Enjoy Your Beach Holiday: 10 Things To Do In Railay Beach, Thailand - Updated 2024

things to do in railay beach
Megan
Megan 
Updated
| 5 min read

Railay Beach, Thailand is the dream for a perfect holiday. With a range of resorts and bungalows atop the peripheries of east and west Railay, facing the jade sea, sitting on the white sand, Railay Beach delights visitors with things to do, food to eat, and places to rest. Check out the top 10 best things to do in Railay Beach, Thailand below!

1. Lounge at Railay Beach

Railay Beach
Source: Pexels


While beach holidays are popular among crowds, Railay Beach still yields to its name and personal charm. With a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs, an emerald turquoise sea cordoned off by caves, and a stretch of shoreline dusted with pristine white sand, Railay Beach makes for the perfect beach destination. Endless activities await the enthusiastic traveller, but for the ones looking for a relaxed travel, Railay Beach is the prime spot to rest in your beachwear on your picnic mat. Laze the day away with its splendour of sights and a book in your hand.

Railay Beach

Address: 194/5 Moo 5 | Tambol Saithai, Railay Beach, Krabi Town 81000, Thailand

Website: Railay Beach

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2. Immerse yourself in stunning views at Railay Beach Viewpoint

Panorama
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ajay Panachickal used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The trail to Railay Beach Viewpoint is an adventurous hike but one that is easy to find and embark upon. Just scoot to the south of Railay East till you reach the landmark of a limestone cliff. Take a right at the forked path till you see ropes draping down the face of the mountain. While you will need a lot of vigour and arm strength to make it through this hike, don’t let this first impression intimidate you for the views at the Railay Beach Viewpoint are worth the sweat and workout.

Railay Beach Viewpoint

Address: Railay Beach, Krabi Town, Thailand

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3. Ascend to Railay Lagoon

Railay Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user UI International ... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

If the prior ascent to Railay Beach Viewpoint proves no challenge for you, further extend your climbing capabilities with a hike up to Railay Lagoon. Similarly, if you do not want to forsake the steps you have used to reach the viewpoint, another valued deal would be to continue the climb and reach the secluded Railay Lagoon. An arrow reading ‘Trail to Lagoon’ has been erected from the ground and more ropes necessary for the vertical ascent line the path. Climb away but beware of unfavourable weather conditions that can make the slopes muddier than usual. However, once you reach Railay Lagoon, everything is silent and you’ll be completely in awe. A fully enclosed space with overhead caves, the lagoon is like a mirage come alive.

Railay Lagoon

Address: Railay Beach, Krabi Town, Thailand

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4. Rock climbing at Railay Beach

Rock climb
Source: Viator

Famed for its rock climbing opportunities, it is almost a must to engage in the sport when you are at Railay Beach. With a myriad of rock climbing courses to choose from, opportunities and challenges for every type of climber are aplenty. Beginner climbers are in luck with this introductory rock climbing course hosted by Viator. With a maximum class size of 14 students, this introductory course allows the instructor to interact with every student, relaying rock climbing techniques from top rope techniques to belaying a partner. The rock climbing excursion also includes plenty of photo-taking opportunities and refreshments to keep one energised along its route.

Rock Climbing at Railay Beach from Krabi

Website:

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5. Cruise to the four islands in Krabi (from USD 90.0)

Island-hopping is an emerging trend for the beach holiday enthusiast. Take this Railay and 4-Island Sunset Cruise with Night Snorkel tour by Viator to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the beaches belonging to the Krabi precinct. Cruise through the different islands on a long-tail boat, past limestone caves, above turquoise waters, and into the setting sun. The tour includes two snorkelling stops at day and night guaranteeing two different magical experiences. Lunch and dinner are also served and enjoyed along the beach, completing your island-hopping experience with delicious food coupled with scenic views. The stops included in the tour include Railay Beach, Poda Island, Tup Island, Chicken Island, Koh Sii, Phranang Beach, and Ao Nang.

