Railay Beach

Railay sits on a peninsula near Ao Nang, but tall limestone cliffs cut it off from the mainland, so the only way in is by long-tail boat. Railay West has the classic view of fine sand with cliffs at either end, while a short walk away Phra Nang Beach has a cave shrine and rock towers rising from the sea.

Spend the day swimming, kayaking around the headlands or watching the climbers; Railay is one of Asia’s best-known rock-climbing spots, and beginners can try a half-day course. The four-islands boat trip from Krabi also stops at Phra Nang.

Boats from Ao Nang run through the day, but landing can mean wading through shallow water, so wear sandals and keep bags light. Stay until late afternoon for the sunset on Railay West before heading back.