Visiting Railay Beach in Krabi: Is It Worth It?

All your questions answered about travelling to Railay in Thailand – how to get there, how many days and where to stay, things to do, and my honest opinion on whether it is worth staying overnight or visiting.

Located in Krabi Province in southern Thailand, Railay is located on a peninsula and only accessible by boat. Part of the adventure and allure of Railay is the journey to the hidden beach surrounded by towering karst mountains.

While Railay is a popular day trip destination for travelers staying in Krabi Town and Ao Nang, we chose to stay for a few nights to explore the area fully. A 2-hour car ride, tuk tuk shuttle to the pier, 20 minute longtail speedboat ride, pick up by tractor during low tide and golf buggy to the room later…we arrived in Railay!

Longtail boat to Railay in Krabi Thailand

Without any exaggeration, arriving in Railay felt like we were stepping into Jurassic Park and it felt as though a prehistoric creature could peek through the karst mountains at any moment.

Putting together a Railay itinerary and need some ideas? Read on for tips on how to plan your trip to Railay in Krabi, and my honest opinion on whether you should spend time exploring and staying overnight in Railay.

Quick tips for visiting Railay in Thailand

✈️ To get into Railay you can fly to Krabi International Airport (airport code: KBV – which has fewer international options but is connected via plenty of domestic flights) or into Phuket International Airport (airport code: HKT). You will then make your way to either Ao Nam Ao pier or Aonang to take a ferry or longtail boat to Railay. It’s also possible to take a ferry from Phuket or Phi Phi. We flew into Phuket, spent a few nights in Khao Lak and then drove to Ao Nam Ao pier in Krabi.

🛂 Thailand visa requirements: Thailand currently offers visa-free travel to nationals of nearly 100 countries. Visitors from ASEAN or Western countries, including most European, Commonwealth, and North American citizens, are not required to have a Thai visa for visits less than 60 days in Thailand. Starting 1 May 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival. This can be completed within 3 days before arrival.

💱 The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. The exchange rate is approximately US$1/Euro to approximately 32-35 Baht or 1 AUD: 22 Baht. There are a minimal number of ATMs available in Railay and cash is king if you are booking local tours, so I do recommend withdrawing some Thai Baht in Ao Nang or Krabi Town before you venture over to Railay. Most hotels and some larger restaurants will accept Visa or Mastercard, however American Express is less widely accepted.

True Telecom at Phuket International Airport in Thailand

📱 Stay connected and buy a local SIM card at the airport. We purchased a True SIM card which was extremely easy to pick up in the international arrivals hall at Phuket International Airport, just after you exit the baggage claim and customs area. You can purchase your True SIM card ahead of time and pick it up at Phuket International airport. Get your True SIM card here or buy a Thailand eSIM here.

Railay West Beach drone photo Thailand landscape

🌤️ The best time to visit Railay is typically considered to be during the dry season between November to April. That being said, we visited in July and with the exception of a small handful of rainstorms here and there, we mostly experienced plenty of sunshine.

🇹🇭 The main language spoken in Thailand is Thai: You may experience a slight language barrier in Thailand, but most people working in the hospitality sector will speak English.

🗓️ Wondering how many days to spend in Railay? For a first time visitor I would recommend spending no fewer than 2-3 days in Railay.

How to get to Railay in Krabi and getting around

Longtail boats in Railay East in Krabi Thailand

To get to Railay you will need to either get yourself to Krabi, Phuket, Koh Yao Yai/Yao Noi or Koh Phi Phi first.

If you are arriving by plane to Krabi or Phuket, the best way to get from the Krabi or Phuket airport to your hotel is by pre-booking your private pick-up here or by renting a car via Klook.

From Krabi: To travel to Railay from Krabi, you will need to take a speedboat either from Ao Nang Beach (shared boats depart all day long for around 100 Baht per person) or Ao Nam Mao Pier further east. This longtail boat ride should take no longer than 15-20 minutes.

Here’s my best tip for visiting Railay and what made our journey there so painless: book yourself into a hotel like Railay Bay Resort & Spa which offers regular ferry shuttles for guests, free and secure car parking on the mainland at Ao Nam Ao pier and porters who help with your luggage.

