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East Railay Bay Beach

Dramatic limestone cliffs and a lively beach atmosphere, accessible only by longtail boat from Ao Nang.

4.2(696)Floating Pier (East Railay) · 1 min walk
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Getting there
Floating Pier (East Railay)
1 min walk

Check Monsoon Windows

Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Koh Samui's beaches are roughest October–December, and Hua Hin's wettest months are September and October. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.

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Why go, and how to do it well

East Railay Bay sits on the eastern side of the Railay peninsula, enclosed by towering limestone karst formations that rise directly from the shoreline and make it one of the most visually striking coastal spots in Krabi. The beach is completely cut off from road access, which gives it an isolated character despite attracting a steady flow of visitors arriving by longtail boat from Ao Nang.

As the main arrival and departure point for the Railay area, East Railay has a more functional, active atmosphere compared to its quieter western neighbor. The beach itself is better suited to sightseeing and exploration than swimming — visitor reviews note that the water can carry some odor and may not always be clean, particularly during wetter months. That said, the surrounding area rewards those who look beyond the shoreline, since nearby caves hold cultural significance and are visited by those hoping to start a family, according to local legend, while bars and dining options line the beach strip. Rock climbers and photographers are also well served by the dramatic natural scenery.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Guided visits and day-tour combos that include East Railay Bay Beach.

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of East Railay Bay Beach, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After East Railay Bay Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Lovely beach , nice rocks, great caves loads of nice bars, well worth a vist

We can’t enter the beach through the land, and have to take a longtail boat to the beach. It’s costs 100 baht for one side. Nice beach and a lot of activities to do and places to see. But the beach itself is full with longtail boats and you can’t really enjoy the beach. Overall, recommend to visit.

Beautiful beach and less busy as the west side of Raily. Not sure it is great for swimming, much more servicing the landing tourist and there is some smell indicating the water may not be clean.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 696 reviews on Google.

2R6R+4GC, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

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More beaches nearby

All within 1.3 km of East Railay Bay Beach.

Railay West Beach

Railay West Beach

560 m walk4.5(7,719)
2R7P+7RP, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
The swimming beach on the west side of the Railay peninsula, white sand between limestone cliffs, where the Ao Nang longtails land for ฿100 each way.
Phra Nang Cave Beach

Phra Nang Cave Beach

640 m walk4.7(4,603)
Phra nang Cave Beach, Krabi, Thailand
A dramatic coastal cove accessible only by sea, framed by towering limestone cliffs, white sand, and a sacred cave shrine.
Ko Rang Beach
Hidden Gem

Ko Rang Beach

800 m walk4.7(79)
2R4P+3G, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
A secluded island beach near Ao Nang offering clear waters and a peaceful escape from busier coastal spots.
Tonsai Beach (Railay)

Tonsai Beach (Railay)

1.3 km away4.4(765)
Tonsai Beach, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
The climbers' bay just north of Railay West, reached by a jungle path or longtail, with cheap off-grid bungalows, generator power and no ATM.

Tips for Visiting Beaches

Go Early for Empty Sand

Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.

East Railay Bay Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Is East Railay Bay Beach worth visiting?

East Railay Bay Beach holds a 4.2★ rating from 696 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Krabi.

When is the best time to visit East Railay Bay Beach?

The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough Andaman seas).

Where is East Railay Bay Beach located?

East Railay Bay Beach is at 2R6R+4GC, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.

Also popular in Krabi

Tandoori Night's Restaurant

Tandoori Night's Restaurant

4.7(5,866)$$$$
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Thale Waek

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Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

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The Last Bar

The Last Bar

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Beachfront bar and grill on Railay West serving cheap eats, smoothies, and cold beers all day.

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