Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY IN RAILAY
There are four beaches around Railay, or you can choose to stay up on the headland. It's only about a five-minute
walk between Hat Railay East, Hat Railay West, Hat Phra Nang and the headlands. Hat Ton Sai is more isolated
and to get to the other beaches you'll need to take a long-tail (50B) or hike - it takes about 20 minutes to
scramble over the rocks from Hat Railay West.
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Hat Railay East
is the most developed beach. The shallow, muddy bay lined with mangroves is not appealing
for swimming, but the beach is lined with hotels and guesthouses, and those headlands and limestone cliffs are
miraculous.
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Hat Railay West
is a near-flawless white wonder and the best place to swim, join an afternoon pick-up football
game or just watch the sun go down. Tastefully designed midrange resorts are sprinkled throughout, and long-tail
boats pick up and drop off here to/from nearby Ao Nang.
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Hat Phra Nang
is quite possibly one of the world's most beautiful beaches, with a crescent of pale, golden
sand, framed by karst cliffs carved with caves. Those distant limestone islets peeking out of the cerulean sea are
Chicken (Ko Hua Khwan) and Poda Islands. Rayavadee, the peninsula's most exclusive resort, is the only one on
this beach, but anyone can drop a beach towel.
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Hat Ton Sai
is the grittier climbers' retreat. The beach here isn't spectacular, but with so many good climbs all
around, most people don't mind. Bars and bungalows are nestled in the jungle behind the beach and it's a lively,
fun scene.
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The Railay Headlands
catch sea breezes. Since it's the most recent place to be developed, it feels like a fronti-
er with plantations, jungle and some very friendly locals. To get here you'll have to walk about 500m from either
Hat Railay West or East. From Hat Railay West follow 'Walking Street,' veer left onto a dirt path then follow the
signs to Ya-Ya Bar. From Hat Railay East turn right on the cement road accessible via the beachside Diamond
Cave Restaurant.
Sleeping & Eating
Hat Railay West
Railay West is beautiful and developers know it - you'll only find midrange and top-end
resorts around here. Rates drop by 30% in the low season. You can't go wrong with any of
the resorts' restaurants.
Sand Sea Resort
HOTEL
$$
( 0 7562 2608;
www.krabisandsea.com
; Hat Railay West; bungalows 1950-5950B; )
The lowest-
priced resort on this beach offers everything from ageing fan-only bungalows to newly re-
modelled cottages with every amenity. There's a peaceful karst-view, foliage-enclosed
pool - if you're able to tear yourself away from that sublime beach out front, that is.
