About Railay Beach
Railay Beach is a peninsula in Krabi Province, cut off from the mainland by tall limestone cliffs. There are no roads in, so the only way to reach Railay is by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. The isolation is what makes it special.
The peninsula has several beaches. Railay West is the main one, with a long stretch of soft sand, clear water, and a backdrop of dramatic cliffs. Railay East is more of a mangrove shore with restaurants and budget accommodation. Phra Nang Beach, at the southern tip, is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with a large cave and turquoise water.
Rock climbing is a major draw. The limestone cliffs around Railay are world-famous among climbers, with hundreds of routes for all skill levels. Several climbing schools on the peninsula offer beginner courses and guided climbs.
Railay can be visited as a day trip from Phuket, though it involves a drive to the Krabi side. Many visitors choose to stay a night or two to enjoy the area without rushing. For the full guide, see Railay Beach.
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