RAILAY BEACH
Railay Beach, though technically a peninsula cut off by towering limestone karsts, feels like a secluded island paradise. It’s a world-renowned haven for rock climbers and a postcard-perfect destination for beach lovers.
This unique subregion of Krabi Province offers four distinct beaches, hidden lagoons, and a relaxed, car-free atmosphere. It perfectly blends dramatic natural beauty with adventurous outdoor activities.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & Beaches:
Phra Nang Beach: Consistently ranked as one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its soft sand and the stunning limestone stack, Ko Rang Nok, just offshore.
Railay West Beach: The main entry point and the best beach for swimming and watching the spectacular sunset.
Tonsai Beach: A quieter, more bohemian beach with a dedicated vibe for rock climbers and backpackers, accessible by foot at low tide or by longtail boat.
Railay East Beach: The logistical hub and quieter side, lined with mangroves (not ideal for swimming), but home to many resorts and a scenic backdrop.
Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave): A unique sea cave on Phra Nang Beach filled with wooden phallic offerings to the mythical sea princess.
Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai): An accessible cave on Railay East known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Railay Viewpoint Hike: A steep, challenging, but short climb to a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning vistas over Railay East and West.
Railay Hidden Lagoon (Princess Lagoon): A challenging scramble down from the Viewpoint trail (often rope-assisted and muddy) leading to a serene, enclosed sinkhole lagoon.
Ko Rang Nok: The iconic limestone islet sitting just off Phra Nang Beach, a perfect photo opportunity.
Dusky Leaf Monkeys: Wild, spectacled langurs often spotted along the walking path between Railay East and Phra Nang Beach.
Activities & Adventure:
Rock Climbing on Limestone Karsts: Railay is a world-class destination for climbing, with countless routes for all skill levels, especially around Tonsai Beach and Phra Nang.
Sea Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or SUP to explore the dramatic coastline, sea caves, and paddle to nearby islets like Ko Rang Nok.
4 Islands Tour: A popular longtail boat trip to nearby islands like Koh Poda, Chicken Island (Koh Gai), and Koh Tup, often including a stop back at Phra Nang Beach.
Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: Full or half-day speedboat or longtail boat excursions to the famous islands, including the iconic Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon.
Snorkeling: Opportunities abound, particularly on island tours or directly off Phra Nang and Railay West beaches.
Deep Water Soloing: A form of rock climbing over water, offered by local climbing schools, where a fall means a splash in the Andaman Sea.
Culture & Nightlife:
Railay Walking Street: The main thoroughfare connecting Railay West and East, featuring shops, restaurants, and tour operators.
Tew Lay Bar: A famous, highly-rated bar on Railay East, known for its incredible sunset views and chill-out vibe.
Railay Beach West Sunset: The main gathering point to watch the sun dip below the Andaman Sea horizon.
Phra Nang Boat Eats: Longtail boats anchored off Phra Nang Beach that serve fresh, authentic, and inexpensive Thai food, snacks, and drinks directly on the sand.
The Last Bar: A long-standing institution on Railay East known for its late-night parties, fire shows, and occasional Muay Thai fights.
Activities & Experiences
Go Rock Climbing on Limestone Cliffs: Railay is a world-renowned rock climbing mecca. Take a half-day or full-day course from Railay East or Tonsai Beach, suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to experienced.
Hike to the Railay Viewpoint & Hidden Lagoon: Scramble up the steep, often muddy trail between Railay East and Phra Nang Beach for panoramic views of the peninsula. Then, descend to the stunning, secluded Princess Lagoon (requires a challenging descent).
Take a 4-Islands Longtail Boat Tour: Hire a traditional longtail boat for the classic island-hopping experience to nearby islands like Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tup, and Koh Mor.
Kayak or Paddleboard Around the Peninsula: Rent a kayak or SUP at Railay West or Phra Nang Beach and explore the towering karsts, hidden coves, and nearby islands like Koh Rang Nok.
Watch the Sunset at Railay West: Gather on the sand at Railay West Beach to witness one of Thailand’s most spectacular sunsets over the Andaman Sea, often with food and drink vendors nearby.
