Located between Krabi city and Ao Nang in Thailand, Railay is a small peninsula cut off from mainland access by dramatic, towering limestone cliffs. Because of this steep natural wall, you can only reach the area by boat. First popularized by backpackers and hippies during the 1970s, Railay has grown to become the most popular coastal destination in Krabi. Visitors flock here from around the globe to enjoy its stunning scenic setting, quiet relaxing atmosphere, and famous coastal rock climbing routes.
The peninsula features four distinct areas: West Railay, East Railay, Phra Nang, and Ton Sai. West Railay Beach serves as the primary destination for beach-goers, flanked on both sides by high limestone cliffs and connected to the east side by paths through resorts or thin jungle cover. In contrast, East Railay Beach is covered in dense mangroves and is unsuitable for swimming, serving primarily as the docking point for boats arriving from Krabi.
Railay offers an atmosphere for every type of traveler. Ton Sai caters to climbers and backpackers with a rustic feel, while West Railay features luxury resort options and a short walking street promenade lined with shops and restaurants. East Railay hosts lower-priced resorts, bars, and a boardwalk featuring services like a Muay Thai school. Furthermore, a public trail under overhanging limestone cliffs connects East Railay to Phra Nang Beach, while another trail leads up to Diamond Cave.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Boat | Accessible exclusively by boat due to steep high limestone cliffs blocking mainland road access. |
| Long-tail Boat | 15-minute long-tail boat rides connect West Railay Beach to Ao Nang. |
| Ferry | Ferries depart West Railay Beach for destinations west, including Ko Phi Phi and Phuket. |
| Boat | East Railay Beach serves as the main docking point for incoming boats from Krabi. |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
A luxury resort spanning both waterfronts, featuring a beachfront restaurant at Ao Phra Nang.
A collection of luxury resorts focused along the primary beach-going area of West Railay.
Offers medium-priced resorts, lower-cost options, and bungalows along the boardwalk.
Provides rustic accommodation options tailored to climbers and the backpacker community.
04 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Mainland access is completely cut off by high limestone cliffs, making Railay accessible only by boat.
- East Railay Beach is covered in dense mangroves and is not suitable for swimming.
- West Railay is the main hub for ferries heading to Ko Phi Phi and Phuket.
- Paths through resorts or thin jungle cover connect East Railay to West Railay.
- Railay Beach was not severely affected by the tsunami of 26 December 2004.