13 Awesome Things to Do in Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand!

Looking for the best things to do in Railay Beach, Thailand? You just found them!

In this article I have outlined all of the most epic things to do in Railay Beach in Krabi, plus useful information like where to stay, what to pack, the best tours and more!

Thailand is a destination I love so much I have already visited it four times, but I only made it to Railay Beach on my last trip, and I wished I’d gone there sooner.

Railay Beach is located on a peninsula isolated from the mainland by tall limestone mountains. It’s not technically an island, but with its laid-back atmosphere, it definitely feels like one.

In Railay Beach you will find gorgeous beaches, a cute and chill town, beautiful natural landscapes and the opportunity to go on stunning island hopping tours.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover all of the best things to do in Railay Beach!

About Railay Beach 

When you think of Thailand, the kind of scenes you get at Railay Beach come to mind.

Here you will find crystal clear waters lapping at fine white sand, but it’s not just about the beach itself — it’s the landscape, too.

Just offshore, the sea is dotted with dramatic limestone formations, while the beach itself is backed with jungle and soaring peaks.

This rocky situation means that Railay Beach is only accessible by boat. It’s not technically an island, but it feels like one.

The secluded peninsula is particularly popular and rightly so: it’s beautiful. Plus there are also plenty of things to do at Railay Beach, attracting beachgoers, paradise seekers and rock climbers. 

And a stone’s throw from Railay Beach, Krabi town sits waiting to be explored. But despite being close to big hotels and resorts, the beach itself remains practically undeveloped.

How to Get to Railay Beach 

The easiest way to get to Railay, Thailand, is to hop on a flight to Krabi, which is the closest airport.

From Krabi Airport to Railay Beach it’s a simple matter of getting a taxi for 30-45 minutes, and then jumping on a longtail boat for 10-15 minutes.

But here you have two choices; either from Ao Nam Mao Beach, which gets you to Railay East, or from Ao Nang Beach, which goes to Railay West. 

Which route you opt for depends mainly on what side of Railay Beach you’re staying at; if you don’t know, it’s best to ask your hotel or accommodation to organise the transfer for you — simple!

So all in all, the journey from Krabi airport to Railay Beach takes around an hour — around 40 minutes drive from the airport and then the 15-minute boat ride.

Best Things to Do in Railay Beach

Relax at Phra Nang Cave Beach

Is this one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand? It may well be. Here’s where people come to simply sit on the sand and soak up the stunning scenery (and some sun, too).

Tucked away on the southwest coast of the Railay peninsula, it’s backed by karst cliffs pockmarked with caves. 

Boats aren’t allowed here (as of Jan. 2024), so for swimming and chilling in the sea, it’s the best spot in Railay Beach.

Things to do here don’t amount to much, it’s just about lounging around and taking it all in. There are also some massage stations in the shade lining the beach, talk about the ultimate relaxing!

You can also rent a kayak on the beach (we paid 300THB for 1 hour), to go adventuring around the iconic limestone cliff just in front of Phra Nang Beach.

Plus, even though we were visiting in high season, over New Years, I was surprised to find that it was never super crowded.

Go kayaking!

The crystal clear water of Railay Beach, combined to its imposing rock formations and beautiful scenery makes for a pretty awesome place to go kayaking.

You will find plenty of opportunities to go kayaking. You can either rent one directly on Phra Nang Cave Beach, or join a tour from one of the shops on the main walking street.

Personally, I think you can easily do it alone by renting a kayak. The only cool thing about the tours is that they had sunset options with clear kayaks, which means being able to see bioluminescent plankton!

See the sunset from Railay West

Though West Railay Beach is definitely beautiful (the sand here is pretty pristine, and the rock formations are stunning), it’s not necessarily the best one in the area for chilling, as this is where boats from Ao Nang pick up and drop off passengers. 

Don’t let that put you off though: this is the best place to head if you’re looking for a Railay Beach sunset spot. We used to come here every day at the end of the day, and it’s a great place to do so.

There are places to grab something to eat and a beer or two — even a beach club and a few beachfront restaurants — making it a prime location to see the sun sink below the horizon.

Try your hand at rock climbing! 

Rock climbers are attracted to Railay Beach thanks to the incredible karst landscape going on here. It’s a big industry — there are a whole load of rock climbing schools and shops dedicated to scaling the limestone cliffs. 

It’s a veritable rock climbing paradise, and has reached legendary status among climbers.

Even if you’re not experienced, beginners can still add this to their list of Railay Beach activities thanks to the plethora of companies that will facilitate your climbing adventures.

