If I mention “Railay” to Thai
people, not many ones know it, unlike foreign tourists.Railay was originally recognized as a little village of fishermen
on the mainland, it’s not on an island.Due to its surroundings by limestone cliffs, people feel isolated
from prosperity of the town and think of being on an island.How to get there: only by long-tail boats from Ao Nang or Ao Nam
Mao or Krabi Town, if you come from Krabi. By
a cruise, if you travel from Koh Phi Phi. Conservative tourists
want to preserve this place as it is.So far there is no road access to Railay.Only by boat, you can get there from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao (the
shell fossil).
Lastly I went here on 10 Apr 06 to explore
any impact from Tsunami. It is opposite to what I expected.
A lot of foreign tourists are walking along the beach, sun-bathing,
taking a trip. All rooms are fully booked. Tsunami did not
negatively affect here much. Contrarily due to limited accommodation in
Koh Phi Phi (after Tsunami), tourists chose Railay as their destination
instead. No photo need to be updated here as Railay has not been changed
by Tsunami.
See more photos of Railay.
What I like here:we have to talk a lot more and a bit longer…. I myselfwent there many times since 13 years ago.Things of Railay have not much changed.
Accommodation are the changes.
The resorts have expanded rapidly in
terms of numbers of bungalows.Fortunately, not changed are attractions such as lagoon, nice
view point of the hill top, caves, and beaches.Activities become more attractive like sea canoeing, rock
climbing, trekking, etc.See more below:
If I mention “Railay” to Thai people, not many ones know it, unlike foreign tourists.Railay was originally recognized as a little village of fishermen on the mainland, it’s not on an island.Due to its surroundings by limestone cliffs, people feel isolated from prosperity of the town and think of being on an island.How to get there: only by long-tail boats from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao or Krabi Town, if you come from Krabi. By a cruise, if you travel from Koh Phi Phi. Conservative tourists want to preserve this place as it is.So far there is no road access to Railay.Only by boat, you can get there from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao (the shell fossil).
is likely to be an ideal attraction of Krabi by popularity of
Railay.By this photo, a trainer of rock climbing is showing.
Limestone cliffs on Railay East are plenty for rock climbers.I would recommend Cliffs Man on Railay West. Check it first
if you like. ....Map
is available
Cliffs between Tonsai and Railay
beaches are very interesting. It's suitable for a novice like
me.
All tourists should not miss to be there and take a photo as I.
When the sun goes down, the lights reflect from the rocks, the
scene of both bays.The middle is coconut trees while far view is panoramic
view with boats normally scattering in the sea.Here for this moment, paradise is found.
By this photo, left is Railay West (plenty of resorts), right is
Railay East and behind the scene is Pranang Cave beach.You can walk through three of the beaches.
Another attraction for the adventure lovers. You have
to climb up and down. Some steps are too steep and you need
to jump or tightly hold a rope. There you will find a
lagoon. Find a post to Lagoon while you are trekking
to view point.
From my experience, this beach is the most beautiful, white
sand, suite for swimming, sun bath, enjoy jogging, etc.The cave is at the
end of the beach with a local tale about this cave (I cannot
remember the story). You can take about 15 minutes by
walking from Railay Beach.
Located behind Diamond Cave Resort. It's a part of Moo Koh
Phi Phi and Nopparatthara Marine National Park. Path is good
for visitors to walk through. Cave is pretty short for 10-15
minutes sight-seeing. Don't miss if you come to Railay even
though it is quite hard to find.
It’s good for sun bath, swimming, sea canoeing, etc. It is
the pier for tourists from Ao Nang.9:00 am everyday, boat from Ao Nang will be stop for
tourists for 10 minutes and leave for Koh Phi Phi.If you want to go to Koh Phi Phi you may book at counter of
any resorts.Check out and be ready for the boat. 1- day trip is also
available. Sea Canoeing is another popular activity.What are the recommended resorts: Railay Village, Railay
Bay, Sand Sea Resort.Only three resorts are here.
Ya
Ya Resort, well
know for many years with wooden rooms amidst coconut trees.
Diamond
Private Resort, with
many rooms, swimming pool on the little hill.Recommended sea view room here. You may enjoy watching the
sea or sunrise from the balcony.
Diamond
Cave Resort, with many new rooms,
swimming pool on the little hill. Internet,
food shops, tour package are available at
the resort. A lot of changes here from the
previous days.
Popular activities includes rock climbing, sea canoeing, trekking,
sight-seeing of islands e.g. Koh Kai, Koh Thap, Koh Poda, one of
Unseen Thailand.
Railay is suite for the ones who love natural relaxation, escaping the
ever-growing crowds, neither light nor sound like Phuket or Koh Samui.Shadow of limestone Cliff in the evening, while I'm watching the
sun on the beach, is attracting me to return once again.Another highlighted attractions are white sand beaches of nearby
islands and viewpoint of Railay.
