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How to Get from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach: A Guide to Your Adventure
In Krabi, there are two main places to buy long-tail boat tickets to Railay Beach: Ao Nang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach. Depending on where your hotel is located or where you are at the time, you can choose either option. Both locations are convenient, but we noticed that Ao Nang Beach tends to be busier with longer lines. We opted for the port at Noppharat Thara Beach, which was less crowded and quicker.
The price for a round-trip long-tail boat from Noppharat Thara Beach to Railay Beach is 200 baht per person. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Boats run from 8 AM, with the last departure at 5 PM. Be sure to check the schedule, as timings may vary by season.
The boat ride is quite enjoyable, offering stunning views of the magnificent limestone formations and beautiful coastal scenery. We loved taking in all the incredible natural creations along the way.
Weather in Krabi: Embracing the Rapid Changes and Their Charm
In Krabi, be prepared for rapid weather changes. A sunny day can quickly turn into a tropical downpour, as we experienced on our way to Railay Beach. We always carry our ponchos due to the unpredictable weather. Whether it’s rain or sunshine, both offer their own beauty and charm, adding to the unique experience of exploring the area.
Exploring Railay Beach: Navigating the Crowds and Hiking to Tonsai Beach
Upon arriving at Railay Beach, you’ll be greeted by numerous long-tail boat taxis. This was one aspect we didn’t particularly enjoy, especially if you’re planning to swim, as it can be quite crowded. To be honest, this was a bit disappointing for us, so we chose not to swim. Instead, we decided to explore the beach and hike to Tonsai Beach.
Railay Beach: Kayaking, Sunbathing, and Hipster Cafes
At Railay Beach, you can enjoy kayaking or sunbathing, but don’t miss exploring the vibrant local scene. The beach is home to many cafes and restaurants, and the Main Street is bustling with life and entertainment. You’ll also find massage spots and excellent smoothie places to unwind and relax. Additionally, there are very good hotels where you can stay, making this part of the island a fantastic place to enjoy a complete getaway.
A walk down Main Street is very enjoyable, surrounded by street music and the lively chatter of people. As you continue further, you’ll discover the path leading to the cave and the trail to Tonsai Beach. To the left, you’ll also find the rock climbing spots.
Where to Stay on Railay Beach
Railay Beach boasts several exceptional resorts for an unforgettable stay. From luxurious beachfront retreats like Railay Princess Resort & Spa to serene hideaways such as Railay Bay Resort & Spa, each offers stunning views, top-notch amenities, and direct beach access. These resorts combine comfort and natural beauty, making them perfect for a memorable escape.
Railay Princess Resort & Spa offers a luxurious beachfront retreat on Railay Beach, Krabi. With stunning sea views, a full-service spa, swimming pools, and direct beach access, it combines relaxation and adventure. Also you can enjoy elegant dining and easy access to sunbathing and kayaking.
Railay Bay Resort & Spa is a tranquil 4-star retreat on Railay Beach, Krabi. Set amidst lush tropical gardens and stunning limestone formations, it features comfortable beachfront villas, a serene spa, and beautiful pools. Ideal for a relaxing beach getaway.
Rayavadee – SHA Extra Plus is a luxurious 5-star resort on Krabi’s Railay Beach. Surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and lush greenery, it offers elegant villas, top-tier amenities, and pristine beachfront access. Ideal for a serene and indulgent escape.
What to Do at Railay Beach
Feeling adventurous? 🌍 Book your dream vacation and let the excitement begin! ✈️
We decided to take a scenic walk from Railay Beach to Diamond Cave (Phra Nang Nai Cave), and the journey was as captivating as the destination. Along the way, we encountered playful monkeys and were surrounded by lush, serene nature. The cave itself is a stunning display of nature’s artistry, featuring striking stalactites and stalagmites.
The entrance fee for Diamond Cave (Phra Nang Nai Cave) is 200 THB per person.
At Railay Beach, you’ll encounter playful monkeys, especially near the caves. They’re entertaining to watch but be cautious—they love grabbing shiny items like phones and glasses. For more monkey encounters, consider combining your visit with a hike on the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang or a day trip to Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Island. Check out our detailed guides: Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang, Krabi and Visit Monkey Beach: A Unique Encounter on Phi Phi Island for all the tips and highlights! 🐒🌴
We didn’t try rock climbing ourselves, but watching others tackle the limestone formations was fascinating. It was impressive to see the instructors guiding and assisting climbers. Maybe next time, we’ll give it a go!
The easiest way to start the hike to Tonsai Beach is to take the well-marked trail that begins near the Railay Beach area. This path is more straightforward and less challenging compared to the alternative route. It’s a good idea to follow the signs and ask locals for directions to ensure you’re on the right track. The hike should offer a pleasant walk through the lush forest and beautiful views along the way.
We decided to take a long hike from Railay Beach to Tonsai Beach. The trek took about 45 minutes and was quite an adventure. At the start, it was a bit confusing to choose the right trail. We later learned that there were two options: an easy route and a difficult one. Naturally, we took the more challenging path, only to find out later that the easier trail was the one we didn’t choose. Despite this, the hike was a rewarding experience, allowing us to explore the lush tropical forest and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Seeing this root was a bit unsettling, especially since we were hiking in the jungle and it resembled a snake.
To see our full hike to Tonsai Beach, head over to our YouTube channel and enjoy the adventure!
As we neared Tonsai Beach, we passed by some old, abandoned bamboo houses, adding a touch of history to our hike. The intense heat made us eager to reach the beach and dive into the refreshing water.
Finally arriving at Tonsai Beach, we quickly jumped into the water, which was surprisingly warm—almost like a natural jacuzzi! Unfortunately, the low tide left the water shallow and less refreshing than we hoped, but it was still a perfect way to cool off after our hike.
Tonsai Beach was stunning and deserted—no tourists in sight. We had the entire beach to ourselves, making for a serene and private experience.
At Tonsai Beach, you’ll find kayaks available for rent, a volleyball net set up for some beach fun, and local instructors offering rock climbing classes.
Despite the beach being nearly empty, there was an open restaurant where we could grab some refreshments, including a refreshing mango smoothie. The restaurant, although empty, was well-kept and had some beach beds for relaxation. After enjoying our time, we hiked back to Railay Beach, this time taking the easier route.
The easier trail back was truly a breeze and offered enjoyable beach views. The stunning scenery made the return to Railay Beach all the more rewarding.
Since it was late in the evening, we were ready to head back, and all the taxi boats were lined up, ready to take tourists back to Ao Nang Beach.
We couldn’t find our boat driver at first, but somehow he recognized us and called us over to jump on the boat. We noticed throughout our time in Thailand that Thai people have an impressive knack for face recognition; they never seem to forget a face!
Heading back to Ao Nang Beach was a delightful experience, thanks to the refreshing breeze on the boat. Exhausted but content, we looked forward to a delicious dinner at the Ao Nang Night Market.
Got an Extra Day in Krabi? Visit the Elephant Sanctuary!
If you’re spending an extra day in Krabi, visit the Elephant Sanctuary for an unforgettable, cruelty-free experience! You’ll have the opportunity to feed, bathe, and play with rescued elephants—no riding involved. Learn about their lives and the sanctuary’s important conservation efforts. It’s an emotional and educational experience you won’t forget. Check out our full blog post for more details about this heartwarming adventure in Krabi! 🐘
