Wondering how to get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach? This guide has you covered with all the essential info and tips, plus the best things to do in Railay Beach!
If you’re planning a 10-day trip to Thailand in search of some island vibes, head over to Railay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Krabi! Due to the huge limestone cliffs that separate it from the mainland, boats are the only mode of transportation available to get from Ao Nang to Railay beach.
Though prices are a bit higher than on Ao Nang (which is expected), a day trip to Railay won’t break the bank. Railay beach offers a wide range of activities from hiking to rock climbing, kayaking and much more. There are no cars on Railay, so you can only rely on your feet to get around.
This guide will show you exactly how to get to Railay Beach from Ao Nang and everything you need to know including what to do on Railay beach and tips on how to plan your trip to this dreamy beach in Krabi, Thailand!
Krabi Travel Essentials
Top Experiences and Tours in Krabi:
- 4 Island Hopping Tour
- Krabi jungle tour: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave Temple
- Hong Island & Hong Lagoon boat tour
- Koh Phi Phi day trip from Krabi
Best Hotels in Krabi:
- Centara Ao Nang Beach – Luxury
- Ao Nang Cliff Resort – Luxury
- Wake Up Ao Nang – Mid-Range
- Pop-In Hostel – Budget
Get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang fast by pre-booking your private airport transfer here (cheaper than booking at the airport!) or hire a rental car here.
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Read more about Krabi:
- 20 Top Krabi attractions to visit
- The best places to stay in Krabi on any budget
- Best way to travel from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang
- Ultimate list of the best beaches near Ao Nang
- 8 Awesome Krabi tours and excursions
How to get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
To get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach, you’ll have to buy a boat ticket at Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service or Ao Nang Boat Service Club (exact locations on Google Maps). Both are located along the main walking street and sell one-way tickets from Ao Nang to Railay beach for 100 baht (US$ 3.30) only.
The boat service is available from 8 a.m to 6 p.m but if you decide to leave Railay after 6 p.m, the boat ride will cost 150 baht (US$ 4.95).
You will then be given a ticket with the boat number written on it. You can only get on those boats with the specific numbers written on the ticket (for example, N001- N138).
You’ll have to wait until the boat fills up with eight people to start your day trip to Railay. After a 15 minutes boat ride, you’ll be dropped off on Railay West. The boat ride from Ao Nang to Railay takes about 15 minutes and you’ll be dropped off on Railay West.
Boats are also available directly from Ao Nang to Tonsai beach and Phra Nang beach but go out less frequently (one-way tickets also cost 100 baht).
Tip: Only buy return tickets if you plan on leaving Railay before 6 p.m. If not, you can just buy a one-way ticket in Ao Nang and whenever you’re ready to leave in the evening, you can buy your ticket on Railay beach.
Related post: Ultimate guide to the best things to do in Krabi
Things to do in Railay Beach
Now that you know exactly how to take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay, here are some of the top things to do in Railay Beach!
Railay West
Once you get off the boat, you’ll be greeted by turquoise water and the amazing limestone backdrop, marking the start of your Railay beach day trip!
Railay West is usually the busiest thanks to its wide range of accommodations, restaurants and bars. You can spend your time here swimming in the warm ocean or just lying on the beach while taking in the view.
One of the best things to do in Railay West is to watch the sunset! If you’re staying overnight, it’s the best spot for sunset watching since the beach gets nearly empty after 6 p.m when all day-trippers leave Railay.
Related post: How to plan a 10-day Thailand itinerary?
Tonsai Beach
Tonsai beach is located on the right side of Railay West. Tonsai is far less crowded and more secluded. You won’t find high-end resorts here but rather a few basic bungalows and beach huts.
The path to Tonsai beach is only accessible on foot during low tide (check the tide times here). Alternatively, you can charter a boat from Railay West or Ao Nang. You can also trek through the jungle from Railay East which takes roughly 30 minutes.
If you’re coming from Railay West, you’ll get a view over the limestones by the end of the trail, next to the rock-climbing area.
If you’re wondering what to do in Railay, one of the most popular activities is to take a rock climbing course which costs about 800-1,000 baht (US$ 27-33). Alternatively, you can rent a kayak for 300 baht (US$ 10) for about three hours.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A ROCK CLIMBING COURSE
After you’re done relaxing on the beach, head toward Tonsai village where most restaurants and budget hotels are found. There are signs pointing to a jungle trail that leads to Railay East. If you want to hike along this trail, make sure to bring mosquito repellent.
Railay East
If you’re looking for more things to do in Railay, head out to Railay East. By the end of the trail from Tonsai beach, you’ll find another rock-climbing area and the Diamond Cave (Phra Nang Nai Cave) which is found just a few meters away. The entrance costs only 100 baht (US$ 3.30).
