Railay Beach
Railay Beach
4
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Top ways to experience Railay Beach
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
360 within 5 kms
Attractions
40 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,746 reviews
Excellent
2,965
Very good
1,633
Average
727
Poor
247
Terrible
174
Sally F
1 contribution
Jan 2023
Book your bit of sand.
Beautiful waters. Lovely place. But too many foreigners. Worth a visit but no more than that
Beautiful waters. Lovely place. But too many foreigners. Worth a visit but no more than that
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shelley W
2 contributions
Jan 2023
The scenery is lovely and the swimming is great but watch for small rocks if close to the cliffs. It was high season so really overcrowded. Also a lot of cigarette smoking which put us off especially in the cafes. The walking street was quite dirty and run down behind the scenes. I think this place must have been stunning years ago but I think it will suffer because of the leagalised dope dens.
Written 28 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phil78
Tolyatti, Russia28 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Railay beach is a false island but it is accessible only by boat. Long tail boats tickets are available in Ao Nang, just in front of the beach where is the “pier”, departure of all boats. It cost 200 baths to go with coming back.
On this island, several beautiful beaches and sea side is beautiful. Just one bad thing is that it’s indicated in all touristic information that you can go up to a view point to have a nice view of the island, but to go there. You need to be well equipped for clubbing. It’s even dangerous to climb there.
It’s also easy to meet monkeys families at this place.
On this island, several beautiful beaches and sea side is beautiful. Just one bad thing is that it’s indicated in all touristic information that you can go up to a view point to have a nice view of the island, but to go there. You need to be well equipped for clubbing. It’s even dangerous to climb there.
It’s also easy to meet monkeys families at this place.
Written 27 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
frasercameron
London, UK105 contributions
Jan 2023
One of the best ferry taxi rides in the world. 100 baht each way. Great beach but stick to designated swimming areas otherwise you get caught up in shall ricks and coral which can give you a nasty cut.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Patricia Zucconi
Porto Ronco, Switzerland1,238 contributions
Nov 2022
Beautiful day on the beach,, A bit crowded but we managed to grab a place at the end of the beach which was actually not packed, Great for swimmers . We grabbed a quick lunch in one of the cafes in the main and only street .
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Simon B
11 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
This beautiful beach is set in a stunning setting of limestone escarpments and is only accessible by boat. Leading off the beach is “Shopping Street” which has loads of lazy paced bars and places to eat. The pace is delightfully slow and relaxed with the super friendly Thai staff making everyone feel special. Possibly one of the most chilled out places in the world.
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dmrbay
Ankara, Türkiye324 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Beautiful clean beach, beautiful sand and water. One has to take a boat from Ao Nang beach ( return 200 baht). A longboat will be ready whenever you want to return. There is a trail to the caves and it is nice to swim under them.
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TerryD73
Randers, Denmark37 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
A short long tail boat ride for 100 thb pp ew. And you are at a lovely vibrant little alcove of krabi.
Very popular with the “hippie” scene, smoke weed everyday, as snoop would say.
Rented a kayak for 200thb per hour and went around the corner to another beautiful beach. Seemed to be a popular thing to do as probably everyone else there had done the same thing.
Had a great lunch on the walking st, thai noodles. Really cheap compared to the beach front places and much better quality. We also ate at the beach from ones and wasnt impressed for the price. 5 time the price of the walking st.
Overall a lovely 1/2 day spent there.
Very popular with the “hippie” scene, smoke weed everyday, as snoop would say.
Rented a kayak for 200thb per hour and went around the corner to another beautiful beach. Seemed to be a popular thing to do as probably everyone else there had done the same thing.
Had a great lunch on the walking st, thai noodles. Really cheap compared to the beach front places and much better quality. We also ate at the beach from ones and wasnt impressed for the price. 5 time the price of the walking st.
Overall a lovely 1/2 day spent there.
Written 21 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Powell936
Norwich, UK53 contributions
Dec 2022
The photograph shown does not show a true reflection of Railay Beach. It’s missing the longboats. I counted 28 boats in a line leaving each end of the beach free. Number 1 problem; the rocks beneath the water. The boats have taken up the smooth sand. There is a pier on East Railay. The boats should stick to that side leaving this beautiful beach clear. The walking street has many different bars and shops all selling their wears at an over inflated price. A T-Shirt selling for 190 baht in Bangkok is on sale for 280baht in Railay. If you like the smell of green/weed, you’ll love this place. Magic Mushroom food and drink is freely available. It’s not in your face so it wasn’t a problem, the smell of cannabis is every where but it’s not a strong smell. It is worth a day trip but I would not go again. Check what plug sockets the hotels use; we were lucky and brought our own adapters from the UK
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lawrence B
Sydney, Australia757 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Railey beach east not that good phrangbeach is beautiful with the shrines and rock formations also no boats so the water is cleaner you can go west beach for some crappy shopping or weed bars
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Razek Z.
