Railay Beach — Attraction in Krabi Province

Railay is one of our favorite destinations in Thailand and perhaps the world. The pristine beaches, the soaring cliffs, the laidback vibe and the many things to do in Railay are what Thailand dreams are made of.

And with so many things to do in Railay Beach, you may never want to leave! We’ve returned a few times now because we love all the awesome Railay activities you can find in this tropical Thai paradise!

Although Railay is attached to mainland Thailand in Krabi province, it is not connected by any roads due to the tall limestone cliffs which surround it. This gives Railay an island vibe and also ensures there are no cars on this isolated peninsula. The only way in and out of Railay is by boat. So your means of transportation here is by foot, which adds to Railay’s simplicity and serenity.

Hammock swinging at Railay Beach East

This detachment from mainland Krabi also lends to Railay’s carefree and relaxed atmosphere. In fact, the whole vibe of Railay, which has a number of Rastafarians, may leave you scratching your head and wondering whether you’re actually in the Caribbean.

And Railay is budget-friendly! Visit Railay Beach during shoulder season (May is a good month) and you may find a perfect combo of great sunny weather plus incredible prices on accommodation, where you can stay at beautiful beach resorts for under $50 with breakfast!

It’s this rare combination of affordable luxury, adventure activities, and incredible beauty that make Railay one of our favorite places to holiday. But before you pack your bags, take a look at this Railay travel guide detailing all the awesome things to do in Railay Beach, Thailand!

หาดไร่เลย์ ติดอันดับ 3 ใน 10 ชายหาดสวยที่สุดในโลก (รางวัล 2013 Travellers’ Choice Beaches Awards) จากผลสำรวจของทริปแอดไวเซอร์ เว็บไซต์ท่องเที่ยวรายใหญ่ที่สุดในโลก โหวตโดยนักท่องเที่ยวที่ใช้บริการเว็บไซต์ทริปแอดไวเซอร์นับล้านคน จากการโหวตชายหาดสวยที่สุดในเอเชีย10 อันดับ ประเทศไทยคว้ารางวัล มาอย่างไม่น้อยหน้าประเทศใด

หาดไร่เลย์ จังหวัดกระบี่ แบ่งเป็น 3 โซน คือด้านตะวันตกและด้านตะวันออก บนหาดมีเม็ดทรายสีขาวละเอียดมองเห็นวิวริมโตรกผา ห้อมล้อมไปด้วยธรรมชาติพงป่าเขียวชอุ่มและธรรมชาติทางทะเลอันงดงาม ทำให้ไร่เลย์แห่งนี้มีชื่อเสียงโด่งดังระดับโลก นักท่องเที่ยวจากทั่วโลกให้ความสนใจเดินทางมาพักผ่อนเป็นจำนวนมาก ด้วยที่นี้มีกิจกรรมสร้างสรรค์มากมายให้ได้หาความสนุกตามอำเภอใจ อาทิ ว่ายน้ำ อาบแดด พายเรือแคนู ชมถ้ำ หรือปีนผา ทางด้านโซนตะวันออก และมาชื่นชมชายหาดที่ยังคงความสมบูรณ์ตามธรรมชาติไว้ได้เป็นอย่างดี ทั้งน้ำทะเลใส และบรรยากาศเงียบสงบเหมาะสำหรับการพักผ่อนแบบแท้จริง...

Railay Phra Nang Cave and Beach: A Tropical Paradise

Railay Phra Nang Cave and Beach is a stunning destination located on the Railay Peninsula in Krabi, Thailand. This idyllic spot is accessible only by boat, adding to its secluded and exclusive charm. With its breathtaking scenery, exciting activities, and unique attractions, it's no wonder this beach is a favourite among travellers seeking a tropical paradise.

Natural Beauty

The beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and dramatic limestone cliffs that create a picturesque backdrop. The towering cliffs are not only visually striking but also provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. The lush greenery surrounding the beach adds to its natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and soaking up the sun.

Phra Nang Cave

One of the unique attractions of this beach is the Phra Nang Cave, also known as the Princess Cave. This cave is considered a sacred site and is filled with offerings, including phallic symbols, left by local fishermen to ensure good luck and fertility. The cave is a fascinating cultural site and adds a touch of mystique to the beach.

Activities

Railay Phra Nang Cave and Beach offers a wide range of activities for visitors:

Rock climbing: The limestone cliffs attract climbers of all levels.

Swimming and snorkelling: The clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Kayaking and canoeing: Explore the surrounding coastline and enjoy the stunning views.

Sunbathing: Relax on the soft white sand and soak up the tropical sun.

Hiking: Take a hike to the Railay viewpoint for panoramic views of the area.

Exploring: Discover hidden coves, lagoons, and bat caves.

Food and Atmosphere

Enjoy delicious Thai food from the longtail boats parked on the beach. The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway.

Overall

Railay Phra Nang Cave and Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Krabi. Its stunning natural beauty, unique attractions, and diverse activities offer something for everyone. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this tropical paradise is sure to leave you with...

Railay Beach is one of those places that truly feels like a hidden paradise. You can only reach it by boat, which already makes the journey special. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise-blue water, and soft golden sand — it’s straight out of a postcard.

The beach is divided into a few parts — Railay West, East, and Phra Nang. Railay West is where you get the best sunset views and most of the beachfront resorts. It’s perfect for swimming and relaxing. Phra Nang Beach, just a short walk away, is absolutely stunning — clear water, small caves, and rock formations that make for great photos. Railay East isn’t ideal for swimming, but it has a lively vibe with bars, restaurants, and cafes lined along the path, especially great in the evenings.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy — rock climbing (which Railay is famous for), kayaking, snorkeling, or simply exploring the caves and viewpoints. The short hike up to the viewpoint and the hidden lagoon is a bit challenging but worth the effort for the breathtaking view from the top.

Food options are surprisingly good for such a small area. You’ll find everything from local Thai street food to international cuisine. Prices are slightly higher compared to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, but that’s understandable since everything comes in by boat.

The overall vibe is relaxed and friendly. It’s not overly commercialized, which makes it ideal for those who want a quieter, more natural beach experience. You can easily spend an entire day (or more) here just swimming, walking around, and soaking in the scenery.

A small tip — try to visit early in the day before it gets crowded, and stay for the sunset if you can. It’s magical watching the sky turn orange behind the limestone cliffs.

In short, Railay Beach is a must-visit when you’re in Krabi. Whether you’re into adventure, photography, or just want to unwind, this place has a unique charm that’s...