together. This makes the three islands walkable to one another.
Can you make out the chicken at Chicken Island? I personally think there may be another phallic shrine there.
Koh Poda is an island where you can snorkel in the crystal clear turquoise waters and have lunch. It’s iconic for the gigantic limestone rock jutting out of the water like nobody is watching.
Organized tours can be found for around 800 THB, plus an additional 400 THB National Park Fee. Snorkeling gear and lunch should be included so make sure to inquire about that. You could potentially get this tour cheaper by chartering an entire boat if you have a large enough group. There’s always room for negotiation.
8. OTHER POPULAR THINGS TO DO
- Bioluminescent Planktons – Go out for a swim/skinny dip at night to find bioluminescent planktons. Watch as plaktons stick and glow all over you!
- Kayaking and Paddle Boarding (SUP)
- Freebird Paddle Boarding w/ Bioluminescent Planktons – Take it to the next level and go on this sunset SUP tour where they take you further around the island to see bioluminescent planktons!
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN RAILAY BAY
Food found on Thailand’s islands and secluded areas are mediocre at best. Realistically, it is difficult to get shipments of good ingredients from mainland. Most food found at tourist destinations are catered for tourists. This translates to westernized tasting Thai food and less than exceptional western dishes. Here are my top picks that I found worthy of going back.
1. JEN BAR & RESTAURANT
When surrounded by fresh water, order fresh seafood like whole fried garlic fish! Jen Bar & Restaurant is also home to Railay Cooking Class.
2. LOCAL THAI FOOD
No fuss, basic Thai food at decent prices. It’s conveniently located along walking street which gives off a great atmosphere!
3. KOHINOOR
Surprisingly, I have not had bad Indian food in Thailand. This place is no different. Come here if you need a break from Thai food and order yourself some delicious tikka masala with fresh naan.
4. TREE HOUSE BAR & GRILL AKA MOM'S KITCHEN
Tree House Bar & Grill sits on top of Mom’s Kitchen and contains the exact same menu at a higher price. I personally think it’s worth dining at the Tree House. Not only are you in a super hip tree house setting with floor seating available, live acoustic music is played throughout the night and they take song requests. Free Bird anyone? The guitarist/singer that night was able to sing perfectly in Thai, English, and Chinese. Talk about talent!
I ordered the shrimp with glass noodles in a pot and it instantly became my favorite dish in Railay. Tree House is also a great place to lounge around and have drinks.
BEST BARS IN RAILAY
I’m a big fan of reggae, acoustics, and electronic music. All three can be found at various, ultra unique bars in Railay. How much more awesome can this place get?
1. LAST BAR
This place is not exactly the last bar anymore and is located down Railay East. The music ranges from live acoustic to loud EDM. They have fire shows and muay thai kick boxing so make sure to check the schedule to see what’s going on for the night. This place is great for those looking for a wild night out!
2. BLACK PEARL
Black Pearl bar has a super laid-back vibe with reggae music playing all night long. There’s a second floor level where you can lay down and relax.
3. TEW LAY BAR
Tew Lay is a very unique bar situated further past “The Last Bar” on Railey East. It features a tree-house like platform that hangs over the Andaman sea. You can even watch the sunset here as the land curves back towards the west.
SAMPLE ITINERARY RAILAY 4DAYS/3NIGHTS
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
- Arrive in Railay
- Hotel Check-in
- Lunch
- Explore Phra Nang Bay
- Railay Viewpoint
- Dinner
- Bars
- Sleep
DAY 2: ISLAND BOAT TOURS
- Breakfast
- Island Boat Tours (Lunch Included)
- Thai Massage
- Dinner
- Bars
- Sleep
DAY 3: EXPLORE RAILAY
- Breakfast
- Diamond Cave
- Railay Beach West
- Lunch
- Rock Climbing at Ton Sai Bay
- Dinner
- Bars
- Sleep
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast
- Hotel Check-out
- Remember all the good times and cry as you leave Railay
GENERAL TIPS
- Drink plenty of water and carry a bottle with you. Thailand is hot and touring the island while drinking is dehydrating.
- Thailand attracts all type of people from around the world. Always stay cautious at a foreign country and never leave your drinks unattended.
- Be cautious of scammers and pick pocketing. If you feel as if you are being cheated then walk away.
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