This is especially helpful if you plan on arriving during low tide, as boutique hotels like Railay Bay Resort & Spa arrange huge tractors which meet the boats and allow guests a seamless boat to pier transfer. I’ll talk a little bit more about this in the next section including the shuttle timetable.

From Phuket/Koh Phi Phi: There are also some ferry/longtail boat services from Phuket, Koh Yao Yai/Yao Noi or Koh Phi Phi but these may not run year-round or may operate on a limited schedule during the low season. You can check the schedule and buy ferry tickets here – the ferry from Phuket to Railay takes just over 2 hours, and the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Railay takes approximately 90 minutes.

Railay East and Railay West in Thailand — Short distance between Railay East and Railay West

Once you get to Railay, everything is within walking distance – you can travel on foot between Railay East and Railay West in under 10 minutes or so. For short distances within resorts you can also take a golf buggy, however you will not see any scooters or cars around Railay.

Where to stay in Railay in Krabi

Railay West Beach drone photo Thailand portrait

We loved the spacious villas and amazing location of Railay Bay Resort & Spa. The hotel offers two swimming pools for guests – one right on Railay West beach with a stunning sunset view, and another inside the resort.

Railay Bay Resort and Spa cottages in Railay Krabi Thailand swimming pool

The location couldn’t be better as you have easy access to both ends of Railay, and Railay Bay Resort & Spa offers car parking and regular ferry shuttles 3 times a day between Ao Nam Mao pier and Railay which made it easy for us to pop back to the rental car and explore more of Krabi – allowing us to experience the best of both worlds. When we visited in July 2025, the boats from Ao Nammao to Railay were at 10 AM, 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM, and the boats from Railay back to Ao Nammao were at 9 AM, 11 AM and 4 PM. The charge is 100 THB per person each way.

Railay Bay Resort and Spa cottages in Railay Krabi Thailand

When we were there, they were renovating some rooms and I would make sure you book one of the updated cottages as they are truly lovely. We weren’t blown away by the breakfast buffet, but the staff were all very helpful. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Railay that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, I would recommend Railay Bay Resort & Spa for the spacious and cozy cottages, excellent location and ease of transportation. Click here to check rates and availability at Railay Bay Resort & Spa.

We also visited Bhu Nga Thang in east Railay multiple times for their on-site restaurant – Bhu Nga Sari. We would have happily also stayed here had we known how short the walk is from east to west Railay! The rooms look incredibly modern with private balconies, and offers a gorgeous pool. Click here to check rates and availability at Bhu Nga Thang.

The Grotto restaurant at Rayavadee in Railay Krabi Thailand

For an ultra high end luxury beachfront hotel in Railay, check yourself into Rayavadee, a stunning resort that offers seclusion and is one of the most highly-sought after properties in Thailand. It is home to The Grotto, a restaurant surrounded by craggy cliffs and unobstructed sunset views on Phra Nang Beach. Click here to check rates and availability at Rayavadee or head on over here to explore other highly-rated hotel options in Railay.

We also seriously considered staying at Venice Krabi Villa Resort in Ao Nam Mao. It is the sister property of Railay Bay Resort & Spa and offers elevated luxury overwater villas and a manmade beach. Though it is not in Railay proper and does not offer direct (real) beach access, it offers access to the Railay Bay Resort & Spa longtail boat shuttles which means you can plan day trips to/from Railay easily. Click here to check rates and availability at Venice Krabi Villa Resort.

The best things to do in Railay, Krabi

Phra Nang Beach in Railay Krabi Thailand

The unique geography of Railay creates a sense of seclusion while still offering plenty of activities. Visitors can spend their days rock climbing up the face of dramatic karst cliffs, kayaking or paddleboarding across turquoise waters, and exploring caves and hidden lagoons tucked into the jungle. The beaches are equally diverse and stunning – read on for what to do in Railay.

1. Explore the Diamond Cave

Also known as Phra Nang Nai Cave, Diamond Cave sits on the northern end of Railay East beach and is easily reached by a short walk from the pier. The cave has a raised wooden walkway and internal lighting installed, so visitors can explore comfortably without scrambling or special gear.

