Railay (Rai Leh)- Thailand

Railay, also known as Rai Leh, is a peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access.

The towering limestone karsts that dominate the landscape attract rock climbers, but the area is also popular due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere. The four main areas of Railay consist of Phra Nang, West Railay, East Railay, and Ton Sai.

East Railay Beach is the docking point for boats arriving from Krabi, is primarily covered in dense mangroves and is unsuitable for swimming.

At the northern end of the waterfront there is a commercial area along a boardwalk/promenade with many restaurants and bars and various services, and lower-priced resorts than in West Railay.

On the trail that leads to Ton Sai, is the Diamond Cave, which features a walkway into its depths.

West Railay Beach, connected to the east side by paths through the large resorts or by trails through jungle cover, is the primary destination for beach-goers in Railay. The beach is flanked by high limestone cliffs on either side.

The focal point of West Railay Beach is a short promenade (walking street) lined with restaurants and shops.

Ton Sai is a cove around the corner from Rai Leh West where rock climbers and backpackers hang out in cheap accommodation and practice climbing.

Although Railay is attached to mainland Thailand in Krabi province, it is not connected by any roads due to the tall limestone cliffs which surround it and also ensure there are no cars on this isolated peninsula, even bikes are not really valid here. The only way in and out of Railay is by boat. 


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