Thailand · city guide
Railay: the boat-only peninsula under the cliffs
A 15-minute longtail from Ao Nang, and a whole world quieter once you're on the sand.
Railay is the one treat I'd add to a Krabi trip, and it's barely any further than Ao Nang. There's no road in, so a longtail boat is the only way across, and that's exactly what keeps it calm. The limestone cliffs drop straight into the sea, climbers hang off the rock all day, and Phra Nang beach round the corner is the prettiest stretch I found in the south. I based myself in Ao Nang and came over for a long day, but a quiet night or two here is genuinely worth the extra ferry. Here's exactly how I'd spend it.
- Boat-access only: a 10-15 min longtail from Ao Nang
- Towering limestone cliffs and world-class rock climbing
- Phra Nang beach & the Princess Cave round the headland
Best things to do
A slow day on Phra Nang beach
The prettiest stretch I found in the south, tucked under the cliffs round the headland. Soft sand, clear water, and the Princess Cave shrine at one end. Go early and it's almost empty.
Watch the climbers on the limestone
Railay is a world-class rock-climbing spot and you can feel it: people are bolted to the cliffs all day. Watch from the sand, or book a half-day beginner course and try the easy routes yourself.
Longtail over from Ao Nang
The only way in, and half the fun. Boats leave straight off Ao Nang beach, fill up and go; it's a 10-15 minute hop under the cliffs. Agree the price before you climb on.
Sunset drinks on Railay West
The west beach faces the sunset, and there's a row of relaxed bars right on the sand for it. My quiet end to a Railay day, with the longtails lined up and the cliffs going gold.
Where to stay
Getting there & around
Fly into Krabi airport, then it's about 30 minutes to Ao Nang by airport shuttle, taxi or shared minibus, the same as for Ao Nang. From Ao Nang beach you take a longtail across, which is the only way in: boats fill up and leave through the day, it's a 10-15 minute ride, and you agree the price before you get on (roughly 100-200 THB each way). There's nothing to drive once you're here, the whole peninsula is walkable end to end in about ten minutes, and a second longtail round the headland is all you need to reach Phra Nang beach.
Eat & drink
- Railay East beachfront spots — The relaxed bar-restaurants along the east side, a few steps off the boats, for an easy Thai plate and a cold drink between beach hours.
- Phra Nang longtail kitchens — The boats moored off Phra Nang that grill up fresh pad Thai and cut fruit right there on the sand; my favourite lunch, eaten with my feet in the water.
Day trips
On the map
Book this trip
A few of these earn me a small cut at no extra cost to you — only ever things I'd actually book.
Frequently asked
Should I day-trip to Railay or stay a night?
Either works. I based myself in Ao Nang and came over for a long day, which is plenty for Phra Nang beach and the cliffs. But a quiet night or two means you get the beaches near-empty before the day boats arrive, and that's when Railay is at its best.
How do I get to Railay, and is it expensive?
Only by boat. You take a longtail straight off Ao Nang beach, about 10-15 minutes for roughly 100-200 THB each way. Agree the price before you climb on and never settle at the end. It's the one extra ferry I'd happily pay for in Krabi.