Inside, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling mineral crystals that give the cave its “diamond” name. The cave is noticeably cooler, and you may hear the squeaking from the colony of bats roosting in the upper chambers – slightly unsettling however if you stay quiet there’s nothing to worry about!

The walk to the interior section won’t take long, plan to spend no more than 15-20 minutes at Diamond Cave. Tickets cost 200 THB per adult or 100 THB per child, however they are unlikely to charge for children under the age of 3.

🏝️ Where to stay in Railay: Railay Bay Resort & Spa offers spacious villas in a prime location in Railay West. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, one directly on the beach with sunset views and another inside the resort. The hotel provides ferry shuttles between Ao Nam Mao and Railay three times daily. Click here to check rates and availability at Railay Bay Resort & Spa.

🌿 Other options in and around Railay: Bhu Nga Thang in East Railay features modern rooms with private balconies and a beautiful pool, and it is only a short walk to West Railay. Rayavadee is the most luxurious option, offering seclusion, beachfront villas, and the famous Grotto restaurant on Phra Nang Beach. Venice Krabi Villa Resort in Ao Nam Mao provides overwater villas and a manmade beach, with shuttle access to Railay for easy day trips. Check out even more hotel and accommodation options in Railay here.

⛴️ Planning to travel to Railay from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi? You can also book your ferry ticket here.

2. Try rock climbing

Railay and Krabi as a whole is a hugely popular destination for rock climbing. Whether you are an advanced climber or just wanting to try your hand at climbing, Railay has a number of locations and climbing instructors where you can sign up for sessions or lessons.

We saw lots of lessons, some with young children and teens, taking place at Phra Nang Beach. Depending on whether you opt for a private or small group lesson and your climbing level, half day prices range from 4000 THB to 9-10,000 THB for a full day for a private and 1:3 small group intermediate session, or 1500-2000 for small group beginner lessons.

3. Climb up to the Krabi Viewpoint

View of Railay from Railay Viewpoint in Krabi Thailand

The East Railay Viewpoint is located on the stretch between East Railay and Phra Nang Beach. The entrance is somewhat unassuming, but don’t be fooled – it involves lots of (muddy) scrambling up to the viewpoint.

The climb is worthwhile as it gives you stunning views from above. If you choose to continue on, you can also visit the Krabi Lagoon.

Climbing up to Railay Viewpoint in Railay Thailand

Entry is free and the extremely vertical climb up and back down will take you anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Make sure you wear proper walking shoes and not flip flops, as we saw lots of people lose their footing and slip!

4. Check out the Railay walking street

Railay Walking Street is the lively pedestrian hub that connects Railay West and Railay East, offering a mix of food stalls, bars, restaurants and convenience stores. It really comes alive in the evening and is great for a wander or bite to eat. If you forgot to bring any toiletries and don’t want to venture back to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, you’re most likely to find it here.

We had a decent cheap-but-cheerful meal here, but we also noticed that there are a disproportionate number of bars offering “happy shakes” here – do with that information what you will!

5. Dine at The Grotto

This romantic beachfront restaurant is one of the most exclusive places to dine in Thailand. Nestled under limestone cliffs on the edge of Phra Nang Beach, The Grotto is hands down one of the most beautiful places we have had a meal at. Was it pricey? Yes. But the setting and service were lovely, and during lunch in July the restaurant was quiet – no jostling for a view, though it does get more crowded at sunset and for dinner.

The Grotto serves a-la-carte lunch and set menu dinner, and is famous for their grilled and wood-fired seafood. Lunch is served from 12-4 PM, and dinner from 6-10 PM. For outside guests you must pre-pay online for your dinner reservation – read their cancellation policy for more details.

Here’s my biggest tip and something most people don’t realize – you don’t have to be a hotel guest to dine at The Grotto, you just have to book ahead here. During the hotel’s peak travel season they may close bookings for outside guests, but we had no issues securing a lunch reservation during July.

6. Spend a day at Phra Nang Beach

This was our absolute favourite beach in Railay, directly in front of The Grotto restaurant. It is a long golden stretch of coastline with plenty of places to perch up and spend the afternoon.

