Only accessible by boat, the relaxed paradise of Railay is home to the best beach in all of Thailand.  

Railay is a reggae utopia, home to treehouse bars and hammock lined cannabis cafes.  The relaxed atmosphere sported by Railay is in complete contrast to the 24 hour party people of the nearby Phi Phi.   

As well as a stoners wonderland, Railay is a haven for many climbing enthusiasts.  With an abundance of climbing companies that offer opportunities to climb Railay’s many rock faces, and a secluded lagoon that requires tremendous hiking experience to get to, Railay is the hotspot for climbers of all abilities.  

However, Railay's main attractions are its beaches, the best being Phra Nang.  Far superior to Railay West Beach, Phra Nang is famous for its white sand and crystal blue water.  Backed by huge cliffs which hang stalactites over the sand and surrounded by tiny islands which litter the horizon, Phra Nang is a picture-postcard.  Our experience of this beach in the low/wet season gave Phra Nang a secluded ambiance.  In the lulls between day trippers only the quiet chug of long tail motors in the distance could be heard, reminding us of boats that are usually widespread on Thailand’s beaches, and completing a sleepy rhythm alongside the splash of waves.   

The caves to explore on either end of Phra Nang provided us some respite from the sun.  Two of which (on the east side) housed shrines to the Princess of the cave ladened with plentiful wooden offerings of explicit shape, so that fishermen would be granted a fertile catch.  Alongside gawping at phalluses and spending hours collecting all shapes and sizes of shells, you can swim to Ko Rang Nok (the huge rock or small island pictured in the photo).  From the sand which circles it, a prodigious front facing view of the beach can be seen.  

Phra Nang’s crystal water, stunning backdrop, view of islands and hidden feel, culminate to make it Thailand's most beautiful beach.