Railay

Railay is a relaxed place to stay for a few nights, with little street harassment and a sociable traveller crowd. It is expensive, remote at night and dependent on boats, so allow for the weather and the unlit paths.

Railay is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs, so it can only be reached by longtail boat, and there are no cars. That means no road traffic and less of the usual beach resort hassle, and the crowd of climbers, couples and honeymooners is relaxed. West Railay has the white-sand beach and sunsets, East Railay has the boardwalk, mangroves and a cluster of bars and restaurants, and Phra Nang Beach is a small cove with a cave shrine. Walking paths link the beaches. They are fine by day but dark at night, so bring a torch and avoid walking the unlit sections alone. Accommodation and food cost more than elsewhere in Krabi. Boats can stop running in rough weather during the rainy season, which affects arrivals and departures. Wild monkeys live around the beaches and can bite or grab food and bags, so keep snacks out of sight and do not feed them.