Princess Cave at Phra Nang Beach in Railay Krabi Thailand

On the eastern end of the beach you will find Princess Cave, a shrine filled with offerings to the spirit of fertility. From here, walking back through gigantic stalactites is incredibly cool and offers precious shade on those hot Thailand days.

7. Watch the sunset on Railay Beach

Sunset at Railay West Beach in Railay Krabi Thailand

Also known as Railay West Beach, this is the main beach of the peninsula and where most longtail boats will dock for transfers to and from Ao Nang and nearby islands.

With its wide stretch of soft sand and calm, shallow waters, Railay West is one of the most convenient locations to stay in Railay. In the evenings, the beach transforms as the sun dips below the horizon and fills the sky with the fiery sunsets that Railay is known for.

Woman walking on Railay West Beach in Krabi Thailand

We loved grabbing a poolside deckchair and beer from Railay Bay Resort & Spa to take in the show, and the beach crowds really start to thin out around this time as daytrippers venture back to Ao Nang for the evening.

8. Go on a day trip to Hong Island or Phi Phi Island

One of the best things we did in Railay was to spend the day out at Hong Island with Railay Eco Tour aboard a private luxury longtail boat exploring the national park beach, viewpoint and pristine lagoon. They also offer day trips out to Phi Phi Island.

Our boat was equipped with Bluetooth speakers, tons of beach toys, towels, the most delicious lunch and fresh fruit platter, and we were accompanied by a wonderful guide who took care of us from the minute we stepped onto the boat.

Hong Island beach in Thailand view from viewpoint landscape

Tthe private half day tour from Railay to Hong Island and Lagoon cost around 9,000-10,000 THB including lunch for 1-4 people, children are welcome! This does not include the national park fees which must be paid to the rangers (300 THB per adult, 150 THB per child when we went).

The half day Hong Island tour runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM in the morning or 1:30-6:30 PM for the afternoon sailing. There is also the option to do a full day tour for around 17,000 THB. Prices are accurate as of July 2025.

The company can also arrange pickups from your hotel in Krabi/Ao Nang, or you can meet the longtail boat at Koh Phi Phi pier, Ao Nammao pier or Railay East pier. Note that there are two “Koh Hong”s – the one that I am referring to is Koh Hong in Krabi, not the one in Phang Nga bay near Phuket.

Things to do beyond Railay in Krabi

Staying at Railay Bay Resort & Spa allowed us to park our car at Ao Nammao Pier so we could easily explore more of Krabi by car, and we really enjoyed the freedom of having our own transportation to venture beyond Railay. If you’d like to explore Krabi beyond Railay, you’ll need to set aside a solid full day or two, or stop at a few places on the way back to Phuket like we did.

Photo credit: Ruslankal via Depositphotos

Some popular things to do in Krabi include visiting Wat Tham Suea, or the Tiger Cave Temple, known for its challenging climb of 1,200 steps to the summit. Most visitors to Krabi also travel to visit the Krabi Emerald Pool, a natural spring hidden in the lush forest, famous for its striking turquoise water.

Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal‑clear pool after a short paved walk – you can also stop by the Blue Pool and go for a dip in the hot springs. Be warned though, the Emerald Pool in Krabi is a long drive away from town and it can get VERY busy!

Instead, head to Sa Kaeo on the western end of Krabi, just a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang. Entrance to the nature reserve costs 100 THB per person, and includes a visit to the blue pool (which you can park right next to).

The water was incredibly blue and we were just one of a handful of tourists. Water so blue not many tourists.

Feeding the fish at Sa Kaeo Blue Lagoon in Krabi Thailand

We also loved feeding the fish at the entrance – you can buy packets of fish food from the ticket booth. This is a great activity to add to your Krabi itinerary if you are visiting Railay with kids!

For a fantastic viewpoint, head straight to Khaothong Hill cafe viewpoint. Entry costs 60 THB but includes a short shuttle ride up to the restaurant and 30 THB can be used towards food or drink at the cafe. The view here was spectacular, as was the food!

We also really loved the magical Into the forest coffee shop, which had stunning, sprawling grounds and an amazing playground for children. The coffee here was spot on and we would have happily stayed for hours.

