A lavish guide to the stunning Railay Beach in Thailand

As the golden hour falls on Phra Nang Beach, located at the far end of Thailand’s Railay Peninsula in Krabi province, the atmosphere is magical.

The setting sun sets the towering limestone karsts aglow, enhancing the yellow and red tones of the ancient rocks against a deep purple sky.

Some travelers, still in their swimsuits from a day of relaxation, lounge on sarongs, gazing peacefully across the shoreline into the horizon.

Meanwhile, Railay West is buzzing with energy. Locals and tourists have gathered on the beach, where a lively game of beach soccer is unfolding.

As the tide recedes, beachgoers are drawn to the shore. Families with young children wade through the damp, muddy sand, passing the few long-tail boats left behind by the day’s visitors.

Another evening settles over Railay, a key highlight on Thailand’s famous beach-hopping route. Here’s a luxury-focused guide on what to expect during your visit:

The lay of the land

Its reputation is well-earned – it's absolutely stunning.

Railay gives the impression of being an island, yet it’s actually part of Thailand’s mainland, located along the Andaman Sea. The dramatic karst landscape has made it cut off from the rest of the mainland, with no roads leading in, so boat travel is the only way to access it.

The peninsula is widely known as Railay Beach, though it’s actually made up of four distinct stretches of sand, each with its own name. Besides Railay East and Railay West, there’s Tonsai to the north, which offers more affordable accommodation for budget travelers.

Railay West features several mid-range hotels, some with pools, and the popular expat spot, Railay Beach Club, consisting of privately owned Thai-style beach houses available for rent.

A jungle trail links Tonsai with Railay West, but at low tide, you can walk around the rocky outcrop separating the two. Railay East, with its mangrove-filled area, is less of a beach and more of a docking point for boats to pick up and drop off passengers.

At the southern tip of the peninsula lies the stunning Phra Nang Beach, widely regarded as the most beautiful of them all. The only luxury resort here is the exclusive Rayavadee, though the beach remains open to the public.

Luxury in the heart of the jungle

The limited availability of undeveloped land has kept major hotel chains away. As a result, Rayavadee remains the only true luxury option for those wanting to experience Railay at its finest.

This award-winning resort has been a fixture for nearly 25 years, offering 96 spacious two-story pavilions and five luxurious villas, many with their own private pools.

One of Rayavadee's main draws is how seamlessly it blends into the surrounding jungle and dramatic cliffs, providing direct access to both West and East Railay, as well as Phra Nang. It's truly expansive.

Despite its impressive size, Rayavadee harmonizes with its natural environment rather than overpowering it.

The main swimming pool exemplifies this perfect balance, offering stunning views of West Railay. Its serene location provides a peaceful retreat from the crowds on the beach.

The resort offers four dining options, each situated across the different shores of the peninsula.

The most iconic of them all is 'The Grotto,' a restaurant featured in numerous design and hospitality publications. Situated inside an actual cave on Phra Nang Beach, its tables and chairs are set directly on the sand.

The menu offers a delightful mix of casual international and Asian favorites, from sandwiches and pasta to stir-fries and fresh Thai salads.

For activities, there's a charming spa that blends traditional and modern treatments, as well as a fully equipped sports center offering free access to stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and other equipment.

Boat tours, hiking, and world-class climbing adventures

One common complaint about Railay is the influx of day-trippers from mid-morning until around 5 p.m., which fills the beaches with boats and crowds.

Aside from getting up early—during a recent visit, we arrived at Phra Nang Beach at 7 a.m. and had the entire beach to ourselves—another way to escape the crowds is by booking your own sea excursion during peak hours.

Long-tail boats are available for hire, offering snorkeling and sightseeing trips to nearby uninhabited islands. Rayavadee also provides a luxury speedboat, which guests can reserve for private day tours.

Hiking is another favorite activity, with several trails winding through Railay’s lush inland jungles. But what truly puts the area on the map is its world-renowned rock climbing.

Railay boasts over 600 climbing routes spread across 45 different areas, all accessible from its shores. One of the respected local climbing providers is Krabi Rock Climbing, offering equipment rentals and private guided ascents.

“We offer routes for every skill level,” says owner Satarpon Dindang, in an interview with Dinogo Travel.

“Thanks to the variety of routes and breathtaking views, Railay is one of the top climbing destinations worldwide. Additionally, with a sheltered area at Phra Nang Beach, we can climb here year-round,” he adds.

Railay Rock Climbing’s office is conveniently located along the walking street between East and West Railay.

Dining and shopping

When it comes to dining, Railay may not be a culinary hotspot on Thailand’s food scene, as most ingredients are delivered by boat.

You’ll find classic Thai dishes in small local restaurants around Railay, as well as international offerings including Italian, Indian, and American fare.

There’s a wide selection of restaurants and cozy bars along the long walking street that connects Railay West to East, with some offering beautiful sea views as you head toward the hills.

For those craving an authentic southern Thai meal, it might be worth taking the boat back to Ao Nang for a true local experience.

For a top-tier Thai dining experience, Rayavadee’s Krua Phranang restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including several bold southern Thai specialties that aren’t toned down for foreign tastes.

Shopping in Railay is vibrant, with a variety of street vendors selling everything from beachwear and souvenirs to toys. You’ll also find pharmacies, convenience stores, massage spas, and tour agencies along the bustling walking street.

Getting there

For those flying into Krabi’s small international airport, taxis are available to take you to the piers in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, where you can catch a long-tail boat to your chosen beach destination.

Regular ferries also run from popular Thai beach destinations, including Phuket and Phi Phi Islands, making it easy to reach Railay.

Rayavadee provides airport transfers and private speedboat services for a seamless journey to the resort.

Rayavadee, located at 214 Moo 2, Tumbon Ao-Nang, Krabi, Thailand; for inquiries, call +66 (0)2 3011861.