We saw a few rock climbing schools along the main road of Railay Beach, or you can book your rock climbing tour at Railay Beach online beforehand. That way you can also see reviews by other travellers.

Click here to book your rock climbing tour at Railay Beach, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Take a long tail boat to Ton Sai Beach

Speaking of rock climbing, Tonsai Beach is a pretty good spot to do so, with some fantastic routes available to clamber up the karst formations.

It’s not just about rock climbing, it’s also a playground for beachgoers in general. 

It’s not the most beautiful of all the beaches in Railay, but it’s way less busy when compared to other beaches in the area and still pretty scenic.

It serves up white sands and calm seas to paddle in, with a few cafes and food spots to keep you refreshed. You can easily get here either by kayak or long-tail boat.

We got a long-tail boat from Railay West for 50 THB per person. It’s a pretty short boat ride, with the journey lasting 5-10 minutes.

If you go at low tide, the boat will have to drop you off a bit further out, and you then walk to the beach.

Do the four islands boat trip 

It’s not just about Railay Beach itself.

There are a whole load of postcard-perfect islands that dot the waters just off the coast, four of which are particularly famous: Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub and Koh Mor. 

These can all be easily reached on the popular 4 islands boat trip, with a long list of companies that provide tours. 

If you’re in Railay Beach for snorkelling, it’s a great option as you will visit some of the best snorkel and scuba spots in Thailand, and see the unique marine life.

If your travel budget allows for it, I recommend a private tour, since it will give you more freedom to pick and choose when and where you go.

We did a private long-tail boat tour and it was honestly one of the best days of our Thailand itinerary.

Our sailor was amazing, and he took us to all the popular stops just after or before the big day tours arrived, so that we could enjoy the pristine beaches to ourselves.

We lounged on the pristine white sand of Koh Poda, snorkelled at Koh Tub, saw the unique rock formations of Chicken Island, and generally enjoyed the stunning scenery of these islands.

We booked it directly in Railay Beach from one of the shops along the main road, but if you like having things booked beforehand, you can check out the tours available on GetYourGuide (that way you can also see reviews).

Click here to book your four islands boat tour from Railay Beach, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Go on a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay

One of the absolute must-do activities for many tourists in Railay Beach is to head on a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s one of the islands in particular, Phi Phi Ley, that’s the most famous. 

It’s here that you’ll find Maya Bay, a must-see in Phi Phi, which was made an icon of Thailand when it featured as a filming location in the 2000 Leonardo Di Caprio film The Beach.

It’s best to visit Phi Phi on a tour; group tours are more affordable but private tours (like this one) offer you more freedom without the crowds.

Most tours from Krabi will include pick-up and drop-off, a visit to Maya Bay, snorkel in Pileh Lagoon, and stops at Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island.

I took my parents here on our last trip, and while they loved the stunning beaches and unique landscapes, they were a bit put off by the crowds. Be ready for considerably more tourists than in Railay Beach!

Click here to book your speedboat tour to Phi Phi from Krabi, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Explore the main street & do some shopping

If you’re looking for things to do in Railay Beach away from all the rock climbing, snorkelling, speedboat tours, and general lounging around on the sand, then take time to stroll along the main street. 

Known as Railay Walking Street, this laid-back thoroughfare connects the two sides of Railay, East and West, and is pretty much the main hub of activity in the area.

Here you’ll find cafes and bars, as well as tour companies and shops where you can pick up everything from souvenirs to essential items. 

It’s obviously not very urbanised, but it’s a very pleasant street to walk along, with a chilled atmosphere and shops selling all your holiday necessities.

See the view from East Railay viewpoint 

Though the trail to get to the East Railay viewpoint is technically closed, and there are signs saying not to use it, people still make the trek up this short, steep jungle trail. 

It’s a bit of a scramble if you do feel like doing it (and maybe not great if you’re afraid of heights), but just make sure you wear sensible hiking shoes and you’ll be greeted with a picturesque spot to soak up some views over East and West Railay.

As I was travelling with my anxious Italian mother, I wasn’t able to hike to this viewpoint, but it looks gorgeous from the photos you see online. Make sure to bring plenty of water!

Go on a day trip to the Hong Islands 

If you thought Railay Beach couldn’t get any more beautiful, then take a trip to the Hong Islands (Mu Koh Hong in Thai).

Part of Than Bok Khorani National Park, this beautiful gem is known for its lagoon-like waters surrounded by jungle-clad karst landscapes. 

