Railay Beaches Guide

Railay West, Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tonsai Beach, Railay East

Accessible only from the sea, Railay's four beaches Tonsai, Railay West, Railay East and Phra Nang (often referred to as the "Phra Nang Cave" beach) nestle between towering limestone cliffs.

Railay West

Railay West offers perfectly soft sand, a wide beach, informal beach restaurants, friendly locals and a tiny community of travellers who just can't seem to leave.

At sunset the beach is a hive of activity with boats arriving and departing, impromptu games of football and takraw (a local game played with a woven ball) and people taking a stroll. The beach faces west, so its a great place to just sit and watch a stunning tropical sunset.

A pathway straight across the peninsula links Railay West with Railay East skirting past dozens of small bungalows dotted around the area. You can also walk along the beach at Railay East and along the base of the cliffs to Phra Nang beach (About 45 minutes)

Both Railay West and Phra Nanghave surrounding cliffs that twist into fantastic shapes, weathered by the wind and rain over time. Trees and shrubs cling precariously to the rock face, as do rock climbers who come here for sun, sand and the challenge of an overhang or a vertical wall. Most people, however, just come to relax and enjoy.

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Most people arrive at Phra Nang by boat and are amazed by this beautiful cove. Phra Nang (not to be confused with Ao Nang) is more popular and busier than Railay West, especially in high season (Nov- April) and has all the ingredients of a perfect beach. Duvet soft sand, clear shallow water for safe swimming, a small island and coral reef, accessible at low tide, caves and rockpools. All this, set against a backdrop of picturesque limestone cliffs that provide natural shade from the hot afternoon sun.

At the bottom of the limestone cliffs lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok. Dedicated to an ancient fertility goddess, the cave contains a strange combination of large phallic symbols, garlands and offerings in the hope of increased potency and prosperity. Local fishermen still leave offerings although it's now becoming a local tourist attraction.

Phra Nang is a great beach to simply hang out. In the late morning the "sandwich boats" arrive. Local longtail boats equipped with ice boxes, bread and sandwich ingredients. Fancy a cheese and ham baguette? Freshly made and not expensive, the ladies on the boats will serve with a smile and often a free piece of fruit.

Just offshore, is a tiny island which you can walk to at low tide along a sand bar and go snorkeling. If you can't be bothered, just take it easy. There's no accommodation on Phra Nang Beach except the deluxe Sheraton Rayavadeee which unobtrusively occupies part of the beach. So if you really want to treat yourself, spend a few days in luxury here.

Railay East

Railay East, a narrow beach on the opposite side to Railay West, is home to mangroves, local fishing boats and local birds. It's also the most convenient place to find a longtail taxi boat to Krabi town and other beaches.

A few local restaurants line the beach, providing welcome shade and a drink while you wait for your boat. At night they form the focal point of the Railay high season party scene. Bars like Gecko, Cliffs, Railay Experience and the Last Bar offer an eclectic mix of fire-twirlers, good music and good vibes until it's time to wend your way back to your bungalow. Shoes optional.

Along the pathway which links to Railay West (about a 25 minute walk) are dozens of small bungalows giving the feeling of a small self contained village, which indeed it is, with restaurants and convenience stores in addition to the the bungalows. Accommodation can also be found around the north end of Railay East, near the nightlife scene. If you're interested in climbing, check out the climbing schools also located at this end of the beach. (See map)

You can also walk from Railay East to Phra Nang Beach (about 15 minutes.) The two beaches are connected by a path which follows the base of the cliffs bordered by caves, stalactites and of course, vendors. If you plan to walk around it's a good idea to keep your shoes and wear a T shirt. Although it's a short walk to the other beaches it gets unbelievably hot!

Tonsai Beach

Quieter than the other beaches, Tonsai really is the place to read that book or just work on the suntan, you'll find a few bungalow resorts with names like "Andaman Nature" and "Dream Valley", some beach restaurants and bars, together with a climbing school.