Railay Beach

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A peninsula enclosed by limestone cliffs on three sides and reachable only by boat. West Railay's white sand, Phra Nang Cave Beach and world-class climbing walls make it Krabi's signature destination.

Railay is a peninsula south of Ao Nang, cut off from the mainland by sheer limestone cliffs and the sea. It cannot be reached by road. Visitors arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town (about 10 to 15 minutes, 100 baht per person), so there are no cars, and the place keeps an island-like atmosphere. The peninsula has four beaches. Railay West is the main beach, with fine white sand framed by cliffs. It is the classic view and the best place to watch the sunset, and resorts line the beach behind it. Railay East has mangrove flats and a pier. It cannot be swum in at low tide, but it has many budget accommodations, bars and climbing schools. Phra Nang Cave Beach lies at the southern tip of the peninsula, a 10-minute walk along a path below the cliffs, and is rated among the world's most beautiful beaches. Phra Nang Princess Cave, at the end of the beach, enshrines wooden lingam (phallic) carvings that local fishermen use to pray for a good harvest. At low tide you can wade across to a small island opposite. Tonsai Bay, north of West Railay, is the base for climbers and backpackers. Railay is Southeast Asia's most famous climbing destination, with more than 700 routes. A half-day climbing lesson costs about 1,000 to 1,200 baht, including equipment and a coach, and beginners are welcome. Other activities include a hike up from East Railay to a viewpoint, the 'Lagoon' (a difficult route that requires rope climbing), kayaking and deep-water soloing. Entry to the area is free. For a good day, leave Ao Nang by boat at 9:00 am for West Railay, walk to Phra Nang Beach for a swim, have lunch in East Railay, climb or kayak in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from West Railay at 5:30 pm before heading back. The last boat leaves around 6:00 to 7:00 pm, and charters after that are very expensive, so you may prefer to stay overnight on the peninsula. Longtail boats depart from the Ao Nang Longtail Boat Service ticket office on Ao Nang beach and leave once eight passengers have gathered. Notes: Getting on and off the boats means wading, so wear sandals and keep valuables waterproof. Monkeys at Phra Nang Beach will snatch bags. In the rainy season, when waves are high, leave from the Ao Nam Mao pier in Krabi Town instead. Sandflies are abundant in East Railay in the evening.

Railay Beach

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