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.
Hat Railay East
The most developed beach. The shallow, muddy bay lined with mangroves is not appetising for
swimming, but the beach is lined with hotels and guest houses, and those headlands and limestone cliffs are mi-
raculous.
Hat Railay West
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.
Hat Phra Nang
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 (
Click here
), the peninsula's most exclusive resort, is
the only one on this beach, but anyone can drop a beach towel.
Hat Ton Sai
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.
Railay Highlands
Where sea breezes cool the jungle canopy, and the quiet, charming community will welcome
you warmly. 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
