What is the best month to visit Railay?

February and March are optimal months, combining the lowest rainfall and comfortable temperatures. February averages only 42mm precipitation and 8 rainy days. December and January also remain good choices, though they receive slightly more rain. May through November marks the monsoon season with frequent afternoon showers.

How do I get to Railay?

Railay is accessible only by boat from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or nearby piers. Arrive at Krabi Airport (19km away) or Phuket Airport (59km away), then arrange ground transport and speedboat transfers. Journey time from Krabi Airport to Railay is typically 1–1.5 hours including all transfers.

What are the main neighborhoods in Railay?

Railay consists of four areas: West Railay (upscale resorts), East Railay (mid-range hotels and boardwalk shops), Phra Nang (southern beach), and Ton Sai (backpacker and climber focus). Each neighborhood serves different traveler types and budgets.

Is Railay suitable for non-climbers?

Yes. Railay attracts swimmers, sunbathers, kayakers, and leisure travelers. Phra Nang and West Railay offer relaxing beach environments. East Railay features a commercial boardwalk with restaurants and cafes. Nearby boat tours and viewpoints provide non-climbing recreation.

What accommodation options are available?

The area offers 120 hotels, 60 guesthouses, and 25 hostels within 10km. West Railay specializes in upscale properties. East Railay provides mid-range bungalows and resorts. Ton Sai offers budget guesthouses and hostels catering to backpackers and climbers.

How many restaurants and bars are in Railay?

The peninsula and surrounding 10km area contain 196 restaurants, 56 cafes, and 49 bars. East Railay's boardwalk concentrates most dining and bar venues. West Railay resorts operate beachfront restaurants. Ton Sai caters to budget diners.

Railay: Beach Peninsula & Climbing Destination in Krabi

Railay, also called Rai Leh, is a small peninsula in Krabi province, Thailand, situated between Krabi city and Ao Nang. The area is accessible exclusively by boat due to towering limestone cliffs that isolate it from mainland access. These dramatic geological formations have made Railay a globally recognized destination for rock climbers, while its beaches and tranquil setting attract leisure travelers. The peninsula comprises four main neighborhoods: Phra Nang, West Railay, East Railay, and Ton Sai. West Railay contains upscale resort properties, East Railay features medium-priced accommodations and a commercial boardwalk with shops and restaurants, and Ton Sai serves the backpacking and climbing community with rustic lodging. Within a 10km radius, the area contains 605 points of interest, including 196 restaurants, 120 hotels, 60 guesthouses, 49 bars, and 14 temples. The nearest airport is Krabi (19km away), with Phuket International Airport 59km distant.

Updated 2026-05-03 · Source: GeoNames, Wikipedia

Image: Wikimedia Commons contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 via

Climate: tropical monsoon
Best months: Jan–Mar, Dec
Local currency: THB

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Timezone

Asia/Bangkok

Railay: Beach Peninsula & Climbing Destination in Krabi: 8.011, 98.839Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

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Climate

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Monthly normals (10-year window). Bars show precipitation, lines show average and max temperature.

Best months to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec

What's around (within 10km, 605 POIs)

196
Restaurants
120
Hotels
60
Guesthouses
56
Cafés
49
Bars
29
ATMs
25
Hostels
19
Attractions
16
Viewpoints
14
Temples
14
Pharmacies
4
Markets
2
Hospitals
1
Museums

Top landmarks

ศาลเจ้าพระนางwayside_shrine
สุสานหอยattraction
Fire & Boxing Demonstrationattraction
Local muslim Nightmarketattraction
พิพิธภัณฑ์เรือหลวงลันตาmuseum
speedboat ра Ko Pongattraction
Elephant Trekkingattraction
Lourdes Ave Mariamemorial
Elephant Heavenattraction
kayak rentalattraction

Nearest airports

OpenFlights.org

Krabi Airport
Krabi
KBV19km
Phuket International Airport
Phuket
HKT59km

Quick facts

Railay is a peninsula in Krabi province accessible exclusively by boat due to high limestone cliffs.
The area is located at coordinates 8.01°N, 98.84°E on Thailand's west coast.
February is the driest month with 42mm average precipitation and 8 rainy days.
October receives the highest rainfall at 324mm with 28 rainy days.
Maximum temperatures peak in March at 32.6°C.
Railay comprises four main neighborhoods: Phra Nang, West Railay, East Railay, and Ton Sai.
West Railay contains upscale resort properties focused on waterfront locations.
East Railay features medium-priced accommodations and a commercial boardwalk.
Ton Sai serves the backpacking and climbing community with rustic lodging.
Krabi Airport is 19km from Railay; Phuket International Airport is 59km away.
The area contains 196 restaurants, 56 cafes, and 49 bars within 10km.
Railay hosts 120 hotels, 60 guesthouses, and 25 hostels within 10km.
The peninsula's limestone cliffs are renowned for rock climbing and attract climbers worldwide.
December to March offers the best visiting conditions with low rainfall and comfortable temperatures.
The area contains 14 temples, 16 viewpoints, and 2 hospitals within 10km.

Geography & Climate

Railay sits at coordinates 8.01°N, 98.84°E on Thailand's west coast. The peninsula's defining feature is its high limestone cliff formation, which prevents vehicle access and requires all arrivals by boat. The area experiences a tropical monsoon climate with warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from 26.0°C to 28.0°C across the year. The driest months are January through March, with precipitation under 75mm monthly. The wet season spans May through November, with October recording the highest rainfall at 324mm and May at 301mm. Temperature peaks in March at 32.6°C maximum. The most comfortable visiting period combines low rainfall and moderate temperatures: December through March, with February and March being notably dry.

