Railay West Beach Guide

Railay sits on the mainland between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, but tall limestone cliffs cut it off from any road, so you arrive by boat. The peninsula is about 1.7 km long and has four beaches: Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai. There are no cars; you get around on foot. The west side is the sandy one, while Railay East turns to mud flat at low tide. Day-trippers fill the beach around midday; mornings and evenings are quiet.

What to do on Railay West Beach

1. 1Swim on the calm side: Railay West has the best swimming conditions on the peninsula. Railay East, by contrast, is a mud flat at low tide and is not a swimming beach.
2. 2Watch the sunset: The beach faces west and gets the peninsula's best sunset views. Beach bars and restaurants line the back of the sand, so you can stay for dinner.
3. 3Walk to Tonsai at low tide: At low tide you can scramble over the rocks to neighbouring Tonsai Beach. The route is not recommended for young children or anyone with limited mobility.
4. 4Hike to the viewpoint and lagoon: The Railay Viewpoint and Princess Lagoon trail is about 1 km return with fixed ropes and 130 m of climbing. Allow 1 to 2 hours and wear proper shoes.
5. 5Cross to Railay East: A footpath known as Walking Street links the west and east beaches at any tide. Railay East is the easier landing point for most hotels not on the west side.

Tours and activities from Railay West

Rock climbingFrom US$48

4 hours Railay Beach 4.9 (751)

Krabi: Half-Day Rock Climbing at Railay Beach

• Four-hour morning or afternoon class with an expert instructor
• Several routes on Railay's limestone cliffs

Best for: Beginners who want to try climbing in its best-known setting

See prices & availability

Rock climbingFrom US$47

Half day Railay Beach 4.8 (172)

Krabi: Half-Day Rock Climbing Introduction at Railay Beach

• Half-day beginner course with basic techniques
• Views over the Andaman Sea from the cliff

Best for: First-time climbers

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From RailayFrom US$134 per group

4 or 6 hours Railay 4.7 (105)

From Railay: Private Longtail Boat Island Hopping Tour

• Three itineraries with 4 or 6 hour options
• Leaves from Railay, so no early transfer from Ao Nang

Best for: Travellers staying on Railay

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Getting there

Longtail boats run from Ao Nang beach and Noppharat Thara to Railay West all day. Boatmen belong to cooperatives, and each club's tickets are only valid on its own boats. The Ao Nang and Klong Haeng clubs have counters at both ends of Ao Nang beach and at Noppharat Thara. There is no timetable: a boat leaves once eight passengers are on board, every 10 to 15 minutes at busy times, or after an hour or more at night.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand lists the fare at 100 THB per person per trip; local guides give the same daytime price, so a return costs 200 THB. Published crossing times range from 10 to 20 minutes. If you do not want to wait, you can charter a whole boat, usually for 800 to 1,200 THB, and it leaves straight away. Tickets are valid for the day or evening you buy them. Some piers can close in strong wind or storms.

The park's official climate data gives a hot season from early January to April and a rainy season from early May to December. February is the driest month and July the wettest. Railay West is the most convenient landing point for Sand Sea Resort, Railay Village Resort, Railay Bay Resort and Railei Beach Club. For airport transfers, the more practical route is from Railay East to Ao Nam Mao pier, with a taxi waiting.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated September 2026.