Railay East Beach
A stunning peninsula accessible only by boat, Railay East offers dramatic cliffs, adventurous hikes, and a lively boardwalk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch the sunrise.
Railay East Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch the sunrise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning peninsula accessible only by boat, Railay East offers dramatic cliffs, adventurous hikes, and a lively boardwalk.
"A surreal place worth visiting as it's only accessible by boat and the rock formations are breathtaking."
🚢 Boat Drop-off Caution
Be ready to wade ashore; some boats drop passengers in shallow water. :athletic_shoe: Water shoes recommended!
🚶♀️ East vs. West Railay
East is for arrival & mangroves; West offers better beaches & sunsets. Choose wisely!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Railay East Boardwalk
Railay East
A vibrant promenade with restaurants, bars, and shops, offering a lively atmosphere and scenic views.
Railay East Viewpoint Hike
Access from Railay East
A challenging but rewarding hike leading to breathtaking panoramic views of Railay Beach and surrounding cliffs.
Princess Lagoon
Near Railay East Viewpoint
A hidden emerald pool accessible via a hike, offering a unique natural swimming experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Drop-off Realities
East vs. West Railay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Boat Drop-off Caution
Be ready to wade ashore; some boats drop passengers in shallow water. :athletic_shoe: Water shoes recommended!
🚶♀️ East vs. West Railay
East is for arrival & mangroves; West offers better beaches & sunsets. Choose wisely!
⛰️ Hike to Viewpoints
Challenging but rewarding hikes to East Railay Viewpoint & Princess Lagoon. :hiking_boot: Go early! 
💰 Higher Costs Here
Accommodation & food are pricier than Ao Nang. Plan your budget accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Boat Drop-off Caution
Be ready to wade ashore; some boats drop passengers in shallow water. :athletic_shoe: Water shoes recommended!
🚶♀️ East vs. West Railay
East is for arrival & mangroves; West offers better beaches & sunsets. Choose wisely!
⛰️ Hike to Viewpoints
Challenging but rewarding hikes to East Railay Viewpoint & Princess Lagoon. :hiking_boot: Go early!
💰 Higher Costs Here
Accommodation & food are pricier than Ao Nang. Plan your budget accordingly.
🌅 Sunset Views
Railay West is ideal for catching stunning sunsets. :orange_heart: Pure magic!
⏰ Return Ticket Tips
Boats may wait for 6+ passengers. Have a backup plan for late returns.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Railay East Beach is praised for its unique arrival experience and vibrant boardwalk, offering a good base for exploring. While some find the water less than ideal for swimming and note higher prices, the breathtaking scenery and adventurous activities like hiking and rock climbing are consistently highlighted as major draws. The potential for a garbage barge on the beach was a notable negative for one reviewer.
"A Peaceful Paradise
The Beach is a beautiful spot in Thailand, especially stunning when the sun is out. The beach is clean, calm, and perfect for relaxing. The locals are warm and always welcoming, making you feel right at home. There are plenty of food options nearby—delicious and varied. Things tend to wind down early in the evening, which makes it ideal if you're looking to rest, but there's still enough going on to enjoy and have fun. A perfect balance of peace and pleasure."
Monkey Us
"A surreal place worth visiting as it's only accessible by boat and the rock formations are breathtaking. The water was a little dirty but to be expected in monsoon season. What we did not expect was an extremely large garbage barge beached right smack bang in the centre of the beach! Really??? I thought it may have been an art installation at first, showing tourists how much rubbish is in our oceans but ....."
Alison Tiplady
"It's lovely to go see for a day or stay a night. Only thing I'd say is be careful when getting a return ticket for the same day. We purchased a return and was told last boat at 10pm. We arrive before 10pm and was told we can't get a boat unless there's 6 more people coming. No one else came so we had to book last minute hotel at 11pm. Lucky for us there was availability."
Hays
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The only way to reach Railay East Beach is by boat. Longtail boats depart regularly from Ao Nang Beach and Ao Nam Mao Pier. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Be prepared that some boats may drop you off directly in the water, so water shoes are a good idea.
No, Railay East Beach is not accessible by road. It's a peninsula surrounded by limestone cliffs, meaning all access is by boat. This car-free environment is part of its unique charm.
Railay East is the main arrival point from Ao Nang and features a mangrove-lined shore with a commercial boardwalk. Railay West is known for its beautiful sandy beach, ideal for swimming and sunset views.
