Baan Kintamani and Baan Samarinda are luxury self-catering retreats nestled between the stunning limestone cliffs and diamond shores of Railay Beach in South Thailand. We work hard to make sure guests enjoy a nourishing stay, and that all starts with the details.

  • Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, so our friends at Railei Beach Club will manage transfers. All you need to do is share your travel arrangements with us when you book. 

    Once we have your details, we’ll arrange for a van to collect you from the airport and transfer you to the Ao Namao boat pier. From there, the Railei Beach Club boat will whisk you off on the short 10-minute journey to Railay Beach East pier. You’ll then be met by our house team, who will bring you directly to your home.

  • We recommend travelling light, as the shops on Walking Street sell many essentials, including beach clothes and toys. Although we do recommend that you bring: 

    Walking shoes, rash vests, activewear (if you want to explore) 

    Beach towels, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent (these are not provided)

    Books and magazines 

    A small first aid kit if travelling with children (although there are several pharmacies on the beach)

  • The most convenient airport is Krabi International Airport. Van transfers are also available from Phuket Airport and take approximately 2.5 hours to get to Ao Namao boat pier, where a Ralei Beach Club boat will take you on to Railay Beach.

  • Railay Beach has a tropical monsoon climate. This means it’s warm year-round, although 2 distinct seasons might influence your travelling decisions. 

    THE DRY SEASON (from late November to April) 

    During this period, you can expect sunny days with clear skies and lower humidity. Sea conditions are generally calm, making it the best time for swimming, rock climbing, snorkelling and boat trips. Temperatures range from 28 to 34°C, with pleasant evenings. But it’s also peak tourist season, meaning the beaches are busier.  

    THE GREEN (MONSOON) SEASON (from May to October)

    As the name suggests, the landscape is particularly lush and green, due to the heavy rain showers (especially in the afternoons and overnight) and high humidity. Despite this, you’ll experience many sunny intervals, and beaches are quieter, so you have more flexibility in planning activities.

  • Managing money

    Thailand is a predominantly cash-based society, although larger purchases can be made with credit cards, and some shops and restaurants accept contactless payments. Depending on your bank, mobile wallets like Google Pay might not be supported during your stay, so it’s a good idea to check with your bank before travelling. 

    Cash points can be found dotted around Railay, near laundry services, information centres, and close to resorts like Railay Beach Resort. Larger cash points can also be found at Ao Nang, if you want to withdraw cash before catching the boat over. 

    We’d always recommend carrying change for small purchases and boat trips, etc.

    Tipping

    A cash tip of 10-15% is always appreciated at the end of your meals.

    Peak tourist times

    As Railay beach and Phra Nang beach are public beaches, they’re used by other travellers coming in and out by long tail boat. Although they’re busiest from 10am to 4pm, particularly in peak season (December to April), you can escape it all in the privacy of your own home.

  • Head down to the vibrant and buzzing Walking Street, and you’ll find a host of authentic restaurants, cafes and bars serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of our tips include: 

    Handmade ice cream at Choop – a must-try for the local Thai coconut ice cream

    Roasted chicken at Railay The Corner Restaurant (the owner has a pet Macaw who loves its tummy being rubbed)

    Sizzling prawns on the BBQ at Railay Family Restaurant

    Fragrant curries at Koh I Noor, a popular Indian restaurant. 

    Delicious fresh sushi at Lek’s Sushi on Railay East (also delivers)

    It’s worth remembering that, as Southern Thailand is predominantly Muslim, some restaurants may not serve pork dishes.

  • Baan Kintamani and Baan Samarinda are luxury self-catering holiday homes in Thailand, just off Railay Beach. This means mealtimes are not automatically provided. However, as we’re part of the Railei Beach Club (RBC), a community of private holiday homeowners, we can help cover your catering needs if you want to free up time for other things.

    Pre-order food ahead of arrival through the RBC office. E.g. fruit, milk, soft drinks.

    Book private chefs to cook Thai dinners in your house (advance notice required)

    Order freshly cooked dinners to be delivered to either house via our private chef service

    Pre-order wine for delivery from local distributor, Wine Pro (lists available on request)

    Request an ice and drinking water delivery from the RBC office

    To arrange any of this, please speak with the RBC Guest Services Manager, who will be in touch with you ahead of your arrival.

  • A huge variety of awe-inspiring wildlife can be encountered during your stay. Regular visitors include hornbill birds, with their sensational sculpted beaks, langur monkeys, kingfishers, and even water monitor lizards. To maintain happy relations with them, keep food covered and avoid feeding the monkeys. (No matter how adorably they plead with you!)