Railay Beach, Thailand, also known as Rai Leh, is a popular beach resort on the Andaman Coast in Krabi, Thailand. One of its prime attractions other than its beautiful beach is the presence of towering limestone cliffs.
Railay Beach, Thailand excites tourists with its unique access. Being a peninsula, cutoff from the mainland by oceans and mountains, it can be reached only by a longtail boat ride. Regular services are available from Ao Nang, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.
Tourists prefer Railay for two reasons – its tranquility and incredible rock climbing opportunities. While its secluded nature attracts families and honeymooners, the limestone formations lure the backpacking crowd. Railay has accommodation options to cater to these two groups.
Rayavadee Premier Resort on Phra Nang beach is the best accommodation Railay has to offer. Being the lone resort on the beach, it offers complete privacy for its guests. In the mid-range, Railay has a number of accommodation choices, most of them located on its west side. Railay’s budget accommodations, though not many, are found along its eastern side. The neighboring Ton Sai beach, located barely 10 minutes away, has more choices in this segment.
Railay beach has a variety of restaurants and bars to cater to the needs of the tourists. Most of them serve the local cuisine that is both tasty and affordable. The west-end of Railay has a few hi-end restaurants, some of them located on the beach.
Rock climbing is one of Railay’s main reasons for popularity in the world tourist map. However, the steep limestone cliffs are not suitable for beginners. Avid rock climbers flock to Railay to enjoy the thrill and breath-taking sea views from the cliff tops.
Railay Beach Thailand also has limited possibilities for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, as marine life and coral reefs are not as attractive or diverse as in other Thailand beaches. The sea caves along Phra Nang beach offer ample opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts.