Getting there
When boarding at Ao Nang, ask ‘Does this boat land at Railay West?’ Give your hotel name if staying. If you want to return after sunset, arrange the return boat conditions and meeting place before leaving.
Railay West Beach
หาดไร่เลย์ตะวันตก · Krabi and Ao Nang
Relax on white sand between limestone cliffs at Railay West, on the west side of the Railay peninsula. Come by boat with your partner or friends for time beside the sea and cliffs. If your return boat is arranged, stay to enjoy the western sea at sunset.
Photo: Nnthurber · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 3.0
Beach map
Select a pin for its location and visiting guide.
Representative beach location · Pins represent a beach, bay or village. Read the list below for access and swimming conditions; a pin does not mark an entrance, car park or swimming zone.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbLRailay West Beach · Getting there
Name to search on the map Railay West Beach · หาดไร่เลย์ตะวันตก
Before you visit
- Location and access
- Take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay. Although Railay is a peninsula, you cannot drive straight from Ao Nang to this beach.
- Nearby facilities and services
- Railay has accommodation. The route after disembarking depends on whether your hotel is on the east or west side.
Time beside the sea
White sand and limestone cliffs
At Railay West, limestone cliffs rise beside a white sandy shore. Take a walk, then rest with your companions and look out over the sea. Its west-facing position also suits a visit for the evening view.
Arrange your return before staying for sunset
If you want white sand, ask whether your boat lands at Railay West. Railay East has a muddy shore and rock-climbing activities, with different scenery. Before leaving Ao Nang for a sunset visit, agree on the return boat conditions and meeting place. If staying overnight, ask how to reach your hotel from the landing point.
Swimming, waves and local conditions
West has a sandy beach, while East has a muddy shoreline. Even at West, keep clear of boats and follow the day’s flags and local swimming instructions.
Do not swim while red flags are flying. Read the marine forecast before leaving and follow local swimming instructions after arrival. Waves and weather may delay or cancel boat trips, so ask about bad-weather conditions when booking.
Frequently asked questions
How do Railay East and West differ?
West offers white sand and a view of the western sea; East has a muddy shoreline and rock-climbing activities. Choose West for sand and sunset scenery. If staying on the east side, ask about the route from the landing point to your accommodation.
Can I drive directly from Ao Nang?
No. Take a boat from Ao Nang. Being on a peninsula does not mean there is a direct road to the beach from Ao Nang. Ask whether you will land at Railay West and agree on the return boat conditions and meeting place.
Can I enter the water when there is a red flag?
No. A red flag means swimming is prohibited. Even if the sea looks calm, stay out of the water and spend your time on the shore.
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Sharing image credit: Nnthurber · CC BY-SA 4.0