Railay East is not really a swimmable beach since it’s muddy in some parts and there are lots of mangrove trees. There are only a few shops selling clothes and the popular Krabi four island tours. The path on the right leads to a rock-climbing area, just before entering the jungle.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A KRABI 4 ISLAND TOUR
Railay East Viewpoint
One of the top things to do in Railay is hiking to Railay East viewpoint! This short hike is a bit treacherous and not for the faint of heart. Even though there are ropes to hold on to, it can be slippery, especially after a rainy day. It’s best to wear good hiking shoes as the path is very steep and obstructed by tree roots.
Once you reach the top, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of East and West Railay. You need to be careful around here as you may encounter some cheeky monkeys! But it’s still one of the best things to do in Railay beach.
Related post: Ultimate Krabi Itinerary: Top things to do in 4 days
Railay Hidden Lagoon
After visiting the viewpoint, head back down until you reach a sign pointing to the hidden lagoon. This trek isn’t for everyone as the path is very muddy and slippery. Be careful while climbing down and don’t rely too much on the ladder as some steps are broken. After about 20 minutes, you’ll reach the hidden lagoon.
The lagoon is completely enclosed by limestone cliffs, but fed by the ocean which creates an eerie atmosphere. Try visiting during high tide to avoid the muddy water (check the tide times here).
Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave)
As you make your way back, turn left along the stone path to Phra Nang Cave which is located on the east side of the beach. It is said that fishermen leave wooden phallic shrines and offerings in exchange for protection during their journey on the seas. Some even believe that the offerings help with fertility!
Either way, it’s definitely one of the weirdest attractions on Railay!
Tip: During low tide, you can explore more caves around this area.
Phra Nang Beach
With powdery white sand and tall limestone cliffs in the middle of the ocean, Phra Nang beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Railay!
You can rent kayaks for 200 baht (US$ 6.60) for two hours to explore the caves and rock formations around Phra Nang beach.
Don’t forget to visit the viewpoint on the west side of the beach. This one is less popular since the hike is more challenging than the one leading to Railay East viewpoint.
You can use maps.me for an offline map of the hiking trail. The app said that there was a trail leading directly to Railay West from Phra Nang Beach but unfortunately, I couldn’t find it during my visit. But the views were still beautiful from the viewpoint.
Related post: Guide to visiting Phra Nang Cave Krabi
Where to stay in Railay Beach?
If you want to extend your Railay day trip, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels ranging from budget to luxury options. If you want to stay close to popular beaches and restaurants, you can choose to stay in Railay East or Railay West.
On the other hand, I recommend Tonsai beach if you want to stay in a quiet area and prefer more budget-friendly accommodations. You’ll find a few budget hotels and beach huts on Tonsai.
Hotels on Railay beach
Railay Princess Resort & Spa
If you fancy staying in a beach hut with great views of the limestone cliffs, Railay Princess Resort & Spa is right up your alley! The hotel is located about a 10 minutes’ walk from Railay East beach. Each room comes with a private balcony and a free breakfast is included!
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM
Sand Sea Resort
Sand Sea Resort is located right in the middle of Railay West, not too far from the beach and restaurants. Breakfast is included in the price and you get access to an amazing pool!
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM
Hotels on Tonsai beach
Tonsai Bay Resort
For less than US$ 50 (price during the shoulder season), you can book a double room with a private bathroom at Tonsai Bay Resort. Breakfast is also included in the price and the hotel is found on the beach, so you’re sure to get an amazing sunset view!
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON BOOKING.COM
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS ON RAILAY
Best time to visit Railay Beach
November to March is the peak season in Railay, Thailand. You’ll have nearly perfect weather but, on the downside, this means more tourists. April is the Songkran Festival marking the beginning of the wet season which lasts until October.
So, the best time to visit Railay is during the shoulder season – from September to October and April to May.
I hope you found this guide helpful if you’re planning to take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay beach. There are so many things to do in Railay, so I highly recommend you get there early or stay overnight to be able to see everything!
If you’re looking for other day trips from Ao Nang, you can check out Hong Island or do a four island tour.
More Thailand travel guides:
- How to spend 10 days in Thailand?
- Guide to 4 awesome days in Krabi
- 11+ best islands near Krabi
- Top 18 attractions to visit in Koh Lanta
- What to see and do on Koh Lipe and Koh Adang
- Where are the best beaches in Krabi?
- 12 underrated beaches in Koh Lanta
- Guide to Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill: The most scenic hike in Krabi
- Pai Plong Beach travel guide
- How to get to Phra Nang Beach?
- How to visit Koh Hong Krabi + things to do
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