Railay Beach

Railay is a slice of tropical paradise on the Krabi coast, a small peninsula cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs and reachable only by boat. Its white-sand beaches are backed by dramatic karst walls and jungle, the water is warm and clear, and it is world-famous for rock climbing on the cliffs, with the beautiful Phra Nang beach and its cave shrine among the loveliest in Thailand.

The landscape

• Phra Nang Beach - the beautiful beach with its cliffs and cave shrine.
• The limestone cliffs - the karst walls, world-famous for climbing.
• The rock climbing - the routes on the cliffs for all levels.
• The viewpoint and lagoon - the jungle trail to the hidden lagoon.

When to go

November to April for the dry season, calm seas and clear water; the monsoon from May to October brings rain and rougher boat crossings. It is reachable only by longtail boat, so crossings depend on the sea.

Before you go

It is reachable only by longtail boat, so access depends on the tide and sea conditions, and boats can be a wet, bumpy ride. It has grown busy and the main beaches lined with resorts and bars. The hidden lagoon hike is a steep, muddy scramble, not the easy stroll some expect.

Nearby

Ao Nang, Krabi town and the Phi Phi Islands are close by boat.

Key facts