Railay Beach is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone. If you are looking for a place to relax, do outdoor activities or enjoy the natural beauty, Railay is the perfect place for you. This beautiful peninsula is mainly divided into two parts: Railay East and Railay West. Each side has its own unique charm, making it an ideal destination for all types of travel.
Railay West Beach
This beach is amazing, you can swim, kayak, snorkel or simply sunbathe or have a beer or a coconut while enjoying a magical sunset.
The beach on Railay West is the largest on the peninsula and one of the most popular in Thailand. It is a beach of fine white sand, with crystal-clear waters that provide a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.
There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed on this Railay West beach, such as:
Swimming: The crystal clear waters of the beach are ideal for swimming.
Kayak: Renting a kayak is a great way to explore the caves found in the area, or to visit the famous Phra Nang Beach or the magical town of Tonsai Beach.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is another great way to explore coral reefs.
Sunbathing: The beach is a perfect place to relax and sunbathe.
Sunsets: In Railay West there are new colors every day. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand to enjoy wonderful sunsets, an image that You'll take with you for a lifetime.
Visit Tonsai: From Railay West beach you can reach Tonsai Beach, the paradise for backpackers and rock climbers. To access this place almost isolated from everything, you have to walk along a path next to the sea and it takes about 20 minutes. It is not a very big challenge but it can only be done if the tide is low.
Railay Walking Street
The Railay Walking Street is located in the West side of the town and is accessed directly from the Railay West beach. It is a lively area with a unique vibe, where you will find a wide variety of restaurants, reggae bars, shops and places to get a massage or a tattoo.
On this street are some of the best bars and places to eat in Railay. If you want to try the best Thai food, here are the best restaurants in Railay Beach. In addition, here you will find everything you need in your vacations, Minimarkets, ATM, exchange office, and a wide variety of stores that sell clothing, souvenirs and many other items.
Railay East
The less appealing side of Railay is Railay East. The main pier is located in this area, and the coastline is predominantly covered by mangroves. The vegetation extends almost to the water's edge, creating a unique coastal environment. When the tide recedes, the exposed mud creates a less inviting swimming environment.
However, Railay East also has its charm. Magical sunrises, incredible views of the stone cliffs and its promenade along the coast is full of hotels, restaurants, mini-markets, bars, places to get a massage or get a tattoo. Also, at night, this area of Railay has a great atmosphere, you can have dinner or a drink something until very late. Here is a list of the selection of the best places to eat in Railay Beach.
From Railay East you can easily access the West side and also to the beautiful Phra Nang Beach and the caves or visit the impressive Railay Viewpoint and the hidden lagoon.
Which side of Railay Beach is better?
It depends on your interests. Railay West is the most popular beach and has a wide variety of restaurants, shops and bars. It is also the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and magical sunsets. One of the most beautiful beaches with the best vibes in all of Thailand.
Railay East is quieter but has a great view of the limestone cliffs. It is the perfect place for hiking or climbing but the beach is not suitable for swimming as its coast is covered in mangroves and the tide is low for much of the day.
It doesn't matter which side of Railay you choose. This paradise is not a very big place, so you can explore all its corners easily and in a unique and beautiful natural environment.
Where is it best to stay in Railay Beach? East or West?
Here are some factors to consider when choosing your hotel:
Budget: Accommodations in Railay West are usually more expensive than those in Railay East, although you can often get interesting last-minute discounts.
Activities: If you want to relax on the beach and enjoy the nightlife, Railay West is a good option. If you want to go hiking, climbing or don't have much budget, Railay East is the best option.
Atmosphere: Railay West is more lively and bustling than Railay East although there are many reggae bars open until late hours of the night.
In Railay you will not find any cars or motorcycles. The only option here is to walk, but getting from one side to the other is super easy. There are a couple of small paths connecting both sides, and the journey takes about 5 minutes or less.