Railay West Beach
Bring water shoes. That's the first thing I'd say about this stretch of white sand on the Railay Peninsula, because the sharp rocks near the waterline catch people out and a few reviewers have come away with cuts. The water itself is shallow and calm, safe for a float, and the limestone cliffs behind you are the reason everyone comes. There's no road in. Longtail boats from Ao Nang pier run about 200 baht per person return and leave when they're full, which can mean a wait depending on the hour and the weather.
Go early. First or second boat of the day and you get a wide, quiet beach with pockets of shade and small caves to sit under. By late morning the boats and the crowds arrive, and the engine noise is real. Climbers work the cliffs above, which is worth watching even if you're not one. Cafes and restaurants sit back from the sand, pricier than Ao Nang, and kayaks or paddleboards go for roughly 200 to 300 baht an hour.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Railay West Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Quieter and less crowded than Railay Beach, although it is a bit of a hike to get there using the path. I saw many people rock climbing, which looked awesome. (On some maps it's named Tonsai Beach)
One of the most beautiful & famous beaches in Krabi area! We came here with a longtail boat that we bought the tickets for right at the pier. We paid 200 baht for a roundtrip per person and the boats leave as soon as they're full (it can sometimes take some time, really depends on the weather and time of the day). The beach is wide, beautiful and peaceful, some spots with shade and even small caves you can sit under. There aren't any shops or restaurants at the beach itself, but you can enter Railay's main road that's full of these if you'd like to buy a drink or have something to eat. We on the right side of the beach, far away from where the longtail boats park, leave & depart from and we got to see some monkeys and even a komodo lizard at the wild which was insane!!
The beach is usually crowded, lots of boats that make noise and pollution. Cannot walk into the water because it's full of sharp rocks everywhere.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,719 reviews on Google.
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Railay West Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Railay West Beach worth visiting?
Railay West Beach holds a 4.5★ rating from 7,719 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Krabi.
What are the opening hours of Railay West Beach?
Railay West Beach is typically open 00:00-23:59 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Railay West 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: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Railay West Beach located?
Railay West Beach is at 2R7P+7RP, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Location Info
2R7P+7RP, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailandwww.railay.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Railay West Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — 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.
Nearby Places
Railay Beach
Boat-only limestone drama and clean water, best before the longtails arrive and again at low tide.
East Railay Bay Beach
Dramatic limestone cliffs and a lively beach atmosphere, accessible only by longtail boat from Ao Nang.
Cave Pra Nang Beach
A sacred sea cave on Railay Beach, framed by limestone cliffs and turquoise water with local legend.
Tonsai Beach (Railay)
A sheltered Krabi beach framed by limestone cliffs, popular with rock climbers, snorkellers, and island-hoppers.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.
Freedom Beach
Crystal water and soft sand, but you pay 100 baht and earn it on a steep climb back up.
Where to stay near Railay West Beach
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental