Railay is the most famous corner of Krabi: a peninsula completely cut off from the mainland by limestone cliffs, which means the only way in is by longtail boat. No cars, no scooters, but two beaches, world-famous climbing rocks, and the spectacular Phra Nang Cave Beach within walking distance. Staying overnight on Railay means you get all of this to yourself once the day-trippers leave in the afternoon. These are the 5 best hotels.
Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to Hotels in Krabi: The Ultimate Beach & Hotel Guide. Be sure to check out that guide too, to discover which area best suits your travel style!
Why stay overnight on Railay?
During the day, Railay is a popular destination for day trips from Ao Nang, but anyone who stays overnight sees the beach at its best: early in the morning and after four in the afternoon, once the longtail boats carrying day-trippers have left. Railay West has the finest sand and the sunset, Railay East is the side with the mangroves and the climbing schools, and you can walk between the two in ten minutes. Just keep the boat transfer in mind: on arrival, you’re usually dropped off right on the beach, so travel light or choose a resort with its own transfer service.
We’ve been to Railay ourselves and found it one of the most beautiful places in southern Thailand, and we can only recommend it wholeheartedly.
Compare the best hotels on Railay
| Hotel | Segment | Location | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rayavadee | Top luxury | Between Railay West and Phra Nang | Iconic resort in the middle of the national park |
| Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas | Luxury | Railay East | Villas with a private pool and a large seafront pool |
| Railay Bay Resort & Spa | Mid-range+ | From West to East | Only resort with grounds on both beaches |
| Sand Sea Resort | Mid-range | Railay West | Right on the finest beach, two pools |
| Railay Village Resort | Mid-range | Between West and East | Family-friendly with a children’s pool, set among the gardens |
Rayavadee
Rayavadee is one of Thailand’s most famous resorts and sits in a truly unique spot: surrounded by the greenery of Krabi Marine National Park, within walking distance of three beaches, including Phra Nang Cave Beach. The round, two-story pavilions are scattered among coconut palms where monkeys wander through each morning. If your budget allows, this is a stay you’ll never forget.
During our work in Thailand’s tourism industry, we visited this hotel to inspect it for travelers. We can only confirm that it’s a truly unique resort.
View the current prices and availability of Rayavadee
Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas
On the Railay East side sits Bhu Nga Thani, the most luxurious resort on this side of the peninsula. The large pool overlooks the bay, the more spacious villas come with their own pool or sunken bathtub, and the spa ranks among the best on Railay. Railay West beach is a ten-minute walk away.
View the current prices and availability of Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas
Railay Bay Resort & Spa
Railay Bay Resort has the most convenient location of them all: the grounds stretch from Railay West to Railay East, with cottages and pools in between. From your room, you can walk to either side. A solid mid-range choice with a touch of luxury in the pricier cottage categories.
View the current prices and availability of Railay Bay Resort & Spa
Sand Sea Resort
Right in the middle of Railay West, with the best stretch of beach practically at its door, sits Sand Sea Resort. Two pools, a restaurant with sea views, and all of West’s small restaurants within walking distance. If the beach is your main reason for coming, this is the closest you’ll get to the water for a reasonable price.
View the current prices and availability of Sand Sea Resort
Railay Village Resort
Between Railay West and East sits Railay Village Resort, a quiet mid-range option set among tropical gardens. With a separate children’s pool and spacious family rooms, this is the most family-friendly choice on the peninsula.
We’ve also visited Railay Village Resort ourselves during our professional inspection trips, and we found it a lovely mid-range resort.
View the current prices and availability of Railay Village Resort
Frequently asked questions about hotels on Railay
How do I get to Railay?
Only by longtail boat: from Ao Nang beach to Railay West (about 15 minutes), or from the pier at Ao Nam Mao to Railay East. Larger resorts like Rayavadee arrange their own transfer for guests.
Is Railay suitable with a lot of luggage or with children?
It works fine, but keep the practical side in mind: on arrival, you often step off the boat into shallow water at the beach. Travel light, pack your electronics waterproof, and consider a resort with its own transfer service if you’re traveling with young children or a lot of suitcases.
Which side is better: Railay West or Railay East?
Railay West has the sandy beach and the sunset; Railay East has mangroves, the climbing schools, and some more affordable accommodations. The distance between the two is only a ten-minute walk, so you can’t really go wrong.
Why is staying overnight on Railay better than a day trip?
Anyone who stays overnight on Railay Beach gets to enjoy the beach at its very best moments: early in the morning and after four in the afternoon, once the day-trippers from Ao Nang have left. You’ll have the beaches, the limestone cliffs, and the famous Phra Nang Cave Beach almost entirely to yourself, which makes the experience truly special.
What is Phra Nang Cave Beach and why is it worth visiting?
Phra Nang Cave Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in all of Thailand and sits within walking distance of the hotels on Railay. The beach is known for its dramatic limestone rocks, crystal-clear water, and a mysterious cave. As an overnight guest on Railay, you can visit this breathtaking beach early in the morning, before the day-trippers arrive.
What are the best hotels on Railay Beach in Krabi?
Railay Beach has a select range of hotels, from luxury resorts to more affordable options, all set in a unique, car-free environment. The best hotels on Railay combine a top location close to the beach with comfortable facilities. Check out our article on the 5 best hotels on Railay for a complete overview, or read the full Krabi hotel guide to find the area that best suits your travel style.
Conclusion
Railay is the place Krabi owes its reputation to, and staying overnight makes all the difference: you’ll have the beaches almost to yourself in the morning and evening. Choose Rayavadee for a one-time splurge, Bhu Nga Thani for luxury on the quiet side, or one of the mid-range resorts to experience this unique peninsula on a budget.
