Railay Thailand Tourism (2020) Travel Guide

Q: What is the best time to visit Rai leh?

The best time to visit Railay beach is from November to March.The months of April to June are extremely hot and humid and is very unpleasant to travel during that time. July to October experiences high rainfall and travelling during these months can be a bad experience too. Hence, the months of November to March are the most appropriate to have a comfortable holiday.Read More

"The climber's haven"

Railay 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 several rock climbing schools in Railay that operate 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.

Railay Highlights

1. Rock Climbing in Railey

Known as one of the world's best rock climbing centers, Railay has many limestone cliffs over the oceans. Rock climbing is the most popular sport of Railay, probably the best areas in the world. There are over 700 bolted routes up the limestone cliffs for you to have a spectacular experience. These cliffs face the ocean which gives you a wonderful view while climbing up.

This is an interesting cave with large wooden phalluses. Also known as the Princess Cave or penis cave, this is named after the Phra Nang princess. Here, the fishermen and other visitors make offerings to the symbolic phallus of Shiva to help with fertility. They also believe that the sea-princess will help them bring good results in fishing. It is a very different and bizzare yet interesting spot to visit while in Railay.

The Railey viewpoint and lagoon is a tiny point surrounded by trees to view the gorgeous sunset at Railay. Located up the Phra Nang beach, the viewpoint requires a small but rather difficult climb to reach up there. There are ropes on the way, but you need good shoes and grip to climb that. This climb doesnÍt fit many people and therefore there is less crowd up there, for you to enjoy the stunning view of Railay in peace. The lagoon is located nearby and requires you to climb down from the viewpoint, which is again steep and you have to be cautious.

Rock Climbing in Railey

Tham Phra Nang Cave

View Point and Lagoon

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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.

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.

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.
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.

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 shouldnÂt be a problem as the main managers will understand.

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.

Best Time to Visit Railay

Commuting within Railay

Railay Photos

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Top Hotels In Railay

Piman Pu Villa

9.8 (17 reviews)

$ 239 onwards

Coastal Escape - Koh Yao Noi

9.7 (24 reviews)

$ 478 onwards

A One Pool Villa

9.7 (33 reviews)

$ 144 onwards

The 9th House

9.6 (317 reviews)

$ 38 onwards

Reset Hostel

9.6 (232 reviews)

$ 13 onwards

Vago Budget Krabi Aonang

9.6 (8 reviews)

$ 19 onwards

View All Hotels In Railay

FAQs on Railay

What is the best time to visit Rai leh?

The best time to visit Railay beach is from November to March.
The months of April to June are extremely hot and humid and is very unpleasant to travel during that time. July to October experiences high rainfall and travelling during these months can be a bad experience too. Hence, the months of November to March are the most appropriate to have a comfortable holiday.
Read More

What is the local food in 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.
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What is the best way to reach Rai leh?

The only way to get to Railay is by a boat from either of these places: Ao Nang, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi or Phuket town.
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What are the top hotels in Rai leh?

There are 964 in Rai leh which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Rai leh are Sea View Penthouse by Krabi Villa, KhaoTong Villa at Melina's, Villa Cha Cha, Tiger Cave Home, Seaview Cabin Club, Piman Pu Lek. You can see all the hotels in Rai leh here

What are the places near Rai leh?

The top places near to Rai leh are Krabi which is 11 km from Rai leh, Phi phi islands which is located 29 km from Rai leh, Phuket which is located 55 km from Rai leh, Khao lak which is located 99 km from Rai leh, Surat thani which is located 135 km from Rai leh