Railay Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand and is a remote peninsula that can only be reached by boat. It is located in the province of Krabi and if you are thinking of traveling to Thailand to enjoy the beaches and the islands, Railay Beach has to be on your list.
While it is possible to take a day trip from Ao Nang, Krabi, or Phi Phi Islands to enjoy a few hours in Railay, we recommend spending 3 or 4 days here, to have enough time to explore the beaches, caves, attractions, and all its natural beauty. This is a unique place that offers activities for all tastes, where you can relax on the beach, hike and explore the jungle, or climb world-class rocks with the best views of the Andaman Sea.
Here you have a complete guide of how to get to Railay Beach from many places:
For small groups or families, the best and fastest option is to arrange a private taxi transfer directly from the airport to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao Pier. This service, take around 30 minutes and costs around 600 baht, can be booked in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival.
For solo travelers or couples, the shuttle bus service from the airport is a more economical option. Shuttle buses depart regularly from the airport, synchronized with flight arrivals, and offer a comfortable and shared ride to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao. Tickets can be purchased in the arrival hall or at the airport exit for 150 baht.
Consider your hotel's location when selecting your Railay Beach arrival side (East or West) to minimize luggage-laden walks.
Ao Nang Beach to Railay West
This is the most convenient option if you're staying in Railay West. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes, and you'll be dropped off directly on Railay West Beach. Be prepared to wade through soft, wet sand during low tide, as the beaches at Ao Nang and Railay West recede significantly.
The boats depart from Ao Nang to Railay West every 15 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cost is 100 baht per person and can also be purchased directly from Ao Nang to Tonsai Beach and Phra Nang Beach, but these boats depart less frequently.
In high season, boats also operate after dark until midnight. The nighttime fare increases to 150 baht per person. However, wait times can be longer at night, so sometimes it is recommended to book a private boat for 800 baht.
Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East
The best way to get to Railay Beach from Krabi if you're staying on Railay East is to take a boat from Ao Nam Mao Pier. Boats depart when full and cost 100 baht per person and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
During the high season, boats depart at least once per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the low season, the last boat may depart as early as 12:00 PM. Public boats may operate until 11:00 PM in the high season, but if you miss the last public boat, you'll need to take a private boat for 600 baht.
We recommend taking a taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nam Mao Pier or Ao Nang and then a boat to Railay East or West. Consider your hotel's location when selecting your Railay Beach arrival port to minimize luggage-laden walks.
Ao Nang Beach to Railay West
This is the most convenient option if you're staying in Railay West. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes, and you'll be dropped off directly on Railay West Beach. Be prepared to wade through soft, wet sand during low tide, as the beaches at Ao Nang and Railay West recede significantly.
The boats depart from Ao Nang to Railay West every 15 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cost is 100 baht per person and can also be purchased directly from Ao Nang to Tonsai Beach and Phra Nang Beach, but these boats depart less frequently.
In high season, boats also operate after dark until midnight. The nighttime fare increases to 150 baht per person. However, wait times can be longer at night, so sometimes it is recommended to book a private boat for 800 baht.
Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East
The best way to get to Railay Beach from Krabi if you're staying on Railay East is to take a boat from Ao Nam Mao Pier. Boats depart when full and cost 100 baht per person and the ride takes about 15 minutes.
During the high season, boats depart at least once per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the low season, the last boat may depart as early as 12:00 PM. Public boats may operate until 11:00 PM in the high season, but if you miss the last public boat, you'll need to take a private boat for 600 baht.
Klong Jilad pier to Railay East
The Pier issituated approximately 3 kilometers from Krabi Town and is easily accessible by a 10-minute taxi ride. From this pier, longtail boats depart for Railay East every 30 minutes between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM, offering a scenic journey that takes about 25-30 minutes. The cost for this boat ride is 250 baht.
In high season, boats depart from Krabi Town to Railay East at 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. Return trips from the pier of Railay East to Krabi Town are scheduled for 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. During the low season, boat departures are less frequent, and they may be canceled altogether when the sea conditions are unfavorable.