Latitude: 8.01°N
Longitude: 98.84°E
Warmest Month: March (max 32.6°C)
Wettest Month: October (324mm)
Driest Month: February (42mm)

Best Areas to Stay

Railay divides into four distinct neighborhoods, each with different accommodation styles and atmospheres. West Railay caters to travelers seeking upscale amenities, with resorts focused on waterfront locations and premium services. The Royavadee resort spans both West and East waterfronts and operates a beachfront restaurant at Ao Phra Nang. East Railay offers medium-priced bungalows and resorts alongside a bustling boardwalk with commercial activity. Phra Nang, located at the southern tip, provides access to a notable beach area. Ton Sai appeals to rock climbers and backpackers with rustic, budget-friendly lodging and a laid-back atmosphere. The area contains 120 hotels and 60 guesthouses within 10km, alongside 25 hostels. Dining options include 56 cafes and 49 bars.

Hotels (10km radius): 120
Guesthouses (10km radius): 60
Hostels (10km radius): 25
Restaurants (10km radius): 196
Cafes (10km radius): 56

Getting There

Railay is accessible only by boat due to its geographical isolation. The nearest commercial airport is Krabi Airport (KBV), located 19km away. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 59km distant and offers a wider range of domestic and international flight options. From either airport, travelers typically rent vehicles or arrange transfers to Ao Nang or Krabi Town, from which speedboats and longtail boats depart regularly to Railay. Journey times from Krabi Airport to Railay typically range from 1 to 1.5 hours including ground transfers and boat transit. The boat-only access policy has preserved the peninsula's quieter atmosphere and restricted vehicle traffic.

Krabi Airport Distance: 19km
Phuket Airport Distance: 59km
Access Method: Boat only

Best Time to Visit

The optimal visiting window is December through March, when rainfall is minimal and temperatures remain comfortable. February is the driest month, averaging 42mm precipitation and 8 rainy days. March offers the warmest conditions with maximum temperatures reaching 32.6°C. January provides a balanced climate with 74mm rain and 12 rainy days. December marks the transition from the southwest monsoon, receiving 149mm precipitation. April through November constitutes the wet season, with May recording 301mm and 28 rainy days, October peaking at 324mm and 28 rainy days. Despite higher rainfall, shoulder months such as April and November may appeal to budget-conscious travelers seeking fewer crowds, though afternoon showers are frequent.

Best Months: December to March
Peak Rain: October (324mm, 28 days)
Least Rain: February (42mm, 8 days)
Warmest Max: March (32.6°C)

Activities & Attractions

Rock climbing is Railay's signature activity, with Ton Sai and the surrounding limestone formations offering hundreds of established routes. The area attracts climbers ranging from beginners to advanced athletes. Non-climbing pursuits include beach swimming at Phra Nang, West Railay, and East Railay shorelines. Kayaking and boat excursions to nearby islands such as Ko Poda and Phra Nang Cave are standard offerings. The peninsula contains 16 viewpoints accessible on foot. Within 10km, there are 14 temples, 19 other attractions, and 2 hospitals. Nearby landmarks include the Phra Nang Shrine, historic wayside shrines, and a local Muslim night market. The museum within 10km documents local maritime heritage.

Viewpoints (10km): 16
Temples (10km): 14
ATMs (10km): 29
Pharmacies (10km): 14

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Railay?: February and March are optimal months, combining the lowest rainfall and comfortable temperatures. February averages only 42mm precipitation and 8 rainy days. December and January also remain good choices, though they receive slightly more rain. May through November marks the monsoon season with frequent afternoon showers.
How do I get to Railay?: Railay is accessible only by boat from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or nearby piers. Arrive at Krabi Airport (19km away) or Phuket Airport (59km away), then arrange ground transport and speedboat transfers. Journey time from Krabi Airport to Railay is typically 1–1.5 hours including all transfers.
What are the main neighborhoods in Railay?: Railay consists of four areas: West Railay (upscale resorts), East Railay (mid-range hotels and boardwalk shops), Phra Nang (southern beach), and Ton Sai (backpacker and climber focus). Each neighborhood serves different traveler types and budgets.
Is Railay suitable for non-climbers?: Yes. Railay attracts swimmers, sunbathers, kayakers, and leisure travelers. Phra Nang and West Railay offer relaxing beach environments. East Railay features a commercial boardwalk with restaurants and cafes. Nearby boat tours and viewpoints provide non-climbing recreation.
What accommodation options are available?: The area offers 120 hotels, 60 guesthouses, and 25 hostels within 10km. West Railay specializes in upscale properties. East Railay provides mid-range bungalows and resorts. Ton Sai offers budget guesthouses and hostels catering to backpackers and climbers.
How many restaurants and bars are in Railay?: The peninsula and surrounding 10km area contain 196 restaurants, 56 cafes, and 49 bars. East Railay's boardwalk concentrates most dining and bar venues. West Railay resorts operate beachfront restaurants. Ton Sai caters to budget diners.

More about Railay: Beach Peninsula & Climbing Destination in Krabi

Plan a trip

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Related destinations

Krabi

Province of Thailand

Phuket

Province of Thailand

Koh Samui

Place in Surat Thani, Thailand

Koh Lanta

District in Krabi, Thailand

Sources & methodology

Geographic data from GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Narrative sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and structured by Claude. Map by © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). See the methodology and sources registry for full attribution and update cadence.

This page last refreshed 2026-05-03.