1 contribution
Are there cliff jumping options available (tours or private boats) around Railay or the nearby islands?
stephen b
Havant, UK216 contributions
Hi we were in railay beach in february , i can honestly say no jumping from cliffs to the water , but plenty of rock climbing , but there are plenty of boat trips to nearby islands with lunch and snorkelling equipment , these trips are brilliant and suit both couples and families with children .
have a good trip.
crississ
Malmö, Sweden24 contributions
Is is better the avatar or the sand beach? (I know avatar is in the other side, not in the west side)
Andreas Ruoff
Stuttgart, Germany16 contributions
Definitely the Sand Beach, the other side is nice for the Sunrise, but the Shows is on the West Side!
stephen c
Wakefield, UK5 contributions
Is there any other boat apart from the long boats that can get to the island.
Steven F
Reno, NV31 contributions
Try Ploy Siam speed boat charters. They are a little more cost, but not as crowded and very accommodating if your schedule is tight.
They still have to shuttle you in on Long Tail boats. Prepare for a knee deep splash as you disembark the smaller boats.
Kathleen W
Maple Ridge, Canada1,062 contributions
we are flying into Krabi airport, do you know how to get from airport to Railay beach? Any suggestions for places to eat or things to do? we've booked a 4 island long boat tour with Viator. thanks in advance Kath
Dan L
Brookings, OR57 contributions
Plenty of restaurants and street food in Ao Nang, Railey, it’s busy but nice once you get settled in.
Douglas K
Seattle, WA1 contribution
I just arrived on Railey. Has anyone seen the Bioluminescence, glowing Plankton?
If yes, where exactly? It is my Quest!
27Vivien77
Singapore, Singapore193 contributions
Check with the the people handling the boats.
SeekingTravel
1 contribution
We are going to Thailand the first two weeks of December. We plan to be on the beaches the first week. I can't decide which island, most the information I found is dated. I am debating between Railay, Phuket, or Koh Lanta. I'm afraid Phuket is going to be way too busy. Is Railay also? The things that I want are to be able to look out to the cliff rock formations, teal water, decent snorkeling, and hopefully the least amount of people. Obviously, there will be people, but I want some space and not jammed packed and loud. We would also prefer cheaper but still relatively nice accommodations. It will just be my husband and I, we are young 30s. We don't care about shopping and don't need fancy food options. Mostly just hanging on the beach, snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring a little. Thank you for the help!
Matt H
15 contributions
Phuket is very very crowded. The tourist beach area is almost a bit like Bangkok. Railay is not crowded at all but you can only access it with those dodgy longboats. They Cost money and can be quite annoying as not all drivers are professional. Phi phi is kind of in between. Not crowded enough but everything there is a bit more classy.
We are in Ao Nang and heading to Railay tomorrow for 3 nights. We are staying on the east side. We have 2 young kids and luggage. I am worried about getting off the boat at the beach as I read we will be in waist deep water. Can we get a boat to the west side ? Any other suggestions?
Benji H
7 contributions
hello, i find relay beach nice to visit nut not for staying, everything too expensive, touristic and and not good standard..better stay in ao nang.. or spend alot money for a good place. be careful with ice in coctails(at relay beach), we got sick from it!!
dmtarry
Manchester, UK7 contributions
Hi Christelle where did you stay that you would recommend at Reilly Beach?
Kimberly C
Shanghai Region, China228 contributions
We loved Railay! We stayed 3 days and have decided we would even go back again.
We are traveling for 42 days with kids so we have been in budget rooms. I do not recommend CAN ONLY rooms - its too hot there!
Lots of nice resorts if you want to go pricey, nice mid-road too - just sort by price in trip advisor and pick which you like best... All locations are the same and you can walk from one side to the other side in 10 minutes.
Great for families, couples and singles (can read my review). Nice water too.
Railay Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Railay Beach
- We recommend booking Railay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 29 Railay Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Railay Beach:
- 4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi (From ₹ 2,536.68)
- Separated Sea and 4 Islands - The Unseen of Thailand Full Day Tour From Krabi (From ₹ 2,927.13)
- Phuket to Railay Beach by Ao Nang Princess Ferry (From ₹ 1,944.90)
- 4 Island Speed Boat Tour by Sea Eagle from Krabi (From ₹ 3,044.51)
- Krabi 4 Island Tour: Private Long-tail Boat Charter (From ₹ 9,884.25)
- Hotels near Railay Beach:
- (0.00 km) Baan Tree House# 30 (3~Bedroom ) Natural setting walk to beach!
- (0.02 km) Railei Beach Club
- (0.03 km) Railay Beach House (#20A) - Cliff Views 150m to West Railay Beach
- (0.04 km) Cliff views walk to Railay Beach - Spacious with Nature all around. (House#17)
- (0.04 km) Railay Beach (Sleeps 4-6) Dream Location.
- Restaurants near Railay Beach:
- (0.13 km) One Stop Takeaway Shop
- (0.36 km) Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Pizza
- (0.20 km) Railay The Corner Restaurant
- (0.42 km) Bang Bang Bar
- (0.24 km) Railay Coffee
- Attractions near Railay Beach:
- (0.27 km) Bamboo Bar
- (0.09 km) Railay Anda SUP Board
- (0.29 km) Freebird Paddle Co.
- (0.32 km) Krabi Rock Climbing
- (0.23 km) Railay Fashion House Railay Beach Krabi