East Railay Viewpoint

The East Railay viewpoint is on the Railay peninsula, not in Ao Nang. The trail starts on the walkway from Railay East to Phra Nang Beach, at a red-mud slope with fixed ropes, and from the top you look down over both sides of the peninsula, Railay East's mangroves on one side and the bay of Railay West on the other, with the limestone towers all around.

It's short and steep. Most people are up in 10 to 20 minutes, but it's a scramble rather than a hike, hand over hand on the ropes in places, and the mud is slippery even in dry weather. Wear shoes with grip, keep both hands free and skip it after rain.

Past the viewpoint the trail carries on down into Sa Phra Nang, the lagoon, a harder descent with a narrow squeeze and a near-vertical rope section. For most people the viewpoint alone is the better choice.

Go early, before the heat. It's free, there's no water on the trail, and when you come down, Phra Nang Beach is a few minutes further along the walkway.