Railay East

Why go

You are likely to come through Railay East even if you never meant to: the boats from Krabi Town and from Ao Nam Mao land here, and the paths to Phra Nang Beach and to the viewpoint start from its southern end. Knowing what it is saves you a disappointment.

What you will find

A shallow, muddy bay lined with mangroves on the inland side of the peninsula. At low tide the water goes out and leaves a mudflat; it is not a beach for swimming or for lying on the sand.

Railay West, the swimming beach, is a short walk across the peninsula.

Getting there

By longtail from the pier near Krabi Town, or from Ao Nam Mao on the mainland. Boats come alongside a floating pontoon, so you usually step off dry, which matters if you carry luggage.

In the monsoon months, from May to October, the crossing from Ao Nam Mao to Railay East is described as the most reliable way onto the peninsula, because this side is sheltered. Boats can still be stopped when the sea is rough: check on the day.

Before you go

From the walkway towards Phra Nang Beach, a steep path with ropes climbs to the Railay viewpoint and drops to the Sa Phra Nang lagoon. It is muddy and nearly vertical in places: not for young children, not in flip-flops, and not after rain or at night.

Diamond Cave (Tham Phra Nang Nai) lies above Railay East on the way to Tonsai.