Thailand

What to see and do in Railay, paradisiacal beaches in Thailand

Railay beaches in southern Thailand
Railay beaches in southern Thailand

El southern thailand It is famous for its spectacular landscapes. Among them, some curious Rocky formations They emerge from the sea creating a very beautiful combination.

The bay formed in the andaman sea awarded by the phuket island and the continental coast, and where the Ao Phang Nga and Thang Bok Khorani national parks, In addition to Phi Phi Islands, concentrates some of the places where the landscapes are so extraordinary that they seem unreal.

The area became known in 1974 thanks to the film The Man with the Golden GunIn which Roger Moore played the character James Bond.

Many viewers at that time probably thought that it was a landscape created on sets.

Most beautiful landscapes in southern Thailand

Now this entire region, between Krabi y Phuket, Is one of the main destinations in a Thailand sightseeing trip.

For many, these scenery unlikely of southern thailand They reach their maximum splendor in the Phi Phi Islands and in Railay

In both places there are limestone walls that emerge directly from a sea the color of precious stones - between emerald, turquoise and aquamarine depending on the time of day - and the whole is something to see to believe.

Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand
Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand

Of course, among the rocky cliffs white sand beaches appear.

How to get to the beaches of Railay in Thailand

Funny thing about Railay is that this place is not a remote enclave that is reached after a long journey through the andaman sea.

Actually Railay is a stone's throw from Ao Nang, one of the best-known beach destinations in the country, and therefore, very near krabi, the local capital and the entry and exit center of the region with its international airport.

Here you can sign up for a full-day excursion to see Railay and the Krabi Islands, and here you have extensive information about other activities in Krabi

Railay It hides at the end of a peninsula.

Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand
Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand

A peculiarity is that, despite being located on the continent, the only way to access this set of beaches and rocks is by sea, which has kept it quite far from the busiest routes.

Railay can be visited in a day trip, from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao, or staying on site.

Where to sleep in Railay

En Railay or accommodation options for all budgets, from very economical establishments to spectacular resorts such as Rayavadee.

There is no doubt that Railay It is a good place to spend a few days since, in addition to resting and being on the beach, there are many other activities to enjoy the stay.

A detail to keep in mind is that this area appears with the name of Railaand but sometimes we can find the spellings Railae y Railay.

Hotel in Railay south of Thailand
Hotel in Railay south of Thailand

As has already been said, Railay It is only accessible by sea despite being on the continent, given that the peculiar conditions of the orography and the dense vegetation prevent its access by land.

The arrival by boat is exceptional since you begin to see the limestone cliffs that arise directly from the sea.

Many of them are partially covered with tropical vegetation, and the beaches and the sea complete a unique ensemble.

How to see and visit the beaches of Railay

Although Railay It is a group, it can be divided into three areas, which are the beaches that we find there.

Railay beaches in southern Thailand
Railay beaches in southern Thailand

Two of them occupy the sides of the peninsula, one on the eastern side and another on the western side, and the third at the end.

The beaches are Hat Rai Leh East, Hat Rai Leh West y Hat Phra Nang.

The first two are the two sides of the isthmus of the peninsula and the land that separates them is flat and is occupied by hotel facilities.

This part is separated from the third beach by different rock formations.

Hat Rai Leh East Beach in Railay

Hat Rai Leh East It is the widest and in some places it has mangroves at the foot of the cliffs.

Railay beaches in southern Thailand
Railay beaches in southern Thailand

It is the entry point for most visitors due to the ease of access from the krabi area, especially from the pier of Ao Nam Mao.

In high season they also leave from here boats to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta islands.

In addition, many accommodation and leisure venues are concentrated here.

Part of this beach is not very good for swimming because of the mangroves that occupy the area.

Hat Rai Leh West Beach in Railay

Hat Rai Leh West, the western beach, is the place to find a chiringuito where you can enjoy a traditional meal in the middle of a day at the beach or, essential, a drink at that magical moment of sunset.

At low tide it is possible to walk along the rocky promontory to Tonsai, the next bay.

Railay beaches in southern Thailand
Railay beaches in southern Thailand

Hat Phra Nang Beach in Railay

Phra Nang It is the one that faces south. If the other two beaches are beautiful, this one takes your breath away: a stretch of white sand between the sea, the rocky cliffs and tropical vegetation.

Adorning the beach is a very spectacular rocky islet that emerges from the waters.

El cora reefIt is located about 200 meters from the beach and is a good place to practice snorkel.

At one end of the beach appears the princess cave, which recalls the story of the shipwreck, which occurred many centuries ago, in which an Indian princess was travelling.

Railay beaches in southern Thailand
Railay beaches in southern Thailand

The curious thing is that it is full of offerings in the shape of large phalluses made by fishermen to guarantee, they say, a good fishing season.

It is also associated with fertility and many local couples visit the cave in their desire to have children.

Climbing and other activities in Railay

Apart from its good beaches, Railay is a mecca for climbers, which they find in these karst formationsIt's an excellent place to practice your sport.

Those who do not master this practice or do not have the appropriate material can find agencies with instructors and rental of the necessary equipment.

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Railay climbing in Thailand
Railay climbing in Thailand

In rocky cliffs or climbing routes of all the difficulties.

There are also many possibilities for snorkel, either directly from the beaches or taking excursions to more remote areas.

Here you can sign up for a full-day excursion to see Railay and the Krabi Islands, and here you have extensive information about other excursions and activities in Krabi

The area is also very suitable for doing kayak tours.

Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand
Landscapes in Railay south of Thailand

If you want to get a little exercise, you can look for the path that ascends to a gazebo from which you have a good view of the entire peninsula, especially the eastern beach.

The climb requires using your hands to hold on to branches and roots and, sometimes, some ropes that are prepared for it. In any case, the effort is worth it.

From an intermediate point of the ascent there is a detour that leads, with some difficulty, to Sa Phra Nang, the "Princess Lagoon".

The good of Railay is that here it is possible to dedicate yourself so much to doing nothing or to let them give you a massage, how to not stop exercising with the escalation, canoeing and any other nautical activity.

At dusk, yes, everyone concentrates on enjoying the moment, whether with a conversation or staring into the horizon.

About the Author

Angel Martínez Bermejo

With the experience of being one of the Spanish travel journalists who have traveled the most around the world, Ángel tells us about his trips in Guías Viajar, in addition to collaborating in other prestigious news media such as the magazines Hola Viajes, Viajar or the radio program Gente Viajera

1 Comment

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  • One of the places that I had to see during my trip to Thailand was precisely Railay. No problem! On my second visit to Thailand I will visit it. Definitely. Very good entry. I keep reading you.

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