Railay Beach Krabi Holidays
Railay Beach
Holidays
The most dramatic and beautiful beach in mainland Thailand — a peninsula of white sand and turquoise water enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, accessible only by boat
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Flight Time
11–12h from UK (via Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur)
Best Time
November to April (dry season)
Country
Thailand
Suppliers
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Railay Beach Holiday Guide
Railay Beach is the most dramatic and beautiful beach destination in mainland Thailand — a peninsula enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, accessible only by longtail boat. Phra Nang Beach is one of the finest in Thailand. The rock climbing is world-class. The hidden lagoon is extraordinary.
The Rayavadee resort is one of the finest in Thailand. The Princess Cave is unmissable. The approach by longtail through the cliffs is one of the most dramatic arrivals in Southeast Asia.
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Popular Areas in Railay Beach
Average Temperatures
Jan
29°C
Feb
30°C
Mar
31°C
Apr
32°C
May
31°C
Jun
30°C
Jul
29°C
Aug
29°C
Sep
29°C
Oct
28°C
Nov
28°C
Dec
29°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Railay Beach
The extraordinary beaches, world-class climbing and hidden lagoon that make Railay one of the most spectacular destinations in Southeast Asia.
Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand — a perfect stretch of white sand enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, with a sacred cave shrine (Princess Cave) at one end. The water is crystal clear and the setting is extraordinary. The beach is accessible only by longtail from Railay West or East and is the finest beach on the peninsula.
Rock Climbing
Railay Beach is one of the finest rock climbing destinations in the world — the dramatic limestone karst cliffs offer hundreds of routes from beginner to expert, with some of the most spectacular climbing scenery anywhere. The deep-water soloing (climbing above the sea and falling into the water) is a unique Railay experience. Several climbing schools offer guided sessions.
Railay Lagoon
The hidden Railay Lagoon is one of the most extraordinary natural features in Krabi — a secret lagoon enclosed within the limestone cliffs, accessible only by a steep scramble through the jungle from Railay East. The lagoon is a stunning, completely enclosed body of water surrounded by vertical limestone walls. The scramble is challenging but the reward is extraordinary.
Princess Cave (Phra Nang Cave)
The Princess Cave at the end of Phra Nang Beach is one of the most fascinating shrines in Thailand — a sea cave decorated with hundreds of wooden phalluses left as offerings to the spirit of a drowned princess. The cave is a fascinating insight into Thai animist beliefs and is one of the most unusual and memorable sights in Krabi.
Getting There
Railay Beach is inaccessible by road — the only way to reach it is by longtail boat from Ao Nang (15 minutes) or from Krabi Town (45 minutes). Longtails run throughout the day and into the evening. The boat journey is part of the experience — the approach to Railay through the limestone cliffs is one of the most dramatic arrivals in Thailand.
Snorkelling & Kayaking
The waters around Railay have excellent snorkelling — the reefs at the base of the limestone cliffs are home to a variety of tropical fish and coral. Sea kayaking around the peninsula and through the sea caves is one of the finest experiences in Krabi. Several operators on Railay offer kayak hire and guided tours.
The Four Beaches
Railay peninsula has four distinct beaches: Railay West (the main beach, best for swimming), Railay East (mangroves, departure point for longtails), Phra Nang (the most beautiful, at the southern tip) and Tonsai (a quieter, more bohemian beach popular with climbers, accessible by a short walk or longtail). Each has its own distinct character.
Resorts
Railay has several excellent resorts — the Rayavadee (one of the finest resorts in Thailand, set in tropical gardens between Railay West and Phra Nang) and the Railay Beach Club are among the best. The accommodation is more limited than Ao Nang but the setting is incomparably more beautiful. Staying on Railay is a genuinely special experience.
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Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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