Nestled between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, Railay Beach lies on a small peninsula surrounded by karst limestone mountains. Its dramatic landscape means that it is only accessible by boat and has become popular due to its laid-back atmosphere and largely unspoilt beach.
Railay is divided into two, with East Railay Beach the main docking point for arriving boats and home to a cluster of bungalows and mid-range beach resorts. Dense mangroves cover its waterfront and a boardwalk at its northern end features restaurants, bars and a Muay Thai boxing school, while the impressive Phra Nang Cave lies just to the north. It connects with West Railay Beach along numerous jungle trails, opening out onto a beautiful white sandy beach, flanked by limestone cliffs and dotted with high-end resorts. There’s a waterfront promenade with restaurants and shops, and it’s from here that ferries to Koh Phi Phi depart. On the southern tip of the peninsula lies another white sandy beach at Phra Nang, while to the north the bay stretches towards the Sleeping Indian cliffs, named for their resemblance to an Indian lying on his back with a feather in his headdress. Venture into the jungle north and arrive at Ton Sai, the main base for rock climbers in the area who come to tackle its spectacular limestone cliffs. Numerous climbing schools and guides are based here, catering to both beginners and advanced climbers. For impressive views across the peninsula, take the short hike up to the viewpoint between East Railay and Phra Nang Beach, then continue to the breathtakingly beautiful lagoon known as the Holy Princess Pool.
The only way to access Railay Beach is by boat, with long-tails departing from nearby Ao Nang throughout the day and from Krabi on request. Ferries that run between Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket Town also stop at Railay during the dry season.
The sea around Railay is renowned for its bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon where the waters illuminate a brilliant blue when disturbed. If travellers head out after dark for a swim, they may catch a glimpse of millions of tiny blue lights moving through the water.