Visit Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave): Located at the southern end of Phra Nang Beach, this unique cave is a sacred spot for local fishermen who leave phallic-shaped offerings to the drowned sea princess.
Explore Railay Walking Street: Wander the small street connecting Railay West and East to find laid-back bars, small restaurants, street food, and souvenir shops.
Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise & See Bioluminescent Plankton: Book a tour that includes a sunset barbecue dinner followed by a chance to swim with the magical bioluminescent plankton after dark.
Enjoy a Beach Day at Phra Nang Beach: Spend time on what is often considered one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its soft sand and striking rock formations.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry from a local chef in the relaxed Railay setting.
Spot Dusky Leaf Monkeys: Look out for the shy, spectacled Dusky Leaf Monkeys (Langurs) and macaques roaming the jungle paths, particularly on the walk between Railay East and Phra Nang Beach.
Local Tips & Transport
Railay is Car-Free: Railay Beach is a peninsula surrounded by high limestone cliffs, making it inaccessible by road. All movement on the peninsula is on foot via paved pathways and jungle trails between the four main beaches (Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang, and Tonsai).
Access is by Longtail Boat: The only way to and from Railay is by a traditional Thai longtail boat.
- From Ao Nang: Boats depart regularly from the Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service Club ticket booth and typically drop you off at Railay West.
- From Krabi Town/Ao Nam Mao: Boats from Ao Nam Mao Pier usually drop off at Railay East.
- Note: You will almost always have to wade through the shallow water to get on and off the longtail boat, so wear quick-drying clothes and keep electronics in a waterproof bag.
Island-Hopping Boats: Longtail boats can be hired on the beaches for private charter or shared group tours for day trips to the surrounding islands. Prices are often fixed but can sometimes be negotiated for private hires.
Last Boat Time: Be aware that the shared longtail boat service often stops running in the late afternoon (around 5:30 PM/6:00 PM). Missing the last boat means you must pay a premium for a private charter or stay overnight.
A Laid-Back Vibe: Railay has a distinctly relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, especially around Tonsai Beach, which is a popular spot for climbers and backpackers.
Currency & Payment: While some larger resorts and dive shops accept card payments, cash (Thai Baht) is king, especially at the local food stalls, small shops, and for boat tickets. There are ATMs available, primarily on Railay East.
Sun Protection is Essential: The tropical sun is intense. Apply a high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen frequently and stay hydrated. Plan your more strenuous activities (like the viewpoint hike) for the cooler morning or late afternoon.
Respect the Wildlife: Railay is home to various wildlife, including macaques and the gentle Dusky Leaf Monkeys. Never feed the monkeys, keep all food and bags secured, and maintain a respectful distance.
The Power of Phra Nang Cave: The cave on Phra Nang Beach is an important local shrine to a sea goddess/princess. When visiting, maintain respect for the cultural tradition and its unusual offerings.
Happy Hour & Nightlife: Railay East is the main hub for nightlife, with many reggae and bar venues. Look for Happy Hour deals, especially on Railay West at sunset, for discounted local beers and cocktails.
Hidden Gems:
- Tonsai Beach: A short walk or kayak ride from Railay West, Tonsai is the ultimate climbing hub with a more rustic, laid-back vibe and great, cheap eats.
- Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai): A small, illuminated cave system on the path between Railay West and East, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
- Tew Lay Bar: Located at the far north end of Railay East, this is a beautiful, rustic wooden bar built on stilts over the water, offering fantastic views and a quiet atmosphere.
Top Restaurants
Railay Family Restaurant [$10-$20] – A cozy, rustic eatery popular for its authentic and delicious Thai cuisine, particularly praised for its Massaman Curry and fresh fruit shakes, located on the Walking Street.
Mangrove Restaurant [$10-$20] – A highly-rated, friendly, family-run spot near Railay East known for serving cheap and delicious traditional Thai food, as well as fresh grilled seafood and Western dishes.
Welcome Back Restaurant [$10-$20] – A consistently good choice on Railay East known for its friendly staff, excellent fruit smoothies, and quality Thai food with a popular barbecue option in the evenings.