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Railay and 4-Island Sunset Cruise with Night Snorkel

Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes

506 reviews

6. Chill out at Bamboo Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Bamboo Bar - Railay on Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Drinking places and cheap beers are aplenty in Railay Beach, but Bamboo Bar stands out as a prime chill out place in the locale with its promising concoctions and jubilant crowds. Serving creative drinks like gin fizz and the bamboo paradise, the atmosphere at Bamboo Bar is amplified with its reggae music and friendly staff. Populated by locals and tourists alike, the bar also supplements your visit with complimentary Wi-Fi and a stream of good vibes.

Bamboo Bar

Address: Walking Street, Railay Beach, Krabi Town, Thailand

Website: Bamboo Bar

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7. Watch the sun set in Railay East

Sunset
Source: Booking.com

Nestled in Railay East, along the stretch past the Last Bar and towards the Great View Resort is Railay Beach’s prime place to watch the sunset. Awash with golden hues, chorused with the sound of waves, cherish the remaining moments of day with your loved ones on the beach. The adjacent Tew Lay Bar is also a revered spot for drinks after dusk.

Railay East

Address: Railay Beach, Krabi Town, Thailand

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8. Learn Thai cooking at Railay Cooking Class



Delectable local cuisine in Thailand is easy to find and tempting to consume. However, while the locals might still have the granted luxury of mouth-watering, savoury Thai cuisine for the rest of their residence, travellers might not be as lucky. But fret not! Chances to learn the ways of Thai cuisine are plentiful and you can bring it back home. Among the different choices, Railay Cooking Class marks as a promising and rewarding option. Mentored by Chef Pradit Pankaew, participants follow the teacher’s instructions, use the prepared ingredients, and cook up a storm–or more specifically a 3-course Thai lunch. The open-air cooking class held at Tew Lay Bar also provides views of the stunning Railay landscapes and a menu that includes popular dishes from som tam to pad thai.

Railay Cooking Class

Address: 354 Moo 2 Railay beach Ao-nang Muang Krabi Kingdom of Thailand, 81000 Krabi, Thailand

Website: Railay Cooking Class

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9. Indulge in a spa at a local massage parlour (from USD 215)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

At the end of the day, there is no better way to treat your newly sun-kissed body and aching muscles to an authentic Thai massage experience. Massage parlours are not scarce on Railay Beach and with dozens scattered across the precinct, chances are you will encounter one every 5-minutes. With each joint charging an estimated 300 TBH (~10 USD) for massage services from a foot massage to a full body massage, choices are aplenty and it is hard to go wrong with any option. However, if you are feeling spendy and looking for an abode to stay in during your visit, consider the Railay Beach Resort and Spa. The luxurious resort coupled with amazing spa facilities is a guaranteed treat.

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Railay Bay Resort & Spa-SHA Extra Plus

Wifi Available

Address: 145 M.2 Ao-Nang , Muang District, Krabi
5.22 km (3.3 mi) from Shell Cemetery

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace

10. Kayak around the limestone caves of the Hong Islands (from USD 41.0)

Kayak
Source: Viator

The Hong Islands are a cluster of islands in the neighbouring coast from Aonang. Characterised by their surrounding limestone karsts, tree-lined beaches, and crashing blue waters, it is no surprise that the Hong Islands were awarded National Park status. This tour from Viator allows a dual experience of snorkelling and kayaking in the pristine Hong Islands. One can kayak into the island’s lagoon and the more adventurous can even kayak into the open sea. Snorkelling is also an option with its tranquil, safe waters beckoning for some swimming and exploring.

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Hong Island Snorkel and Boat Tour from Krabi with Kayak Option

Duration: 7 hours

53 reviews

Railay Beach: a spectrum of fun

Railay Beach’s unique landscape of limestone cliffs and caves promises different experiences personalised to its destination. From more adventurous stints like rock climbing to languid indulgences like lounging on the beach, Railay Beach gives you a slice of the beach everyone can enjoy.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Megan is an ardent writer, eater and sleeper. Studying communication studies at Nanyang Technological University, she is rewarded with learning every day in school and at work. She believes...Read more

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