Krabi’s fairy-tale limestone formations come to a dramatic climax at Railay (also spelt Rai Leh), the ultimate Andaman gym for rock-climbing fanatics. Monkeys frolic alongside climbers on the gorgeous crags, while down below some of the prettiest beaches in all of Thailand are backed by proper jungle, just a 20-minute long-tail boat ride from Hat Ao Nang.
Getting a Tan
Hat Railay is a fixture on the tourist circuit. While it isn't a filming location in itself, it looks like a scene from the 2000 adventure drama film The Beach. Think long-tail boats anchored at the water's edge, emerald waves rolling gently up the sand and a hippie enclave under the watch of giant, stalagmite-shaped limestone rocks.
It's easy to understand Hat Railay's attraction. Here on soft sands cradled by steepling cliffs, you can truly recharge your batteries. Spread your towel at the northern or southern end of the beach, where there are fewer people and your swims in the crystalline water are less likely to be interrupted by long-tail boats as they chug in and out of the bay. The western part of the peninsula is most suitable for swimming.
Kayaks are available for rent. Secured on the shore, they're waiting as if to remind you to paddle around the corner and check out Hat Phra Nang and the maze of stalactites and stalagmites at Tham Princess.
Diving
Hat Railay West has seen the biggest development, with luxury resorts and restaurants dishing up stir-fries and curries. Dive centers have also found their way to Railay, even though most dive sites are a 30-minute boat ride off the coast. You can hop on a rickety long-tail boat or a larger boat in the high season. Dive the region's waters to see colorful nudibranch, the fascinating Kuhl's stingray as well as soft corals that look like bunches of flowers.
The nearby islands offer easy diving with swim-throughs, caves and maximum depths of 20m. if you're an experienced diver keen for deeper adventures, join a tour to the King Cruiser Wreck, which sits at 32m some 15km west of Ko Phi-Phi.
Climbing
Cross the Railay Walking Street to enter the realm of climbers. The high wall at the southern end of the beach is where many climbing schools head to help beginners find their feet. For better rock quality, skip the main crags and look for out-of-the-way walls like Fire Wall on Hat Tonsai, which is cut off from the mainland. Note that up on these giants, it's hellishly hot.
You'll also sweat buckets if you brave the tough but fun climb to East Railay Viewpoint, which overlooks Railay's palm-covered headland and the vast karst region beyond. To get up here through mud, roots and stones, you need to be a sure-footed traveler. Leave the flip-flops in your room; massage parlors offer aromatherapy rewards on return.
Start from the southern end of Hat Railay East and climb the first cliff on your left on the path towards Hat Phra Nang. It leads to a lagoon and a hilltop, where you need to turn left. Bring water, bug spray and a camera with enough memory space for at least a 1000 pictures.
Must-Know Facts
The area is split up into three parts: Hat Railay West, Hat Railay East and Hat Phra Nang . Climbers head east for the rocky wall that almost begs to be climbed. Beach lovers are happiest on Hat Railay West, where they can swim and work on their tan. The spiritually minded visit Hat Phra Nang, home to a cave shrine that local sailors worship.
