Railay Beach and Phra Nang Cave
Railay is known for Phra Nang Cave Beach and bolted limestone climbing on a roadless peninsula. Best for swimmers and climbers who will take the 15-minute longtail; West is the sunset swim, East is the boardwalk and mud flats.
Railay has no road. You arrive by longtail from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao in about 15 minutes. The shared daytime fare is 100 THB per person in 2026. Boats wait to fill on the Ao Nang sand. Ao Nam Mao is useful if you sleep east of the headland or want a shorter crossing in chop. After dark the fare rises and you should lock it before you sit down.
Phra Nang Cave Beach is the east-south sand under the stalactite shrine and the high karsts. Railay West is the wider sunset swim. Railay East is mangroves, a wooden boardwalk, and mud at low tide. Half-day bolted climbing with a licensed Krabi guide runs 1,200 to 2,000 THB, shoes and harness included. Tonsai Beach, over the rocks, is the dirtbag climbing cove. November to April is the Andaman swim. Sleep on Railay if the peninsula is the point. Sleep in Ao Nang if Railay is a day trip.
West swim, East walk, Phra Nang sand
Walk the path from East to West in about 10 minutes. The Phra Nang trail hugs the south rocks and can flood at a high tide. Climbing shops sit on East and near Tonsai. Book a half day if you have never belayed on limestone. A full day is for people who already climb.
| Spot | How you use it | 2026 note |
|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang longtail | Shared boat, about 15 minutes | 100 THB per person in daylight |
| Railay West | Sunset swim and the wider sand | Hotels and the smoother water |
| Railay East | Boardwalk, shops, climbing desks | Mud flats at low tide |
| Phra Nang Cave Beach | Karsts and the shrine cave | Walk from East; watch the tide |
| Half-day climb | Bolted routes with a guide | 1,200 to 2,000 THB |
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Common questions
- Is 100 THB per person still the daytime fare?
- Yes as a shared longtail from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao in daylight. Night boats and private charters cost more. Agree before you board.
- West or East?
- West to swim and sleep. East to walk the boardwalk and find a climbing shop. Phra Nang is the south sand, not a third village.
- Can you drive to Railay?
- No. The peninsula is water-access only. Ao Nam Mao is the closest road. Then you still boat.