Railay Beach
Boat-access only paradise with world-class climbing
About Railay Beach
Railay is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs — accessible only by longtail boat. No cars, no roads, just four stunning beaches surrounded by some of the best rock climbing on Earth. It's technically part of Krabi, but feels like its own world. Expect a 20-40% price premium over Ao Nang due to boat-only access.
Watch Before You Go
Krabi Province Guide — Including Railay (Paddy Doyle)
Best Things to Do in Krabi & Railay
TOP 10 Unique Places in KRABI — Railay, Ao Nang & More
Price Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ฿600 | ฿1,800 | ฿5,000 |
| Food & Drink | ฿400 | ฿700 | ฿1,200 |
| Transport | ฿200 | ฿300 | ฿500 |
| Activities | ฿300 | ฿700 | ฿1,300 |
| Total / day | ฿1,500 | ฿3,500 | ฿8,000 |
Where to Stay
2 areas in Railay Beach — each with a different vibe and price range
Railay West
The postcard beach. Dramatic cliffs, calm water, best sunsets. Most resorts face this side. Pricier but you're paying for one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
฿1,000–5,000/night
Railay East / Ton Sai
Mangrove side — no beach but cheapest stays. Ton Sai next door is the climber colony. Budget bungalows, reggae bars, chalk-covered hands everywhere. Walk to Railay West in 5 minutes.
฿400–1,500/night
Things to Do
via GetYourGuideMore Activities & Prices
Rock climbing half-day
฿1,000–1,200. All levels, gear included. Over 700 routes on the peninsula.
Book on GetYourGuide →Phra Nang Cave Beach
Free. Stunning beach with shrine cave. Walk from Railay East.
Viewpoint hike
Free. Steep jungle hike with ropes. Panoramic views of all four beaches.
Kayaking
฿200–400/hr. Paddle around limestone cliffs and caves.
Tourist Traps to Skip
- ×Railay East beach — it's the mangrove/mud side. Stay there for budget, but swim at West Beach.
- ×Monsoon season (May-Oct) — boats can't dock safely, many places close.
- ×Overpriced beachfront restaurants on Railay West — walk 5 min to East side for half the price.
How to Get There
Ao Nang →
15min
฿100 – ฿150
Krabi Town →
45min
฿150 – ฿200
Local Tips
Railay East = budget, Railay West = swimming & sunsets, Phra Nang = most beautiful.
Last longtail boats back to Ao Nang leave around 6pm — don't miss them if day-tripping.
Everything costs 20-40% more than Ao Nang — all supplies arrive by boat.
Bring cash — one ATM on the peninsula and it charges ฿220.
Book climbing in advance in high season — best operators fill up.
Mosquito repellent is essential — jungle surrounds the peninsula.
Walking between Railay East and West takes 10 minutes through the middle.
Latest from the Blog
Related Destinations
Calculate Your Railay Beach Budget
Get a personalised daily budget based on your travel style, accommodation, and activities.
Open Budget Calculator