Railay & Phra Nang
Longtail Boats, White Sand & Rock Climbing

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Railay is just a 10–15 minute boat ride from Ao Nang, but it feels like a different world. The peninsula is cut off from the mainland by tall limestone cliffs, so no cars can get in — which keeps it quieter and more natural than the other beaches around Krabi. The spot everyone talks about is Phra Nang Beach: fine white sand, clear water, and a wall of rock that draws climbers from all over.

How many beaches does Railay have, and how do they differ?

A lot of people think Railay is a single beach. In fact the same peninsula has four beaches side by side, all within walking distance, each with its own vibe:

• Railay West — the prettiest white-sand beach on the peninsula. Boats from Ao Nang drop you here. It's the spot for sunsets and where the upscale resorts sit.
• Railay East — the mangrove side, with shallow water that isn't great for swimming, but it's the hub for budget stays, restaurants, bars, and climbing schools.
• Phra Nang Beach — the most beautiful beach, with white sand and clear water, plus Phra Nang Cave and climbing walls. It's about a 500-metre walk from Railay East.
• Tonsai — the beach for climbers and backpackers, with a laid-back feel. You can reach it on a jungle shortcut from Railay West (about 20 minutes) or by taking a separate boat.

Taking a longtail boat into Railay — what does it really cost?

The only way into Railay is by boat. The main departure points are Ao Nang beachfront (for Railay West) and Ao Nam Mao pier (for Railay East, better if you have a large suitcase, since there's a proper pier and you don't have to wade through water). The boats are shared services run by the Ao Nang longtail boat cooperative — just buy a ticket at the booth on the beach.

• One-way fare — 100 THB per person (Ao Nang–Railay). The boat needs 8 people before it leaves.
• After 6 pm — the fare goes up to 150 THB per person, and there are fewer boats once it's dark.
• Private charter — round trip from around 300–500 THB per boat depending on group size, handy if you don't want to wait for the boat to fill up.
• Operating hours — roughly 8 am–6 pm as a rule, with the ride taking about 10–15 minutes.

Phra Nang Beach — the highlight of the peninsula

If you come to Railay, walk all the way to Phra Nang Beach. This is the one many people rate as the prettiest in Krabi: soft white sand, clear emerald water, and limestone cliffs wrapping around both sides. It's only about a 500-metre walk from Railay East along a clifftop path, and there's no entrance fee.

At the head of the beach is Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave), which is really more of a shrine to the princess spirit than a deep cave. Fishermen associate it with fertility, so people leave carved wooden phallic symbols by the dozen — an unusual sight that visitors often stop to photograph. It gets fairly crowded around midday.

Rock climbing — a crag climbers fly in to try

Railay and Tonsai are among the most famous limestone climbing spots in Asia, with over 700 bolted routes between them — from beginner grade (5a) up to seriously hard (8c). The well-known walls are around Phra Nang Beach and Railay East. Beginners can give it a go too, with several climbing schools along the Railay East beachfront.

• Half-day beginner course — from around 1,000–1,200 THB, including gear and an instructor; you can climb even if you've never done it before.
• Full-day course — around 1,500–2,000 THB, with more routes and harder spots.
• Deep Water Solo — climbing over the sea and jumping into the water, no ropes needed; another hugely popular activity.

Railay Viewpoint & Princess Lagoon

If you've got the energy, try the hike up to the Railay Viewpoint. The trail starts between Railay East and Phra Nang Beach and takes about 10–20 minutes, but it's steep and the ground is slippery, with sections where you have to haul yourself up on ropes. At the top you get a panorama of both sides of the peninsula — it's gorgeous.

Past the viewpoint, a separate trail leads down to Princess Lagoon, an emerald pool hidden in a rock basin. The way down is harder and more slippery, so it's best in the dry season and only if you're reasonably fit. The lagoon is tidal — it's only good for swimming at high tide.

Eating and sleeping on Railay

Railay has plenty of restaurants and places to stay, so there's no need to haul in supplies. Railay East is the affordable food-and-bar district, with beachfront bars opening in the evening, while Railay West is the upscale resort zone — good for an overnight so you can stroll the beach in the morning before the tours arrive.

Railay plans for the time you have

If you're coming for the day, this plan covers all the highlights without rushing — you just need to leave Ao Nang a little early.

What to know before you go

• Check the tide table before you go — the lagoon and the shortcut trail to Tonsai depend on the water level.
• There aren't many ATMs, and some places take cash only, so bring enough cash.
• The sun is intense — pack a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water.
• The macaques around Phra Nang Beach love grabbing food, so don't walk around showing off a bag of snacks.