Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand travel guide

Why go

Railay is a peninsula rather than an island, but limestone cliffs seal it off from the mainland so completely that the only way in is by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi town. Four beaches face different directions across a short walk: two for swimming, one lined with boats, one hemmed by caves and climbing routes. There are no roads, no cars and no real town.

Three or four nights is enough unless you are climbing, in which case people stay for weeks. November to March is dry and calm; from May the monsoon brings rain and rougher crossings, though prices drop accordingly. Day trippers arrive from mid-morning and thin out by five, and the peninsula changes character afterwards. The Phi Phi and Hong island groups are within reach by boat for a day out.

Ideal stay: 3–4 nights
The vibe: Karst-framed, boat-only, laid-back

From our guides

Rock climbers dangle above the sand, kayaks nose between the towers, and Phra Nang beach at the peninsula's tip is the show-stealer. Go from November to March, before the heat builds. Sunset from West Railay, with the cliffs turning amber, is the memory you'll keep.

Featured in Ten far-flung beaches worth the long-haul flight

Things to do

Phra Nang Beach

The best of the four, a short walk through a passage in the cliff, with a shrine full of carved offerings in a cave at one end.
West Railay

The main swimming beach, facing the sunset, backed by resorts and the arrival point for most longtail boats at high tide.
Rock climbing

Hundreds of bolted routes on the limestone, from beginner half-days on the lower walls to serious multi-pitch above the sea.
The viewpoint and lagoon

A steep, rope-assisted scramble up from East Railay to a viewpoint over the peninsula, and a muddier drop to a hidden lagoon below.
Kayaking the karsts

Hire a kayak from West Railay and paddle north around the towers and into the caves at the base of the cliffs.
Sunset on West Railay

The cliffs turn orange and the longtails silhouette against the water. It is the fixed appointment of every day here.

Getting there

Fly to
Krabi (KBV)

Nearest airport to Railay Beach, about 19km away as the crow flies.
Then
To Railay

About 30 minutes by taxi or airport bus from Krabi (KBV) to Ao Nang or Krabi town, then a longtail boat of 10 to 15 minutes across to Railay.
On the ground
Getting around

There are no roads on the peninsula, so it is all sandy paths on foot; longtails shuttle between East and West Railay, Phra Nang beach and Ao Nang.

Public transport: Longtail boats run through the day in season and stop when the sea gets rough; no bus or car reaches Railay at all.

Flights

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Flying from

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Roughly 17h 10m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.

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Flight times are estimates; prices open on Google Flights.

When to go

Daytime highs run from about 29°C in September to 32°C in March. Driest in January and February; wettest in October, with rain on about 28 days. The sea is warmest in May at around 32°C, coolest at 29°C.

The year at a glance — pick a month for detail

April32° · rain 22 days · sea 32°Hot and often wet.

Monthly figures averaged from daily records for 2020–2024 at this location (ERA5 reanalysis).

Where to stay

Beach resorts on West Railay, simple bungalows and guesthouses east and at Tonsai, with hotels of every grade at Ao Nang. No cars, so luggage travels by boat and on foot.

Best base overall
West Railay

The sand you have seen in pictures, with the smarter resorts, sunset drinks and the longtail drop off. Prices sit well above the mainland and there is no road in or out.
Find stays in West Railay
Best value
East Railay

Ten minutes' walk over the neck of the peninsula, facing mangroves rather than swimming water. Cheaper rooms, cheap food, and you use West Railay's beach anyway.
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Best for nightlife
Tonsai Bay

The climbers' bay next door, reached by boat or a scramble at low tide, with basic bungalows, fire shows and late bars. Power can be rationed and standards are rough.
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Best with children
Ao Nang

On the mainland, with pharmacies, supermarkets, ATMs and a road, plus boats to Railay every few minutes. Less dramatic, far easier with buggies and early bedtimes.
Find stays in Ao Nang

Worth knowing before you book: November to March is peak and Christmas to New Year sells out months ahead with minimum stays. Boats stop running in rough weather, so allow slack on departure day.

Search everything else in Railay by budget. These are indicative budget bands in GBP per night for two people, not live quotes or guarantees of hotel type. Check your dates, guests, taxes and final price on Booking.com.

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Good to know

Getting there: Longtail boats leave Ao Nang and Krabi town when full, in around 15 minutes. They stop running after dark and in rough seas.
Cash or card: There are only a couple of cash points and they charge heavily. Bring baht across from the mainland.
Tides: At low tide boats cannot land on West Railay and you may have to wade. Keep luggage and phones in a dry bag.
Monkeys: They will take food and unattended bags on Phra Nang. Do not feed them and keep your zips closed.
Timing: November to March is the dry season. Day trippers dominate between ten and four, so swim early and late.

Similar places

Nearby destinations

Elsewhere in Thailand

Bangkok Ko Nang Yuan Ko Tao

Quick answers

When is the best time to visit Railay Beach?

Daytime highs run from about 29°C in September to 32°C in March. Driest in January and February; wettest in October, with rain on about 28 days. The sea is warmest in May at around 32°C, coolest at 29°C.

How long should I spend in Railay Beach?

Our suggestion: 3–4 nights.

How do I get to Railay Beach?

About 30 minutes by taxi or airport bus from Krabi (KBV) to Ao Nang or Krabi town, then a longtail boat of 10 to 15 minutes across to Railay.

Do I need a car in Railay Beach?

No. Longtail boats run through the day in season and stop when the sea gets rough; no bus or car reaches Railay at all.

What currency and language are used in Railay Beach?

Currency: Thai baht (THB). Language: Thai. Plugs: type A and B and C and O.

Who is Railay Beach best for?

Best for beach lovers, adventure seekers and couples. In a phrase: karst-framed, boat-only, laid-back.

Railay Beach

Phra Nang Beach

West Railay

Rock climbing

The viewpoint and lagoon

Kayaking the karsts

Sunset on West Railay

Krabi (KBV)

To Railay

Getting around

West Railay

East Railay

Tonsai Bay

Ao Nang

Radhanagar Beach

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Ten far-flung beaches worth the long-haul flight