Railay Beach Activities Guide
Rock Climbing, Sea Kayaking, Viewpoints & More
The beach life in Railay can be mixed with a fairly good range
of activities, your holiday may turn out to be more active than
you thought.
Everyone from kids to middle-aged thrill seekers are scaling the
cliffs. There are several climbing schools (notably King Climbers
and Cliffs Man) located at Railay East and Ton Sai beach.
Courses from absolute beginner to advanced are available and with
a choice of over 650 routes - there's enough here to keep any climber
busy for years. (Rock Climbing
in Railay)
Sea Kayaking
Over thousands of years tides have worn away parts of the limestone
cliffs to form overhanging rockfaces and even caves in some instances.
Sea Kayaking is a great way to explore all the nooks and crannies
around Railay. You can Kayak from one of Railay's beaches to another,
or even to one of the islands nearby.
Kayaks can be rented easily from Railay West and Phra Nang beaches.
Viewpoints & Caves in Railay
To get to the first viewpoint you go towards the lagoon (described
above) and halfway there the path splits, up to the viewpoint or
down to the lagoon. Stunning views of Railay can be seen.
The other viewpoint is between Phra Nang and Railay West Beaches,
you'll need a torch. You start at Phra Nang Beach at the opposite
end to the Princess Cave (the small cave filled with Phallic symbols,
left by couples hoping to get pregnant). Walk up the rocks until
you see the entrance to the cave, walk up through the cave as far
as you can, climb the ladder and viola! Spectacular views of Railay
West Beach. If you have climbing gear you can abseil down the other
side otherwise go back the way you came.
The Diamond Cave is also worth a look, the well marked path begins
at the north end of Railay East Beach. It doesn't take long to get
there and lights have been installed inside. Afterwards you can
follow the path down to Railay West Beach.
Beach Activities
You won't be on the beach long before you're offered jetskiing
or parasailing. Alternatively sightseeing trip in a longtail boat
is a nice way to spend the afternoon.
Thai Massage is available right on the beach, you'll find the areas
set up in the shady areas. As the sun lowers in the sky games of
beach soccer (Railay West Beach) and beach volleyball (Phra Nang
Beach) commence, anyone can join in.
Hidden Lagoon (Sa Phra Nang)
Sa Phra Nang means 'Holy Princess Pool', it possibly sounds more
intriguing than it is however if you're young and fit it's worth
a look. The lagoon is tidal so try to ensure that it's high tide
when you go. Be aware that you will get dirty so wear appropriate
clothing.
On the path between Railay East Beach and Phra Nang Beach there's
a sign that says lagoon, to get to it you have to climb up muddy
slopes then down a rocky ravine. The mud is slippery and there's
more scrambling than climbing involved so think twice about it after
rain.
Once you reach it you find a pool surrounded by sheer cliffs most
of the way around, some find it beautiful however some find it a
little disappointing after the tough 45 minute journey to get there.
Those who get there at low tide will be very frustrated to find
a small muddy pool. Don't attempt to go there alone.
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