As seen off the coast of Railay Beach, the limestone cliffs that rise from the Andaman Sea are truly breathtaking; their weathered grey faces topped with tufts of greenery serving as dramatic backdrops for tropical landscapes and stunning sunset views. But it’s not just their towering presence that makes Railay Beach such a secluded paradise and must-visit destination for visitors to Krabi. In fact Railay is unique in that it caters to all types of travelers while never getting too crowded.
With Railay Beach, Krabi being atop many prospective travelers’ lists, here is everything you need to know about visiting this top beach in Thailand.
Where is Railay Beach?
Railay Beach, Krabi sits on a small peninsula jutting from the coast at the southern end of Ao Nang, sealed off from the mainland by limestone cliffs so sheer that engineers gave up on building roads. This means that every visitor must arrive by a 15 minute longtail boat ride, adding an extra travel step that has kept the area more quiet.
Over the years, it has gradually gone from an isolated backpacker haven to a low-key spot with tropical sophistication. The peninsula spans less than a square kilometer but packs enough variety to satisfy everyone, from rock climbers to sun tanners.
The Three Beaches of Railay Peninsula
Railay spreads across three beaches, each with its own character. Railay West claims the best real estate—proper swimming water, wide beach with fine light-colored sand, and those dramatic limestone backdrops that fill Instagram feeds. Longtail boats will deliver most visitors here, and this is also the start of the Walking Street that takes you over to Railay East.
In radical contrast, Railay East offers something entirely different – logistics. At low tide, it transforms into a muddy tidal flat, revealing exposed coral and boat hulls sitting awkwardly on wet sand, while at high tide larger boats come in with deliveries and tourists. The beach lacks any swimming appeal but compensates with infrastructure—cheap guesthouses, climbing shops, and the main walking path to the peninsula’s third beach.
Phra Nang Beach, separated from Railay West by an impassable cliff, is the prize for adventuring around the peninsula. Here the sun radiates off the giant limestone walls and blankets the beach in a golden hue, and since it’s a healthy 20-minute walk from the boat drop off point, it is far less visited. You can expect to see climbers dangling from the rock faces and small crowds taking pictures in the small cave nearby, and most likely a monkey or two keeping an eye on things.
What to do in Railay: Viewpoints, Lagoons, and Sacred Caves
The peninsula rewards those willing to explore. The famed viewpoint hike starts along the path between East and Phra Nang beaches. Fixed ropes help navigate near-vertical muddy sections that get slippery after rain. The 30-minute climb demands actual effort, and might come with some muddy clothes, but the payoff comes in tremendous panoramic views looking over the beaches.
The lagoon presents an even more adventurous challenge. Reaching this hidden pool requires navigating another arduous route with ropes, but this time downward from a path nearby the view point. The reward: an emerald pool encased by cliff walls, a natural amphitheater that feels discovered rather than visited.
Over on Phra Nang Beach, there’s a less adventurous (but maybe more interesting) thing to do in Railway. The small nearby cave houses a shrine to a mythical sea princess, its entrance cluttered with wooden phalluses left as fertility offerings—a cultural quirk that catches many Western visitors off guard.
Rock Climbing
Railay has earned its reputation as Southeast Asia’s premier rock climbing destination, with hundreds of routes ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-only. The limestone here offers sharp holds, dramatic overhangs, and routes that often end with ocean views. Beginners can visit one of the many schools that teach basic rock climbing safety and go on easy routes, while experts can clip in and go.
How to get to Railay Beach from Krabi
The only way to get to Railay Beach involves a boat ride, and understanding the options saves both money and hassle. From Ao Nang and Ao Nam Mao piers, you can take the public longtail boats. These depart when they fill up (usually 8 people) or at fixed times during high season, taking about 15 minutes to reach Railay West and East, respectively.
During low tide, some boats can’t reach Railay East, forcing a wet landing at Railay West instead. Pack accordingly—waterproof bags and quick-dry clothing make the journey less stressful when you’re wading through knee-deep water with your luggage overhead.
Making Railay Part of Your Krabi Holiday
While Railay deserves a full day of exploration, basing yourself on the mainland offers more accommodation options and easier access to Krabi’s other attractions. Deevana Plaza Krabi positions guests perfectly for Railay adventures—close enough for easy day trips but far enough to enjoy proper resort amenities and a wider range of dining options.
The hotel’s concierge can arrange boat transfers and guide services, eliminating the guesswork from planning your Railay excursion. After a day scrambling up viewpoints or floating in hidden lagoons, returning to Deevana Plaza’s pool and spa feels like the perfect complement to Railay’s raw beauty.
To experience it all, book your stay at a hotel in Krabi near the beach like Deevana Plaza and chart a trip to Railay Beach during your holiday.