Prices can vary, but typically a one-way trip from Ao Nang to Railay costs around 100-150 Thai Baht per person. Return tickets might be slightly cheaper, but be aware of the minimum passenger requirement for departure.
While there are no cars, you'll find tuk-tuks available on Railay East, particularly for transport to resorts or between beaches. They operate along the main boardwalk area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee to access Railay East Beach itself. However, you will pay for the boat transport to get there. Some national park fees might be incorporated into boat fares depending on the departure point.
Boats typically run from early morning until around 10 PM. However, the last boat schedule can be flexible and often depends on passenger numbers. It's advisable to confirm the last departure time with your boat operator.
You can usually purchase boat tickets directly at the piers in Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao. There's no need to book far in advance, as boats run frequently during operating hours.
If you miss the last boat, you will need to find accommodation on Railay for the night. Hotels and resorts are available, but prices can be higher than on the mainland.
While not common for standard tourist trips, some tour operators might offer packages. For regular day trips, you typically pay per journey. It's best to inquire locally about any available options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Railay East offers a commercial boardwalk with restaurants and bars, access to hiking trails like the East Railay Viewpoint and Princess Lagoon, and is a departure point for island hopping tours. It's also a great spot for rock climbing.
Railay East Beach is primarily a mangrove area and generally not ideal for swimming due to the dense vegetation and boat traffic. Railay West and Phra Nang Beach are much better suited for swimming.
The East Railay Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the peninsula. The hike can be steep and challenging, but the vistas are well worth the effort.
Yes, Railay East has a commercial area along the boardwalk with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of Thai and international cuisine.
You'll find souvenir shops, clothing stores, and vendors selling beach essentials along the boardwalk on Railay East. There are also services like massage parlors and a Muay Thai school.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk at Railay East offers picturesque views, especially with the limestone cliffs as a backdrop. The hike to the East Railay Viewpoint provides incredible panoramic shots. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light.
Early mornings are fantastic for capturing the serene beauty of Railay East before the crowds arrive, with soft light and fewer people. Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light and stunning sunsets, particularly from Railay West.
Absolutely! The dramatic limestone karsts are a defining feature of Railay. You can capture them from the beaches, the boardwalk, or from elevated viewpoints. Consider a boat trip for unique perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliff landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the cliffs or distant islands. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant blues and a waterproof bag for beach activities.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's always best to check local rules before flying. Be mindful of other visitors and potential restrictions around resorts or sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hikes to the viewpoints can be challenging for very young children, older kids might enjoy the adventure. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be mindful of the sun. The boat rides to Railay can also be an exciting part of the experience for children, but ensure they are supervised closely.
💰 Budget Travelers
When on Railay, look for local eateries along the boardwalk for more affordable meal options. Be mindful of return boat times; missing the last boat can lead to unexpected accommodation expenses. Planning your return journey carefully is key to sticking to a budget.
💑 Couples
+1For a touch of adventure, consider a hike to the East Railay Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views, or explore the hidden Princess Lagoon. The unique, car-free environment of Railay adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking both relaxation and a bit of exploration.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Railay's Beaches
+1In contrast, Railay West Beach is renowned for its soft, golden sand and calm waters, making it the preferred location for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the iconic Railay sunsets. A short walk or tuk-tuk ride connects the two, allowing visitors to easily experience the distinct vibes of each beach.
+1Phra Nang Cave Beach, located at the southern end of the peninsula, is another stunning destination, famous for its dramatic cave formations and clear waters. It's a popular spot for day-trippers and offers a more secluded feel compared to the main Railay beaches.
Adventures Beyond the Beach
+2Adjacent to the viewpoint is the Princess Lagoon, a hidden natural pool nestled within the cliffs. Reaching it involves a further hike, and while the water can be murky at times, it offers a unique and refreshing swimming experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for these treks.
+1Railay is also a world-class destination for rock climbing. Numerous operators offer introductory courses and guided climbs for all skill levels, allowing you to scale the iconic limestone karsts that define the landscape.
Dining and Relaxation
+2Beyond the main eateries, numerous bars provide a perfect spot to unwind with a cool drink, especially during sunset. Some resorts also offer poolside bars and restaurants, providing a more exclusive ambiance. For those seeking tranquility, the quieter stretches of Railay West or Phra Nang Beach offer a more serene setting for a meal or a refreshing beverage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit