Railay West & Phra Nang Beach, Krabi | Top 100 Bikini Destinations
KRABI, KRABI PROVINCE / THAILAND
A limestone headland at
Railay West & Phra Nang Beach.
Take a longtail to Railay West and walk under the cliffs to Phra Nang.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 100 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / KRABI PROVINCE
Arrive by water.
Walk under the cliffs.
Railay West opens onto a bay on Krabi’s mainland, with limestone walls at either end of the sand.
Use Railay West as your starting point. The path via Railay East reaches Phra Nang, where the beach meets the cave at the base of the cliffs.
ON THE WORLD MAP
On Thailand’s Andaman coast.
Railay West & Phra Nang Beach, Krabi, Krabi Province
01 / GETTING THERE
Start at KBV.
The Krabi River
Khao Khanab Nam cliffs along the Krabi River.
Photo: Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Display cropGet around Krabi
Walk between the two sides of Railay. Leave road vehicles at the mainland pier and keep boat tickets where you can reach them.
On the beach
Use marked swim areas and keep clear of the longtail approach. Ask on site about patrols, surf conditions and notices before entering. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A boat-access beach with resort dining and shops on the paths behind the sand.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Longtail from the mainland
Boats from Ao Nang commonly use the west side. Ao Nam Mao boats use the east pier, followed by a walk. Ask for the day’s departure time, parking and pickup terms when you book.
Railay transfer and shared boat fare ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Boat landing and footpath
You may step into shallow water when landing at Railay West. The east landing has a pier. Check tide, gangway conditions and onward path access with the operator for a wheelchair or stroller.
03 / THE SAND
Pale sand below the cliffs
The sand heats up in direct sun. Bring sandals for the paths and shoes that can get wet for a shallow-water landing.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Restaurants behind the beach
Beachfront resorts and Railay Walking Street sell meals and bottled water. Carry Thai baht for small purchases and boat tickets.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade near the beachfront
Ask your accommodation about day access to loungers or umbrellas. Bring a hat and a light cover-up for time on the open sand.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Facilities at the beachfront
Resorts and restaurants provide guest restrooms. Ask before relying on a public shower or changing room. Bring a dry layer for the boat back.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Railay West & Phra Nang Beach.
Railay West shoreline
The sandy shoreline at Railay West.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop01 / MORNING
Arrive by longtail
Keep your shoes handy for the landing.
02 / MIDMORNING
Walk the bay
Give boats a wide berth near the landing.
03 / MIDDAY
Take lunch off the sand
Look for a table on the walking street.
04 / AFTERNOON
Follow the path to Phra Nang
Use the marked route via Railay East.
Start on Railay West before midday, then walk to Phra Nang after lunch. If a marine warning affects crossings, spend the day in Krabi Town and check the next sailing.
NEARBY BEACHES
Four more shores.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Allow extra time for road or boat routes.
Ton Sai Beach
A small bay just north of Railay West beneath limestone cliffs.
- Best for
- A beach walk and a cliff view
- Facilities
- Resort dining. Confirm other public amenities locally.
- Good to know
- Ask about tide and path conditions before walking over rocks.
Ao Nang Beach
A mainland beach with a promenade and boat departures.
- Best for
- A meal near the pier
- Facilities
- Restaurants, shops and boat ticket desks
- Good to know
- Stay clear of active boat landing areas.
Noppharat Thara Beach
A shallow mainland shore with broad sand exposed at lower tides.
- Best for
- A shore walk
- Facilities
- Mainland services and national park facilities
- Good to know
- Check park notices before crossing exposed flats.
Ko Poda
An offshore island with sand around its shore and boat landings.
- Best for
- A separate island day
- Facilities
- Facilities vary by landing and park status
- Good to know
- Confirm DNP admission and landing conditions with your operator.
Distances are straight-line from Railay West & Phra Nang Beach. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
04 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three outings from Krabi.
01 / KRABI TOWN
Andaman Cultural Centre
Spend part of a rainy day with regional art and cultural exhibits. Check opening hours before taking the boat back.
Andaman Cultural Centre ↗02 / KRABI RIVER
Khao Khanap Nam
See the two limestone outcrops beside the river. Ask about boat and cave access when you arrive.
Khao Khanap Nam ↗03 / OFFSHORE KRABI
Ko Poda
Take a separate day for the island and check national park access and fees before departure.
Ko Poda ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Railay West & Phra Nang Beach and the surrounding coast.
Find Railay West on the open bay, Railay East on the pier side and Phra Nang at the southern end.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Beyond the sand.
The coast and Krabi Town make different day trips from the same mainland pier.
Krabi River waterfront
Longtail boats on the Krabi River below the limestone peaks.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Limestone hills in Krabi
Limestone hills behind a tree and green forest in Krabi.
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0 · Display crop
Ko Kai and Ko Tub
Ko Kai and Ko Tub in Krabi.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop
Ko Poda
Coastal scenery on Ko Poda.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display crop05 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
AO NANG
Sea Seeker Krabi Resort
$ Budget · Direct offer from THB 1,237 per night · checked 2026-11
Use Ao Nang as a mainland base and take a longtail to Railay West. Confirm the offer for your dates.
Sea Seeker Krabi Resort official site ↗KRABI TOWN RIVERFRONT
Krabi Riverview Hotel
$ Budget · Published rooms from THB 900–1,500 per night · checked 2026-11
Stay by the town riverfront and arrange your onward boat connection.