Is it worth visiting Railay?

The million dollar question: is it worth staying in Railay when prices are significantly higher than staying in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, and getting there involves a huge amount of effort and multiple modes of transportation?

Longtail boats on Railay West Beach in Thailand

I have to be candid – once the adrenaline and mind-blowing views from arriving in Railay wore off, we second-guessed our decision to book 5 nights here, effectively “cut off” from the mainland. The Railay West beach was busy and crowded during the day, restaurants along the main strip had mediocre reviews (and once we visited them for ourselves, could understand why), and in July 2025 our trip coincided with an unfortunate, gargantuan beached garbage barge that was stuck on the main beach – not exactly the pristine, untouched peninsula that we had in mind.

But then, we settled into the rhythmn and our stunning villa at Railay Bay Resort & Spa, spent a wonderful afternoon at Phra Nang Beach and threw away the “must-do” and “must-see” list. We didn’t love the vibe along Railay Walking Street so mostly stuck to the restaurants along Railay East.

Once the Railay day trippers leave, the main beach becomes wonderfully quiet and you get the place all to yourself. The landscape is unlike any other, and it is a great base for day trips to neighboring islands like Hong Island or Phi Phi.

Railay is extremely walkable, even with young children, and the beaches are simply pristine. We checked out Ao Nang one day and were glad we chose to stay in Railay, as Ao Nang just seemed way too busy and built up.

That being said, we did end up reducing our 5 night stay and left Railay 1 night early to head back to Phuket, as the variety of food and activities was somewhat limited (we aren’t rock climbers). As a whole, we found that the food options (including at our own hotel) were lacklustre, with the exception of the fantastic restaurant at Bhu Nga Thani where we ate 3 nights in a row and The Grotto.

In short, Railay is worth visiting and staying overnight – we’ve never really visited anywhere else like it, and the Hong Island day trip from Railay was one of the best travel experiences we have had in Thailand.

Knowing what I know now, I would still choose to stay in Railay at Railay Bay Resort & Spa over staying in Aonang or Krabi! I would also perhaps splurge on booking at Bhu Nga Thani or Rayavadee, but as non-climbers a 3 to 4 night stay in Railay was plenty.

🏝️ Ready to book your Railay holiday? Railay Bay Resort & Spa offers spacious villas in a prime location in Railay West. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, one directly on the beach with sunset views and another inside the resort. The hotel provides ferry shuttles between Ao Nam Mao and Railay three times daily. Click here to check rates and availability at Railay Bay Resort & Spa.

🌿 Other options in and around Railay: Bhu Nga Thang in East Railay features modern rooms with private balconies and a beautiful pool, and it is only a short walk to West Railay. Rayavadee is the most luxurious option, offering seclusion, beachfront villas, and the famous Grotto restaurant on Phra Nang Beach. Venice Krabi Villa Resort in Ao Nam Mao provides overwater villas and a manmade beach, with shuttle access to Railay for easy day trips. Check out even more hotel and accommodation options in Railay here.

⛴️ Planning to travel to Railay from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi? You can also book your ferry ticket here.

I hope you found this guide helpful for your Krabi and Railay travel planning!

🎥▶️ Let me show you around Railay in Krabi, Thailand ▶️🎥

Railay in Krabi Thailand video thumbnail — **Click to watch**

You might also find these guides helpful:

Head on over here for my 10 Day Thailand itinerary that will take you beyond the beaches
Read my Khao Lak and Khao Sok National Park day trip guide here
Heading to Phuket? I highly recommend checking out these excellent luxury hotels for your stay – The Slate Phuket and Centara Karon Resort Phuket, and make sure you read this guide to some of the best day trips from Phuket
Not sure what to expect in Southeast Asia? Read these 10 essential Southeast Asia travel tips
Click here for even more Thailand travel guides and tips

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Drone photo of Railay West Beach in Krabi Thailand with text overlay

Photo collage of Railay in Krabi Thailand with text overlay

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Visiting Railay Beach in Krabi: Is It Worth It?

Quick tips for visiting Railay in Thailand

How to get to Railay in Krabi and getting around

Where to stay in Railay in Krabi