Hat Rai Leh West, more commonly referred as Rai Leh, is the western and most pretty part of this lovely beach. It is south of Krabi’s Ao Nang and is mostly known for its rock climbing.
The main attractions on Hat Rai Leh West are the wide, sandy beach and the nearby rock climbing over limestone. It is much more peaceful than nearby Ao Nang owing to its relative inaccessibility and thus has an island feel. Rooms get booked up way in advance over Christmas time, when hordes of Europeans and Americans head for the bungalows of Hat Rai Leh West.
Sunset Beach and Phra Nang Bay are the nicest beaches here, while mangrove-lined Hat Rai Leh East, just over the isthmus, is essentially a mud flat at low tide and has cheaper digs. Activities available at Hat Rai Leh West include excellent rock climbing for medium-level climbers and up, swimming, diving and unbeatable kayaking. Most of the excitement at night is a short walk away at Hat Rai Leh East.
Getting There & Away
The only way to get to Hat Rai Leh West is by boat and services leave regularly from Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Rai Leh is 15 minutes from Ao Nang and 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Krabi Airport is a 1-hour, 30-minute flight from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and transfers from here to the pier in Krabi Town are available.
Things to Do
Hat Rai Leh West Attractions
- Hat Rai Leh West
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The main attraction here is the beautiful beach, with its soft sands and gentle slope to clear waters.
- Rai Leh rock climbing
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Some of the best rock climbing in the world is available at rai leh, with hundreds of bolted routes for experienced climbers.