Railay (Rai Leh)

4.5 / 5 21 votes

Thailand

Country rank: 2 out of 31 Places To Visit In Thailand

Sub-Region: Krabi Province

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Weather:

Ideal duration: 2 days

Best time: November to March (Read More)

Nearest Airport: Krabi (Check Flights)

"The climber's haven"

Railay (Rai Leh) Tourism

Accessible just by boat, this peninsula of limestone crags is a beautiful destination for a laid-back rest in the middle of your Thailand holiday. An absolute best for rock climbers, Railay is a one-of-a-kind spot for active diving, kayaking and rock climbing; as well as just relax at your resort.

Surrounded by karst cliffs, Railay, also pronounced as Rai-Leh, is rimmed by four beaches on it's sides, making you feel like you're actually on an island. It is known as one of the greatest rock climbing destinations in the world with many limestone cliffs and caves. You can choose from the several rock climbing schoold operating around here. It has tranquil white sand beaches where you can just laze around if you're not the adventurous kind. Railay is known to have no particular roads, only footpaths, making it a hassle-free land. The locals here only include resort staff and rock climbing school staff, hence travellers can come to Railay to meet other travellers and have an extraordinary time.

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Places to Visit In Railay (Rai Leh)

Rock Climbing

Tham Phra Nang Cave

View Point and Lagoon

View All Places To Visit In Railay (Rai Leh) >

Hotels in Railay (Rai Leh)

History of Railay (Rai Leh)

Briefly discuss the history of the city. This would be a little longer for really old cities or historical destinations, brief otherwise.

Nightlife in Railay (Rai Leh)

Railay has a great nightlife. From relaxing around good Bob Marley music in East Railay to crazy full moon and black moon parties in West Railay, everyone can choose their own niche. Joy Beach Bar in Railay East serves some of the best cocktails in Thailand. Skunk Bar and Tew Lay Bar are known for its peaceful atmosphere and gentle Reggae music. On the beaches of Railay west, there are many impromptu beach parties and fire dancing until the sun rises.

Shopping in Railay (Rai Leh)

Railay isn't especially known as a shopping destination, but there are some places you can head to. Railay West is a little more expensive than the east. In Railay East, you can find many small vendors selling hippy things like beads, slippers, and other beach gear like frisbees and bags. Railay West has the Walking Street with a range of shops, restaurants, bars and massage parlours.

Currency in Railay (Rai Leh)

All the major cards are accepted at most resorts and restaurants. The local vendors and the rock climbing schools might only accept cash. So it is advisable to carry some Baht with yourself when you're around.

Exchanging Money in Railay (Rai Leh)

There is a currency booth exchange at walking street and many ATMs there too. Some resorts also have ATMs inside them. You can exchange your money at these, or get it done from Bangkok before coming to Railay.

Daily Budget for Railay (Rai Leh)

A daily budget of 1,200-1,400 Baht is appropriate for Railay, including food, entertainment costs like rock climbing and alcohol.

Religion of Railay (Rai Leh)

The major religion of Railay is Buddhism.

Railay (Rai Leh) Customs

Railay is very relaxed when it comes to attire and customs because there are no other locals here besides the hotel staff and rock climbing school staff. You can wear bikins at the beach freely and shorts around town too. Tipping is not generally expected, but it is highly appreciated towards good service.

Language of Railay (Rai Leh)

Language is not a problem in Railay as all the hotel and resort staff speak English. Some rock climbing school staff might not know English that well, but it shouldnÂ�t be a problem as the main managers will understand.

Restaurants and Local Food in Railay (Rai Leh)

Railay has many eateries and resort restaurants in both, Railay East and West. West has more expensive choices like Flame Tree which is the most popular. If you're on a budget, the stalls around Railay East and the walking street of Railay West should do the work. These stalls sell some delicious chicken skewers, kebabs and rotis. Other inexpensive restaurants in Railay East are Mom's Kitchen and Phra Nnag Cuisine.