Railay West is the main beach in Railay. As the main ‘port of arrival’ on the peninsula, it offers perfect soft sand on a 600-metre-long, rather wide, beach, and a tiny community of friendly locals and expats who run small stores (convenience, beachwear, handicraft), bars and restaurants on Railay Walking Street.
The Walking Street leads to a pathway that goes straight across the peninsula and links Railay West with Railay East skirting past dozens of small bungalows dotted around the area. You can also walk along the beach at Railay East and along the base of the cliffs to Phra Nang Beach (About 15 minutes). Four hotels are also settled directly on Railay West beachfront: Railay Village Resort & Spa, Railay Bay Resort and Spa, Sand Sea Resort, and Rayavadee Resort.
Both Railay West and Phra Nang have surrounding cliffs that twist into fantastic shapes, weathered by the wind and rain over time. Trees and shrubs cling precariously to the rock face, as do rock climbers who come here for sun, sand and the challenge of an overhang or a vertical wall. Most people, however, just come to relax and enjoy.
At sunset, the beach is a hive of activity with boats arriving and departing, impromptu games of football and takraw (sort of volleyball played with the feet) and people taking a stroll. The beach faces west, so its a great place to just sit and watch the stunning tropical sunset framed by limestone cliffs.
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In front of Rayavadee Resort restaurant -
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on Railay West beach after sunset -
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Railay West Walking Street -
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Railay West view from the sea
Recommended Hotel on Railay West Beach
Railay Village Resort
Railay Village Resort & Spa is set in an area only accessible by boat.Surrounded by huge limestone cliffs, Railay is a peninsula located some 3km south of Ao Nang Beach, the most popular resort destination in Krabi Province.Railay counts four beaches: Long Beach, Railay West, Railay East and Phra Nang Beach.Staying there is like travelling back in time: there are no cars, and pedibus cum jambis (walking) is the only way to explore the area and its beautiful scenery.With hidden lagoons, caves, mangrove forests, it is a real back-to-the-roots holiday on offer here.Being close to nature, Railay also hosts a large number of bars, restaurants and shops allowing visitors to socialize and party until late. Read More...
Railay West
- How to get there: From Ao Nang, get a long-tail boat ticket (100 baht) at the booth located along the beach road (toward its southern end).
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