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Railay Beach
ไร่เลย์A small peninsula on the Andaman coast in Krabi, accessed only by boat because of the surrounding limestone cliffs; it combines several beaches with rock-climbing cliffs and mangrove edges.
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A closer look
Approaching by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, the cliffs rise straight from the water and the small beaches appear tucked into their bases.
On the west side, the cliffs and limestone karst formations frame Railay West in the late afternoon in a single continuous view.
On the cliff paths between beaches, the sea, the mangroves and the small fishing boats share the same quiet sound.
It is one of the most recognised rock-climbing areas in the world, with hundreds of bolted routes on the surrounding limestone.
The four beaches — Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai — each have a slightly different character.
It is a short boat ride from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, but its lack of road access keeps the feel of a small peninsula.
Before you go
Current details checked July 2026
- Best season
- Late May to early September for open access and long daylight. Winter has short daylight and rough seas; some beach closures in the monsoon peak.
Boat tours generally close in the heart of winter; verify operator schedules.
Editorial guidance - Getting there
- Longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town; Ao Nammao is the closest pier for some boats.Official source
- Physical access
- No road access; boat, ferry or hiking path are the only approachesOfficial source
- Official website
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RailayOfficial source
- Before you go 1
- There is no road access; arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Ao Nammao.Editorial guidance
- Before you go 2
- Swim only at designated beaches and respect local safety flags; currents along the headlands are strong.Editorial guidance
- Before you go 3
- Rock-climbing schools operate on the cliffs; if you climb, verify operator credentials and weather rules.Editorial guidance
- Before you go 4
- Limestone dust and mud can make trails slippery after rain.Editorial guidance
- Before you go 5
- Boats to Railay depart from Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Ao Nammao; longtail boats are flexible on time and can be shared with other travellers.Editorial guidance
- Before you go 6
- The four beaches (Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai) are within walking distance of each other but involve some climbing and boulder scrambling.Editorial guidance
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Practical notes
Note 1
Beaches free; specific resorts charge for their services.
Note 2
Boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town is the only approach.
Note 3
Specific 2026 boat timetable changes not pinned in this batch.
Note 4
Phra Nang cave beach is a short walk over a low headland from Railay East; the cave itself is a small shrine and is free to visit.
Note 5
Boats to Railay depart from Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Ao Nammao; longtail boats are flexible on time and can be shared with other travellers.