There’s one main island and several tiny islets including Pakbia, Rai, Lahding and Daeng, which are best explored via a full-day tour by speedboat.

Click here to book your Krabi to Hong Islands speedboat tour, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Do a day trip to James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay 

Another famous filming location near to Railay Beach is the so-called James Bond Island, or Koh Tapu in Thai. 

It appeared in the James Bond film Man With the Golden Gun in 1974. The best way to get to this stunning locale is to hop on a tour from Krabi. 

James Bond Island is part of the wider Phang Nga Bay, which is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park, and sort of like Thailand’s answer to Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay.

I went here on my first Phuket trip, and remember being amazed by the limestone cliffs and stunning natural scenery. We kayaked into hidden coves, which is an experience like no other.

This tour also includes lunch at Koh Panyee, a floating fishing village. Phang Nga Bay is a bit far from Railay Beach, but well worth the journey!

Click here to book your Railay Beach to Phang Nga Bay day tour!

Visit an elephant sanctuary 

Elephants have long been an important part of Thai culture, having been employed for everything from logging industry and farming to being ridden in times of war centuries ago. 

Today many of these majestic creatures have retired from their days of hard work and live out their lives in protected sanctuaries.

One of the better places in the area to see these gentle giants is at Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary; entry is 2,500 THB.

Here you can see how the staff care for the elephants, help to bathe them and feed them, and enjoy seeing them up close and personal. 

There are plenty of tours to this ethically run sanctuary. Personally, I didn’t visit this sanctuary, as I went to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, but it has loads of glowing reviews online.

Click here to book your elephant sanctuary tour in Railay Beach, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

 

Visit the Tiger Cave Temple close to Krabi 

Known in Thai as Wat Tham Suea, the Tiger Cave Temple can be found to the north of Krabi. It’s considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why.

Located at the top of a 278-metre high karst peak, this lush landmark can be seen for miles around thanks to the giant golden Buddha statue that glints in the sunshine. 

The name comes from the nearby cave, which is steeped in legends related to tigers (it’s said you can see tiger paw prints on the walls).

To get there isn’t easy, though, you have to climb 1,260 steps, with monkeys roaming the mountainside as you climb. The views are a good reward though. It’s free, but if you visit the cave, it’ll cost 40 THB.

Where to stay in Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a fairly small town, so regardless of where you stay, you will always be close to the Main Street and piers. That said, here are some of the best places to stay for every budget.

Budget: Railay Viewpoint Resort – This budget option is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main road, and it’s a great for those who want spacious rooms and a pool with view for an affordable price. 

Click here to book your stay at Railay Viewpoint Resort!

Mid-range: Railay Princess Resort & Spa – This is where we stayed for a week and really enjoyed it. The property is clean, the rooms spacious, it offers a lovely breakfast buffet, has a great pool with view and is in an easy position close to East Railay Pier and the main street. 

Click here to book your stay at Railay Princess Resort & Spa!

Luxury: Rayavadee – If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so! Located in Phra Nang Beach (the only hotel there) this luxury property offers gorgeous private villas nestled in nature.

Check out prices & availability at Rayavadee here!

What to pack for Railay Beach

For a full breakdown of what you should pack for Thailand, check out my Thailand packing list. Here I just included a few essentials that are always useful when you visit tropical beaches.

Waterproof jacket – If you visit in rainy season, you’ll be glad to have one of these!

Fast drying towel – There’s a lot of swimming and lounging on beaches involved in Railay Beach, so make sure to have one of these! I love these because they dry quickly and they don’t take up much space.

Power bank – You don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a gorgeous photo of the natural landscapes of Railay Beach!

Dry bag – To keep your valuables safe and dry from any rogue water splashes during your boat trip.

Do you need travel insurance to visit Railay Beach?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on the top things to do at Railay Beach, Krabi

There you have it, the ultimate guide on Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand! Have you been to Railay Beach before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

After four trips to Thailand, I can confidently say Railay Beach is one of my favourite places in Thailand. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular spots for many travellers.

I’d visited gorgeous islands in Thailand like Koh Lipe, the Surin Islands and Similan Islands before, but the rugged beauty of Railay Beach left me speechless.

In Railay Beach you won’t just find pretty beaches with turquoise water, but also unique rock formations and an incredible nature. This variety is one of the things I love about Thailand.

On the same trip you could see loads of different places; discovering the temples of Chiang Rai, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, the city life of Chiang Mai, the temples of Ayutthaya and the stunning beaches of Railay Beach.

I hope you found my Railay Beach guide useful, and that it will help you plan your perfect trip to Railay Beach! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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