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Hot Rock Krabi Thailand
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Information RAILAY KRABI, THAILAND
 Climbing
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Railay (also written Raileh, Reilay and Railey) is a secluded peninsula
just south of Ao Nang. It's part of the mainland, but is inaccessible
by road due to the impressive towering cliffs that cut it off from the
roads. This inaccessibility gives Railay Beach a special island feel,
which, with the spectacular scenery, draws many visitors every year.
It is reachable with a mere 15 minutes longtail boat ride from Ao Nang,
or 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Lined with limestone cliffs and golden
sand, from here you can contemplate serene settings and beautiful sunsets.
Railay beach is truly a paradise and the natural beauty surrounding
the bay is unrivalled in Thailand. There are three sides to the Railay
Beach peninsula, all within walking distance, two of which boast spectacular
beaches: the west-facing Sunset Beach and Phra Nang Bay. Both could
be ranked among the best beaches in Thailand, with their wide expanses
of powder white sand sloping down to emerald green water. At the far
end of Phra Nang beach you will find a small cave with a shrine notable
for its phallic statues. The shrine is dedicated to a deity known locally
as Sri Kunlathewi who, according to a legend, was an Indian princess
wrecked on this coast in the 3rd century BC and has been called upon
by fishermen ever since to provide them with a good catch.
The really adventure-minded can climb a rugged path up the side of
this impressive karst cliff to discover a hidden lagoon in its centre.
Railay is also Thailand's rock climbing capital. The climbing pioneers
started negotiating the limestone cliffs here over ten years ago; most
of the climbing schools in Railay have today the most respected instructors
in the country. A distinctive panoramic view of Railay Bay and the whole
of the Krabi province can be achieved from the top of the cliffs. Railay
is a relaxing place with no loud music or masses of people; hence the
atmosphere there is unique. You can spend the day lazing around and
the evenings on the West side’s many restaurants with good food; when
the sun sets and the lights reflects the rocks and islets in the moon-lit
sea, you know you are in a special place. At night, Railay is fairly
quiet, with a few small bars and places on the east side that stay open
late and often have live music and fire shows.
To reach Railay, you must catch a longtail boat from Ao Nang beach,
from Ao Nam Mao pier (on the way to Fossil Shell) or from Krabi Town
old Chao Fa pier. Boats run from early in the morning until late at
night. During daytime, you can purchase tickets for rides to and from
Railay and the nearby islands from a couple of booths on the Ao Nang
beach road.
Where To Eat
On the west side of Railay you will find the more up-market resorts
and places to eat, as the beach is nicer and facing the west, so great
for sunsets. In fact, all the restaurants apart from one are connected
to a resort, but non-guests are more than welcome to dine there. The
food is very good and as well as the traditional Thai fare, decent western
dishes such as burgers, pasta and pizza are also available. Some place
mats and candles on the beach for you to take your drinks to and watch
the sun go down in style. Decent wine and fresh coffee can be found
here as well as the usual beers and cocktails.
On the East side, things are a little different. Traditionally the mainstay
of backpackers, along with Tonsai, here you can find cheaper, more basic
accommodations. The restaurants will not serve fine wines and fresh
coffee, but buckets of whisky and Nescafe 3-in-1. The food, in my humble
opinion, is great; being cooked the ‘local’ way with plenty of chilies
if that’s the way you like it, and a lot cheaper to reflect the location.
As for nightly entertainment, most of the bars play reggae, dance and
local music and scatter cushions on basic bamboo platforms for you to
lounge on whilst chatting with new friends. It is in a bar here that
had for it’s nightly entertainment a fire juggling show, a snake charmer,
4 DJ’s and Muay Thai fight, in the bar...all in the same night! Now
that’s entertainment!
Getting There
Railay is a peninsula, meaning it is connected to the mainland, but
only accessible by boat. On the west side, you will find longtail taxi-boats
to and from Ao Nang and Tonsai beach. Tonsai is just around the corner
from Railay west and can also be reached by walking around the rocks
at low tide, or over the rocks via a ‘secret’ pathway. Ask a local to
show you the way…On the East side you can get taxi-boats to and from
Krabi town and Ao Nammao Pier. Boats can also be hired for private trips
to the local islands for the same rates as you would pay in Ao Nang
Railay Facts
Doctor
None. There is a tiny pharmacy on the east side on the beach. If you
need to see the doctor, you need to take a longtail to Ao Nang.
Police
None. Report any crimes to your place of accommodation.
Post Office
None. The closest is Ao Nang.
Money
There are only a couple of ATMs on Railay, one on the West side and
on the East.
Internet Access
In recent months this is becoming easier to find. Ask at your resort
for the nearest location.
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