Local Thai Food Restaurant (Stalls) [$5-$15] – Not one specific place, but the small, often unnamed, local Thai food stalls and vendors found along the Railay Walking Street that offer authentic, flavorful, and very reasonably priced street food.
Samonsi Pad Thai [$5-$10] – A focused street food stall, often found near the Walking Street area, specializing in what many consider to be one of the best and most authentic Pad Thai dishes on the peninsula.
Kamar Bar & Restaurant [$15-$25] – A spacious, casual spot, often noted for having the best grilled chicken in the area, alongside a large menu of other Thai and international dishes.
Jen Bar and Restaurant [$15-$25] – A beautiful, wooden-structured restaurant surrounded by trees, offering a wide range of meals and often featuring pleasant live music in a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.
Ting Tong Bar & Restaurant [$10-$20] – A popular, rustic bamboo bar and eatery near Railay East, offering simple, well-made Thai classics and a great place to meet other travelers.
Coco 2004 [$15-$25] – A well-known spot offering tasty Thai dishes in a relaxed environment, often recommended by locals and repeat visitors for its solid quality and good service.
Krua Kritsana [$10-$20] – A simple, unassuming Thai restaurant that offers a large menu of classic dishes, praised for generous portions and authentic, spicy Thai flavors.
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Pizza [$15-$25] – Widely celebrated as having some of the best Indian food in the area, offering authentic dishes like Palak Paneer and various curries with excellent naan.
Avatar Railay Bistrobar [$20-$35] – Located in a resort, this spot offers a blend of quality Thai and Western cuisine in an elegant setting with a magically lit garden and live music in the evenings—a great option for a romantic dinner.
Skunk Bar & Restaurant [$15-$25] – A rustic, chill-out spot, especially popular with the climbing and backpacking crowd on Tonsai Beach, offering simple food, drinks, and a unique, social atmosphere.
The Last Bar [$15-$25] – Located on Railay East, this is an iconic, laid-back hangout known for its full bar, Thai and Western dishes, and the host of events it holds, including the popular Sunday night Muay Thai fights.
Real Coffee [$10-$20] – Primarily a popular spot for good coffee, breakfast, and light Western bites (like burgers and sandwiches), situated conveniently near the sunset viewing area of Railay West.
The Grotto @ Rayavadee (Phra Nang Beach) [$60-$100+] – A truly unique and high-end dining experience set inside an ancient limestone cave right on Phra Nang Beach, offering a refined menu of fine Thai and international cuisine. Note: Reservations and resort access may be required.
Raitalay Terrace (Rayavadee Resort) [$50-$80+] – Offers fine dining, specializing in modern Thai and international dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, set in a stunning location overlooking the sea.
REEVE Beach Club Krabi [$30-$50] – A modern beach club and restaurant offering a delightful menu in a stunning beachfront location, perfect for sunset views and a slightly more upscale, trendy atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Tew Lay Bar: Located at the far northern end of Railay East Beach, this famous, rustic bamboo bar offers spectacular views, especially at sunset, with swings and hammocks right over the water. It’s known for its chill vibe and extensive cocktail menu.
The Last Bar: Situated at the southern end of Railay East, this venue is the closest thing to a full-fledged club on the peninsula, but starts as a relaxed bar. It’s famous for its Muay Thai fights on Sunday nights, fire shows, and a wide selection of drinks.
Bamboo Bar: A classic, no-frills, reggae-style bar located on the main Railay Walking Street, this spot embodies the backpacker, laid-back atmosphere of the area, serving cocktails and popular Thai bucket drinks.
Joy’s Bar: A relaxed spot on the Railay Walking Street known for its good selection of cocktails and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s often favored for its reliable Wi-Fi for those who need a brief digital connection.
D Bar: Found along the main bar section of Railay East, this simple bamboo-style bar is a typical ‘rasta’ bar, offering the usual cocktail and beer selection in a chilled setting with reggae music.
Skunk Bar: Located on the Railay East side, this bar provides a slight alternative to the prevalent reggae theme, sometimes playing different music genres and maintaining a laid-back, social atmosphere.
