Railay Beach
A peninsula cut off by limestone cliffs, reached only by longtail, with three beaches and world-class rock climbing.
Railay is a peninsula reachable only by boat, 15 minutes by longtail from Ao Nam Mao or Ao Nang. It has four beaches and world-class climbing walls. A day trip costs about 200 baht return for the boat; most people stay one or two nights.
Open Railay Beach in Google Maps8.0110, 98.8360
Prices and hours are our current best information, not a published rate. Confirm on the day before you travel.
A peninsula cut off by limestone cliffs, reached only by longtail, with three beaches and world-class rock climbing.
Railay is cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs up to 200 metres high, which is why it still has no road and no cars. Climbers found the walls in the late 1980s and the peninsula became one of the birthplaces of Southeast Asian sport climbing. There are now over 700 bolted routes, and the same cliffs shelter four separate beaches with completely different characters.
Railay West at sunset, Phra Nang's cave and cliffs, and no roads anywhere. It is the Andaman coast's most cinematic spot.
What you’ll actually see
- Railay West at sunset, with the longtails lined up along the sand
- Phra Nang Cave Beach and its stalactite shrine of carved lingams
- The Phra Nang lagoon — a steep scramble up fixed ropes to a hidden pool
- Climbing on the 1-2-3 Wall or Diamond Cave Wall, with courses for beginners
How to visit it well
- Boats leave Ao Nang until about 6pm; check the last return.
- Stay overnight if you can — day trippers leave at 4pm.
- Phra Nang is the quietest beach; walk past the cave.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Arriving with a suitcase — you wade the last few metres onto the boat
- Staying on Railay East, which is mud flats at low tide and the least attractive beach
- Trying the lagoon in flip-flops; it is a genuine scramble with ropes
Is it worth it?
Worth two nights if you climb, one if you do not. It is one of the most beautiful small places in Thailand and staying overnight — when the day-trippers leave — is a completely different experience from a day trip.
Common questions
Longtail boat from Ao Nam Mao (150 baht, 15 minutes) or Ao Nang (200 baht, 20 minutes). Boats run until about 6pm; after that you charter one for around 1,000 baht.
Railay West for the beach and sunsets, Railay East for cheap rooms and access to the walking paths. Phra Nang is the most beautiful but has limited accommodation.
Yes. Half-day introductory courses cost around 1,200–1,500 baht including gear and an instructor, and the beginner walls are genuinely suitable.
During the day, yes — day-trippers arrive from Ao Nang from 10am. After 5pm it empties out and is quiet.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Nattapong Srisuwan