This beach is generally divided into two sections,
East Railay and West Hat Railay. Of
these two, West Hat Railay offers visitors
more traditional beach scenery. The bay is
rather pretty, and there is a broad sandy beach and
clean, clear water. Although it has less to offer
in the way of facilities, and has a more limited variety
of recreational activities than Ao Nang, West Hat
Railay is quieter and more peaceful.
As for sandy beaches, East Hat Railay has relatively
little to offer, but is within walking distance of
both West Hat Railay, and Hat Tham Phranang,
which offer some of the best beaches anywhere. Both
East and West Railay can be reached by boat
from Krabi's Chao Fah Bridge. These boats cost 70
baht per person, and typically take about 45 minutes.
Rock
climbing is popular
at eastern Railay from which visitors can walk to
its western side.
Railay Bay Rock Climbing
The limestone cliffs that dot the entire area surrounding
Krabi are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who
come from all over the world to take up the challenge
of climbing.
Over 150 odd routes have developed since the late
1980's when Krabi first witnessed the sight of people
scaling it's craggy mountains. Routes include high
quality limestone, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs
and hanging stalactites, with some accessed by boat
belay, others involving jungle walk approaches or
abseils into the sea.
The headland between Tham Phra Nang and Rai Leh Beaches
harbours some particularly popular spots, with good
climbing for beginners and more experienced climbers
alike. Guided climbs and instruction are available
in most of the more populated tourist areas, particularly
in the resorts and bungalows of Ao Nang and Rai Leh
Beach. Climbing gear is readily available for hire
as is information on routes and bolting. Extreme care
must be taken however, to ensure that your guides
and equipment are reliable.
Rock Climbing Courese
Tour Code : KB14
King Climbers (Half Day Rock Climbing)
Price : 800 Baht per person
A fun safe and exciting four hours, starting twice
daily at nine in the morning and two in the afternoon.
Tour Code : One
Day Rock Climbing Courses
Price : 1,500 Baht per person
This course starts every day at nine in the morning
(9 a.m.-1 p.m. break for lunch 2 p.m.-6 p.m.).
Tour Code : KB16 (Three
Day Rock Climbing Courses)
Price : 5,000 Baht per person
This Course is designed to teach the techniques and
theory which will enable you to climb safely and professionally.
This course lasts four days ( includes one rest day
) .
Railay Bay Activities
Hiking
The interior of Krabi's mainland is covered with
richly forested lands much of which is designated
national park area and ideal for avid hikers. A favoured
area for hiking is Khao Phanom Bencha National Park,
featuring caves, waterfalls, streams and rock pools.
Easily reached by Songteaw, motorbike or mountain
bike, the park has several trails leading to it's
scenic spots and provides ample opportunity to observe
abundant plant and animal life along the way.
Another good hiking spot is at Khao Pra-Bang Khram
next to the Bang Teao Village. A 2.7 km forest trail
- the Thung Teao Trail - begins and ends at the Khao
Nor Chuchi Sanctuary Headquarters. Information can
be obtained from the no-hunting zone office at Ban
Bang Teao.
Tonsai
beach is a gym monkeys paradise. Hundreds
of steep generously bolted tendon popping routes ranging
from 6a+ to 8c. A great place to hang out climb and
day dream of that new project you're about to start
sometime after lunch...
Thaiwand wall is the best multi pitch crag
here. Great views and knee trembling exposure. Hard
work to take pictures of though. Here are a few....Only
4/5 30-45m pitches to the top, depending which route
you take. Great rock the whole way up.
There are other places apart from Railay to
climb. King has been to most of them, and has promised
to provide details and pictures of some of his trips.
Below the guys for reasons of masochism spent the
night on a porter ledge above Phi Phi on a re bolting
trip. Bet that sun felt hot though!
Phi Phi has some great climbs. To the right
is a picture of Ao Nang tower. There are better climbs
around, but the experience of getting a boat over
to the tower and belaying out of the boat is not to
be missed. It's a also a good test of your rope pulling
skills, a fail means a salty rope...
Railay
Beach : Railay Bay Krabi
Thailand
is
rather pretty, and there is a broad sandy beach and
clean, clear water. Although it has less to offer
in the way of facilities, and has a more limited variety
of recreational activities than Ao Nang, West Hat
Railay is quieter and more peaceful. 
Hundreds
of steep generously bolted tendon popping routes ranging
from 6a+ to 8c. A great place to hang out climb and
day dream of that new project you're about to start
sometime after lunch...