Avatar Railay Bistrobar: Situated a short walk inland from Railay East, this bar offers a unique, magical garden setting with twinkling lights, serving a mix of Thai and Western food along with signature cocktails.
Sunset Bar (at Railay Bay Resort & Spa): Located right on the quieter Railay West Beach, this hotel bar offers premium cocktails with a stunning, unobstructed view of the famous Railay sunset, perfect for a slightly more upscale or romantic evening.
The Grotto (at Rayavadee): While primarily a fine-dining experience, this bar is set within an actual limestone cave on Phra Nang Beach (a short walk/swim from Railay East), offering a truly exclusive and stunning location for sunset cocktails. Note: Reservations are essential and it is the highest-end option.
Utopia International Delights: Located in the central part of Railay, near the walking street, this multi-faceted spot is a restaurant, hangout, and bar rolled into one, offering a full bar menu with various cuisines and a large screen for nightly movies.
Flame Tree Restaurant (Bar Section): Located near the entrance of the Railay Walking Street on Railay West, the bar section is famous for its extensive list of 57 cocktails and a busy, laid-back setting, great for people-watching.
Why Not Bar (Tonsai Beach): Technically a short walk or kayak away on the neighboring Tonsai Beach, this spot is a classic, rustic beach bar with fire shows, live music, and a strong, bohemian ‘club’ atmosphere, popular with rock climbers and backpackers.
Diamond Bar (at Diamond Cave Resort): Located on Railay East, this is a simple hotel bar that offers reasonably priced drinks and a relaxed setting near the central part of the beach.
Local Fruit Shake Stalls (Walking Street): Although not a “cocktail bar,” many small stalls along the Railay Walking Street offer fresh fruit shakes and will often mix them with a bottle of local spirits (known as a “bucket”) for a classic Thai beach-party experience.
Viewpoint Bar: Often a simpler, open-air spot, this bar is typically found near the central area of Railay East, offering a casual place to grab a beer or simple mixed drink and socialize.
The Last Bar: The most definitive “club” on the peninsula, located at the end of Railay East. While it starts as a bar, it transitions into a lively dance spot after the fire show and Muay Thai (on certain nights), with a mix of commercial and dance music, staying open late.
Why Not Bar (Tonsai Beach): Though it’s on the adjacent Tonsai Beach, this location is renowned for its late-night party and club atmosphere, drawing visitors who want to dance. It features reggae, a bonfire, and is the hub for the area’s most high-energy late-night scene.
Bamboo Bar: After transitioning from a day-time bar on the Railay Walking Street, this place can become a lively, albeit small, spot for dancing, often fueled by its signature bucket cocktails and reggae-infused party beats.
Sunset Reggae Bar: A simple, dedicated late-night spot, usually found towards the central area of Railay East, focused on keeping the party going with reggae music and an easy-going crowd.
Walking Street Bars: Multiple smaller, unnamed, or transient bamboo bars along the Railay Walking Street often have small dance floors or encourage dancing, collectively creating a lively, continuous strip for bar-hopping and late-night movement.
Black Panther Bar: A popular, though small, spot on Railay East that often features a pool table and loud music, drawing a young, energetic crowd looking to party and dance.
Longtail Boat Bar: Sometimes, enterprising longtail boat owners on Railay West or East turn their boats into temporary, makeshift floating bars at night, selling drinks and playing music, creating a unique late-night gathering spot (varies by season/night).
Pool Party (at Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa): While not a public club, some of the resorts, like those on Railay East, occasionally host open pool parties or special events with a live DJ, which offers a more resort-club feel than the rustic beach bars.
Dreadlock Bar: Another of the small, authentic reggae/hippie bars on Railay East that, depending on the night and the crowd, can transition into a lively spot for dancing until the early hours.
The Last Fisherman Bar (Ao Nang): For a true club experience, a short longtail boat ride across the water to Ao Nang is often necessary. This bar on Ao Nang Beach, while technically off-peninsula, is a popular party hub with fire shows and a lively atmosphere that acts as a true club alternative.