Complete Guide: What To Do In Railay Beach

Krabi is quite a popular destination for those visiting Thailand – especially the adventurers.  

If you booked your flight to Krabi and you’re wondering what to do around Krabi – you might want to make sure you don’t stay in Krabi Town the whole time.

There’s more to see in this area – I’m thinking of Railay Beach and/or Ao Nang.

So what is there to do in Railay Beach? There are many great adventures that can be done in Railay Beach area.

In this post, you’ll find out what are the top things to do in Railay Beach as well as tips for visiting this popular spot.

What To Do in Railay Beach, Thailand

If you’re planning a day trip to Railay Beach or if you’re thinking of staying there for a few days, here’s what to do in Railay Beach.

This list excludes the beach bumming part as you might want to find alternatives to laying down on the beach for hours.

Exploring Railay Beach Area

Railay Beach area is divided into different sections. There are Railay West (which is the most popular spot around the area), East Railay and Ao Phra Nang Beach.

There are a few viewpoints around the area as well as caves and a lagoon.  Although, depending on the tides, you might not be able to access all these points.

Once you reach an area, you can normally walk to the next spot. You can find maps around and it’s easy to understand where you are.

Although, some places such as the lagoon and viewpoints are accessible by hiking – which in this case would refer to climbing. (I haven’t tempted the climbing for a couple of reasons – I was wearing flipflops and I can get scared of heights easily.)

Railay West

Railay West is the main area – you can expect a long white sand beach.  You can find a bit of shade on the beach, but it can get quite crowded especially during the afternoon.

Note: I was there in April and we saw a few jellyfish around.  That being said, you should be careful in the water! (And always travel with insurance…)

East Railay

East Railay is a bit quieter. Although, there’s no beach on that side. It’s great if you want to walk around.  

You can expect to find cool bars as well as a lot of boats.

The water was quite dirty on that side, which means it’s not very suitable for swimming.

Ao Phra Nang Beach

Ao Phra Nang Beach is accessible by walk. It’s a very pretty beach, but also quite small if I compare it to Railay West.

It was quite crowded when we went, so we didn’t stay very long.

Rock Climbing in Railay Beach

Railay Beach area is well known for its rock climbing options. It could be a great opportunity for you to learn rock-climbing while in Railay Beach.

Kayaking

You can rent a kayak on Railay Beach to access Ao Phra Nang or to discover the area. It costs about TBH 200 for one hour.

Stand Up Paddle-Boarding

You can rent a SUP on Railay Beach. It costs about TBH 100 for one hour.

Diving / Snorkeling

There’s a dive centre in Railay Beach which means you can start your scuba diving or snorkeling trip from Railay Beach.

You can read more about diving in Thailand here.

Trip to Tonsai Beach

Between Ao Nang and Railay Beach, there’s another beach called Tonsai Beach.

You could head there for the day and mix up the views a little.

Tips for Visiting Railay Beach for a Day Trip (Or Longer)

Here are a few things to keep in mind when organizing your Railay Beach day trip. Of course, these tips also apply if you’re staying longer.

The Tides

As I mentioned above, you need to keep in mind that the tides can change and influence things such as the lagoon or the paths to reach Ao Phra Nang Beach.

You can find information about the tides here.

How to Get to Railay Beach

You can reach Railay Beach by boat. You can read more about getting to Railay Beach from Ao Nang and Krabi here.

How Long Should You Stay in Railay Beach

You will have to decide if you’re staying in Railay Beach or if you’ll just go on a day trip instead.

I decided to base myself in Ao Nang instead of Railay Beach which means that we only went on a day trip to Railay Beach – which was more than enough for me considering the fact that it was a bit too touristy for my liking.

If you’d like to experience a unique way to see Railay Beach – you could also check out this sunset tour including night snorkeling.

Although, if you’re planning on relaxing on a beach far from a city, this could be the right option for you.

I would also like to remind you that there are many cool islands to visit around Thailand such as Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, etc. You could find even better beaches on these fabulous Thai islands.

It’s Not Super Budget Friendly

As your options are going to be limited, prices are quite high in Railay Beach. You’ll find mostly resorts and mid-range accommodation.

Food isn’t the best – but again, your options are limited, so you can’t really complain, can you?

This is another reason why you shouldn’t stay too long in Railay Beach – you got to try Thai food while in Thailand – and by that, I mean really good non-touristy Thai restaurants.

Where to Stay in Railay Beach, Thailand

There aren’t many options when it comes to accommodation in Railay Beach. You’ll find mostly resorts and mid-range accommodation.

There’s only one hostel around – which is listed below.

Hostel: Blanco Hideout

Mid-Range: Avatar Railay / Sunrise Tropical Resort / Railay Princess Resort & Spa

Luxury: Rayavadee / Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa / Railay Village Resort