Khong Kha Pier to Railay East Boats also leave from the Khong Kha Pier, it is next to the Krabi Night Market and the price is 150 Baht. Traveling from Krabi Town to Railay Beach by boat takes approximately 40 minutes, while from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao Pier, the journey is significantly shorter, lasting around 15 minutes. Due to the less frequent boat departures from Krabi Town (Klong Jilad pier and Khong Kha Pier), this option is generally not recommended unless you plan to explore or stay in Krabi Town itself.
The boats depart from Ao Nang to Railay West every 15 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The cost is 100 baht per person and can also be purchased directly from Ao Nang to Tonsai Beach and Phra Nang Beach, but these boats depart less frequently.
In high season, boats also operate after dark until midnight. The nighttime fare increases to 150 baht per person. However, wait times can be longer at night, so sometimes it is recommended to book a private boat for 800 baht.
During the high season, boats depart at least once per hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In the low season, the last boat may depart as early as 12:00 PM. Public boats may operate until 11:00 PM in the high season, but if you miss the last public boat, you'll need to take a private boat for 600 baht.
The fastest and the best option is to fly to Krabi International Airport (KBV) and then take a taxi or bus to Ao Nang o Ao Nam Mao Pier and then a 15 minutes boat ride to Railay Beach. The flight from Bangkok to Krabit takes approximately an hour and a half hours. This is the most expensive option, but it is also the quickest and most convenient.
Another option is to take a train to Surat Thani and then a bus to Krabi. The train takes approximately 12 hours, and the bus takes approximately one and a half hours. This option is a good choice for travelers who want to save money on airfare. The train is comfortable and efficient, and the bus ride is scenic.
The most economical option is to take a train to Chumphon and then a ferry to Krabi. The train takes approximately 10 hours, and the ferry takes approximately one hour. This option is a good choice for travelers who have plenty of time and want to save money on both airfare and transportation. The train is comfortable and efficient, and the ferry ride is a great way to see the coast of Thailand.
Get from Bangkok to Railay Beach depends on your individual needs and budget. If you are short on time and money, the flight from Bangkok to Krabi is the best option.
Ferry: The Scenic and Direct Route
For those seeking a direct and visually captivating journey, the ferry from Rassada Pier in Phuket stands as the preferred choice. This comfortable option takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and the majestic limestone cliffs that surround Railay Beach. Ferry tickets are conveniently available, costing around 700 baht per person. This option is particularly suitable for travelers with accommodations on Railay East.
Car/Minivan and Longtail Boat: An Alternative for Monsoon Season
The car/minivan and longtail boat combination presents a viable alternative, particularly during the monsoon season (May to October) when rough seas may disrupt ferry operations. This route involves a 3-hour drive from Phuket to Ao Nang, followed by a 15-minute longtail boat ride to Railay Beach. This option is suitable for those staying in Railay West and those who prefer a land-based journey.
Speedboat: The Swift and Convenient Option
For travelers seeking a quick and hassle-free journey from Phi Phi to Railay Beach, the speedboat from Tonsai Pier emerges as the preferred choice. This option boasts a swift travel time of approximately 30 minutes, providing a thrilling ride along the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Speedboat tickets are readily available , with prices starting from 700 baht per person. This option is particularly ideal for those with limited time or those seeking an exciting travel experience.
Ferry: The Scenic and Relaxing Alternative
For those seeking a more leisurely and scenic journey, the ferry from Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi offers a captivating alternative. This comfortable option takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing passengers to soak in the stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea and the towering limestone cliffs that surround Railay Beach. Ferry tickets are conveniently available, costing around 400 baht per person. This option is particularly suitable for those who enjoy leisurely travel and appreciate scenic beauty. You can bookit it online or at the port in Phi Phi island.
If you don't have many days on your trip and want to visit Railay Beach, you have a Speedboat option to enjoy this paradise on a day trip. It is a tour of more than 6 hours and includes lunch. Here you have the link to book it now.
The ferry departs daily from Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta and arrives at Railay Beach (East side) in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Tickets cost 550 baht for adults and 400 baht for children. The ferry operates from November to April, but may be suspended during the low season due to changing wind patterns and reduced tourism. Here you have the link to book it now.
If traveling during the low season, you can take a minivan to Ao Nang and then a longtail boat to Railay Beach. Here you have the link to book a Private Transfer from Koh Lanta To Ao Nang
If you're looking for a faster way to get to Railay Beach, you can take a speedboat. The journey takes about an hour, but it's more expensive than the ferry.