Krabi Riverview Hotel official site ↗NOPPHARAT THARA
Krabi Aquamarine Resort
$$ Mid-Range · Published room tariffs THB 2,000–4,600 depending on dates and occupancy · checked 2026-11
Use the mainland beach as your base and arrange a transfer to Railay.
Krabi Aquamarine Resort official site ↗KLONG MUANG
Pelican Resort Krabi
$$ Mid-Range · Published accommodation from THB 2,500–3,150 per night for selected unit types · checked 2026-11
The resort lists apartment-style accommodation near Klong Muang Beach. Plan a road-and-boat transfer to Railay.
Pelican Resort Krabi official site ↗INLAND AO NANG
Dragon Pool Villa
$$$ Upscale · Published rates from THB 4,900 per night. Three-night minimum and separate cleaning fee. · checked 2026-11
The four-bedroom villa is a mainland base. Allow time for the ride to the pier and the boat to Railay.
Dragon Pool Villa official site ↗SAI THAI COAST
Krabi Beach House
$$$$ Luxury · Published seasonal rates THB 19,500–38,000 per villa per night · checked 2026-11
The coastal villa is on the mainland. Plan a separate boat trip to Railay.
Krabi Beach House official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
The Andaman coast has a wetter southwest monsoon season. Use the Thai Meteorological Department’s marine forecast and heed operator cancellations before planning a crossing. Climate normals ↗
06 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Thai market grills
Grilled food at a night market in Krabi province.
Photo: Ilya Plekhanov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Display cropWhat to order
Look for grilled seafood or southern Thai curries in Krabi. Ask about spice level and shellfish before ordering.
Local habits
Cover up when leaving the beach for temples and take shoes off where posted.
A LITTLE THAI
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Sawatdee
- Hello
- Khop khun
- Thank you
- Nam plao
- Plain water
- Thao rai
- How much
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
CENTRAL AO NANG
Kodam Kitchen
$ Budget · THB 60–120 for selected snack and children’s menu items · checked 2026-11
Order southern Thai dishes and check the current menu for spice and seafood options.
Kodam Kitchen official site ↗KRABI TOWN
Viva Restaurant
$ Budget · THB 170–190 for selected dishes on the menu · checked 2026-11
Use the Krabi Town restaurant for a meal on the mainland. Check opening hours before taking your return boat.
Viva Restaurant official site ↗AO NANG HILLSIDE
The Hilltop Ao Nang
$$ Mid-Range · About THB 320–550 for selected dishes · checked 2026-11
Reserve ahead for a table above the bay. The restaurant publishes its menus.
The Hilltop Ao Nang official site ↗KLONG MUANG
Mangosteen’s
$$ Mid-Range · THB 230–350 for selected rice dishes · checked 2026-11
The Dusit Thani’s all-day dining option. Ask about current dining hours.
Mangosteen’s official site ↗TUBKAAK BEACH
The Naga Kitchen
$$$ Upscale · THB 480–750 for selected dishes · checked 2026-11
The Banyan Tree’s Krabi menu lists Thai and international options. Ask about tables for day visitors.
The Naga Kitchen official site ↗PHRA NANG
The Grotto
$$$$ Luxury · THB 3,300 per person for the published sunset barbecue menu · checked 2026-11
Contact Rayavadee about reservations and guest access.
The Grotto official site ↗KRABI PROVINCE AFTER DARK
Three bars.
The Hilltop bar
Stay for a drink overlooking the mainland coast. Plan the ride back before leaving the pier. The Hilltop bar ↗
Malati Beach Bar
The Dusit Thani lists beachside drinks and dining. Check service hours. Malati Beach Bar ↗
Stay on the peninsula if you want to linger at dusk. If you are based on the mainland, confirm your crossing before sitting down for dinner.
KRABI EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Andaman International Trail Running
The 2026 edition was scheduled for July 18–19 in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. Check the provincial office for the next edition.
Andaman International Trail Running official site ↗Krabi Scenic Half Marathon
The organizer listed September 12–13, 2026 for the Krabi race weekend. Check the organizer for registration and the next edition.
Krabi Scenic Half Marathon ↗Currency / Thai baht
Thailand uses the baht (THB, ฿). Carry smaller notes for shared boats and stalls. Confirm card acceptance at resorts and restaurants.
Bank of Thailand ↗07 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for the beach and the road.
BEACH KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Railay Palm one-piece swimsuit with a linen shirt and a hat for the walk between beaches.
From the beach to town
Pack grippy sandals and a dry bag for the longtail ride.
In town
Wear a dry shirt and loose pants or a skirt for dinner.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Use Krabi International Airport (KBV), then take a road transfer and a boat.
Is it good for swimming?
Check conditions on arrival, stay in marked swimming areas and give boats room.
Is the beach step-free?
West-side longtails can require a shallow-water landing. Ask about the east pier and the onward path before booking.
Which landing should I choose?
Ask your hotel. Railay West faces Ao Nang’s approach, while Railay East has the pier used by Ao Nam Mao boats.
Do island trips have park fees?
Ko Poda is in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Ask your operator for the fee for your specific landing and whether it is included. Check the Department of National Parks’ closure notice for your date.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Jungle palms in deep greens
A jungle palm print on a one-piece swimsuit.
Explore the Railay Palm one-piece ↗
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