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If
I mention “Railay” to Thai people, not many ones know it, unlike
foreign tourists. Railay was originally recognized as a little
village of fishermen on the mainland, it’s not on an island. Due to
its surroundings by limestone cliffs, people feel isolated from
prosperity of the town and think of being on an island. How to get
there: only by long-tail boats from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao or Krabi
Town, if you come from Krabi. By a cruise, if you travel from Koh Phi
Phi. Conservative tourists want to preserve this place as it is. So
far there is no road access to Railay. Only by boat, you can get
there from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao (the shell fossil).
Lastly I went here on 10 Apr 06 to
explore any impact from Tsunami. It is opposite to what I expected.
A lot of foreign tourists are walking along the beach, sun-bathing,
taking a trip. All rooms are fully booked. Tsunami did not
negatively affect here much. Contrarily due to limited accommodation
in Koh Phi Phi (after Tsunami), tourists chose Railay as their
destination instead. No photo need to be updated here as Railay has
not been changed by Tsunami.
See more photos of Railay.
What I like here: we have to talk a lot
more and a bit longer…. I myself went there many times since 13 years
ago. Things of Railay have not much changed. Accommodation are the
changes. The resorts have expanded rapidly in terms of numbers of
bungalows. Fortunately, not changed are attractions such as lagoon,
nice view point of the hill top, caves, and beaches. Activities
become more attractive like sea canoeing, rock climbing, trekking,
etc. See more below:
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Rock Climbing
is likely to be an ideal attraction
of Krabi by popularity of Railay. By this photo, a trainer of
rock climbing is showing. Limestone cliffs on Railay East are
plenty for rock climbers. I would recommend Cliffs Man on Railay
West. Check it first if you like. ....Map
is available
Cliffs between Tonsai and Railay
beaches are very interesting. It's suitable for a novice like me. |
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View Point of
Railay West and East |
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All tourists should not miss to be
there and take a photo as I. When the sun goes down, the lights
reflect from the rocks, the scene of both bays. The middle is
coconut trees while far view is panoramic view with boats normally
scattering in the sea. Here for this moment, paradise is found.
By this photo, left is Railay West
(plenty of resorts), right is Railay East and behind the scene is
Pranang Cave beach. You can walk through three of the beaches. |
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Lagoon |
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 Another
attraction for the adventure lovers. You have to climb up and
down. Some steps are too steep and you need to jump or tightly
hold a rope. There you will find a lagoon. Find a post to Lagoon
while you are trekking to view point. |
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Pranang Cave
Beach
From my experience, this beach is
the most beautiful, white sand, suite for swimming, sun bath,
enjoy jogging, etc. The cave is at the end of the beach with a
local tale about this cave (I cannot remember the story). You can
take about 15 minutes by walking from Railay Beach. |
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| Pranang-nai
Cave |
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Located
behind Diamond Cave Resort. It's a part of Moo Koh Phi Phi and
Nopparatthara Marine National Park. Path is good for visitors to
walk through. Cave is pretty short for 10-15 minutes sight-seeing.
Don't miss if you come to Railay even though it is quite hard to
find. |
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Railay West
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It’s good for sun bath, swimming,
sea canoeing, etc. It is the pier for tourists from Ao Nang. 9:00
am everyday, boat from Ao Nang will be stop for tourists for 10
minutes and leave for Koh Phi Phi. If you want to go to Koh Phi
Phi you may book at counter of any resorts. Check out and be
ready for the boat. 1- day trip is also available. Sea Canoeing is
another popular activity. What are the recommended resorts:
Railay Village, Railay Bay, Sand Sea Resort. Only three resorts
are here. |
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Railay Village;
by beach, good taste of food |
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Sand Sea;
by beach, modern resort, and swimming pool (coming soon). |
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Railay Bay;
by beach, many cottages and building units and swimming pool. |
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Railay East |
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Beach here is not suite for swimming
as mangrove. Plenty of food shops, mini pub, near places of rock
climbing. Three of resorts are recommended.
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Diamond
Private Resort, with many
rooms, swimming pool on the little hill. Recommended sea view
room here. You may enjoy watching the sea or sunrise from the
balcony.
Diamond
Cave Resort, with many new rooms, swimming pool on the little
hill. Internet, food shops, tour package are available at the
resort. A lot of changes here from the previous days. |
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Tonsai Beach |
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Traveling is not much convenient
and far from attractions, pier. But not far from food shops,
boats, ATM, internet, etc. You may walk along the beach from
Railay to Tonsai.
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Tonsai Bay; by beach, many bungalows and a swimming
pool is planed to be built soon. |
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 Popular
activities includes rock climbing, sea canoeing, trekking,
sight-seeing of islands e.g. Koh Kai, Koh Thap, Koh Poda, one of
Unseen Thailand.
Railay is suite for the ones who love
natural relaxation, escaping the ever-growing crowds, neither light
nor sound like Phuket or Koh Samui. Shadow of limestone Cliff in the
evening, while I'm watching the sun on the beach, is attracting me to
return once again. Another highlighted attractions are white sand
beaches of nearby islands and viewpoint of Railay.
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