Railay Beach: Remote Paradise Accessible Only by Boat
The bed at our hotel Kokotel in Ao Nang was incredibly soft and comfortable - it was hard to leave! But we wanted to hit the beaches before the crowds arrived. We left our warm duvet, took a shower, and headed for Ao Nang Beach to catch a longtail boat to Railay.
The Only Way In: Longtail Boat
The only way in and out of Railay Beach (also known as Rai Leh) is by longtail boat - the towering limestone cliffs cut off all land access, making it feel wonderfully remote despite being so close to Ao Nang.
We boarded a traditional longtail boat and navigated to the famous beach. The pristine sand surrounded by signature limestone karst cliffs and lush jungle was exactly as quiet as we'd hoped - most tourists aren't morning people! The whole area had a very romantic and laid-back ambiance, though we guessed it would be quite different during high season.
Kayaking to Hidden Beaches
We rented a kayak to explore several beaches, including:
- Phra Nang Beach (Princess Cave) - The most famous
- Several unnamed secluded coves - Completely deserted!
- Tonsai Beach - Popular with rock climbers
The freedom to paddle wherever we wanted, discovering tiny beaches with no one else around, was incredibly liberating.
Phra Nang's Princess Cave
Phra Nang Beach hides a fascinating peculiarity. On the southern side of the beach, we found a cave full of phallus carvings and wooden penises! These offerings have been placed by fishermen, locals, and visitors to honor the Princess of the Cave who, according to legend, will grant them fertility and prosperity.
The cave shrine is a unique blend of Thai spiritual beliefs and coastal fishing culture - unexpected but genuinely interesting!
Rock Climbing Paradise
While we didn't climb ourselves, Railay is world-famous as a rock climbing destination. The towering limestone karsts provide hundreds of routes for all skill levels, and we watched climbers scaling the cliffs throughout the day. The combination of stunning views and challenging routes makes Railay a bucket-list destination for climbers globally.
Have you visited Railay Beach? Did you try rock climbing or stick to beach hopping? What did you think of the Princess Cave? Share your Railay experiences below!
Visiting Railay Beach
- Getting there: Longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach (15 min, 100-150 THB per person). Boats depart when full (8-10 people). From Krabi Town pier: 45 min, 150-200 THB.
- Visit early morning (7-9am) for quiet beaches before tour groups arrive. Boats run 8am-6pm. Last boat leaves Railay around 5:30pm - don't miss it!
- Four main beaches: Railay West (sunset, swimming), Railay East (boat access, mangroves), Phra Nang (most beautiful, Princess Cave), Tonsai (climbers, budget).
- Kayak rental: 200-300 THB for 2-3 hours. Great way to explore hidden beaches and caves. Stay close to shore - currents can be strong!
- Rock climbing: Railay is world-famous! Half-day intro course: 1,000-1,500 THB ($30-45). Full-day: 2,000-2,500 THB. Many climbing schools - book ahead in high season.
- Princess Cave (Phra Nang Cave): Free to visit. Phallus shrine for fertility/prosperity blessings. Located at south end of Phra Nang Beach. Respectful photos okay.
- Accommodation: Can stay on Railay (expensive, limited) or Ao Nang (more options, cheaper). Ao Nang offers better value - easy day trip to Railay by longtail.
- What to bring: Swimsuit, towel, waterproof bag, sunscreen, water, snacks. No ATMs on Railay - bring cash! Restaurants/shops expensive due to boat access.
- Costs (2017): Longtail boat 100-150 THB, kayak 200-300 THB, lunch 150-300 THB, rock climbing intro 1,000-1,500 THB. Budget $30-50/day for Railay visit.
- Best time: November-April (dry season). May-October monsoon brings rough seas - boats may cancel. High season (Dec-Feb) very crowded, book ahead!
Note:
Railay Beach was everything we'd hoped for - a remote paradise with stunning limestone scenery, hidden coves to explore by kayak, and fascinating cultural sites like the Princess Cave. The lack of road access keeps it peaceful and special, even as tourism grows around Krabi!