Railay (Rai Leh) is one of the nicest beaches in all of Krabi, especially known for its peace and quiet, beautiful beaches and its rock climbing. Railay has two back-to-back beaches, with West Railay having the nicest beach.
Although Railay has less in the way of facilities and entertainment than Ao Nang, and is also more difficult to get to, the beach and fantastic scenery make up for it. Railay is best known in the climbing world for its numerous bolted routes up towering limestone cliffs. Prices are cheap, views amazing and you can do it all on a daytrip.
There are several natural attractions in Railay to boot, including a large cave, Phra Nang Cave, the mangrove-lined East Raila, which backs West Railay and a viewpoint on the path to Phra Nang Beach. For fun at night, East Railay has the only real choice for bars although don’t expect any sort of girlie-bar scene; that is thankfully all in Ao Nang.
Getting There & Away
Railay is served by boat only but you can be here in 15 minutes from Ao Nang and in just 30 minutes from Krabi Town. If you have flown to Krabi Airport from Bangkok (1 hour, 30 minutes), transfer to the main pier in Krabi Town (20 minutes) for the boat ride to Railay.
Things to Do
Railay Attractions
- Railay rock climbing
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There are something like 700 climbs already established over the limestone cliffs of railay.
- Phra Nang Cave
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A large cavern that is easy to get to. also known as diamond cave, this beauty spot is at the north end of railay east.