While swimming and sunbathing on the bright white shores of Railay West beach is always heavenly, there’s plenty more to see and do here…
-

DINING IN
We’re part of the Railei beach club community, so when you stay with us, you can take advantage of our exclusive in-house chef service. Choose from freshly-made Thai meals delivered to the door, or why not book a chef who will cook at the house? We can make everything from intimate dinners to large family gatherings feel magical. All ingredients on the extensive menu are sourced locally, including fresh-off-the-boat seafood. Additional tables, chairs, and flower arrangements can also be provided, whether you’re dining indoors or out on the terraces, beneath the sun or stars.
-

Dining Out
Food lovers will relish the restaurant scene on nearby Walking Street, with its buzzy atmosphere and live music. We recommend Railay The Corner Restaurant for an authentic Thai experience (the owner’s pet Macaw loves to have its tummy rubbed!). For sensational local prawns and seafood, try the sizzling BBQ at Railay Family Restaurant, and for beautiful sushi prepared in front of you, head to Lek’s Sushi on Railay East (it also delivers). If you’re craving a fragrant curry, Koh I Noor is a popular Indian restaurant. Just don’t leave without sampling the divine local Thai coconut ice cream at Choop Coffee Break.
-

Island Hopping
Trips to nearby islands by speedboat or longtail boat are a must. Along with enjoying the heavenly views and secluded beaches, snorkelling and diving are fun extras. Many of the islands are just a 15-minute speedboat trip away from Phranang Beach. So your travels might take you to Koh Poda (Chicken Island) with its spectacular sandbar at low tide, Koh Hong and its stunning horseshoe-shaped lagoon, and Koh Phi Phi, home to the world-famous Maya Bay, a protected black tip reef shark breeding ground. Poda Island's fine beaches are also a dreamy spot to swim or snorkel, and when the tide is right, you can relax on the magical powder white sandbar.
-

Rock Climbing
Railay Beach is a world-famous mecca for rock climbers, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and dazzling turquoise waters. If you have a head for heights and want to see Krabi from a different angle, head to Walking Street, where you’ll find the longstanding rock-climbing operators, King Climbers and Hot Rock. Beginners and experts are welcome, with prices set at around B1500 for a half-day.
-

Sunset Cruises
Nothing beats the magic of an island boat tour on the Andaman Sea. Whether you opt for a traditional longtail boat or yacht, you’ll be looked after by a friendly crew from the moment you step aboard. Clear waters, secluded beaches, and paradise islands are the order of the day, with swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding often included. As the day winds down, you’ll savour a freshly-cooked Thai dinner as the sun sets. Then it’s on to the unforgettable finale, snorkelling below the moon as electric blue bioluminescent plankton spark up from the deep.
-

Kayaking
For a fun way to explore the breathtaking scenery, why not hire a kayak from Railay Beach? Floating in your vessel, between the blues of sea and sky, you’ll enjoy unique views of the limestone rocks and beaches. Curious fish can be spied below, while the famous Phranang Bay around the headland is a must-visit destination. Hiring by the hour gives you the freedom to paddle off for as long as you like, and there’s no shortage of operators to choose from.
-

Exploring caves
Some of Thailand’s most exquisite caves are found at Phra Nang beach, just a 15-minute walk or boat trip away. Phra Nang Cave is a sacred shrine dedicated to the fertility goddess Phra Nang, where you’ll find many carved wooden penises left by locals and fishermen hoping to increase their fertility and prosperity. On the other end of the beach, the Bat Cave can be reached by climbing up ropes on the rocks, rewarding you with a spectacular view of the sea and its islands. Krabi bats can be spotted inside the cave, or if you’re lucky, flying out in their hundreds come dusk.
-

Diving and Snorkelling
Dive below the winking blues of the Andaman Sea, and a whole new world will open up. There, among the coral, you might see clownfish, seahorses, bamboo sharks, cuttlefish and pipe fish – while black tip reef sharks and even whale sharks are occasionally sighted on adventurous dives further afield. The Railay Dive Center offers snorkelling and fun dives for beginners as well as PADI Open Water qualifications that you can gain during your stay. All the local islands in Railay, Krabi and Ao Nang offer shallow, easy diving with visibility of 10-15 meters (perfect for underwater cameras!).
-

Hiking
Ready to wake lazy beach legs? Then strap on sturdy footwear and explore all four beaches – Railay West, Railay East, Phra Nang and Tonsai – along an easy inland jungle path. From Railay West, we’d recommend starting early and walking to Phra Nang Beach, then on to Railay East, before heading up to Tonsai Beach just north of us. You’ll need decent shoes for the Railay viewpoint hike, as it takes about an hour to climb to the top over steep, sometimes slippery rocks. However, the view is phenomenal and worth the hot, sweaty climb. Remember water bottles, sun hats and a delicious picnic!
-

SPA
Ground yourself in peace at the award-winning spa in Varana Krabi Hotel,where a day pass will give you access to out-of-this-world treatments and pools. Offering every gentle therapy you might need, from massages and mud baths to herbal steams, detox sauna sessions and Onsen, a Japanese ritual of soaking, it’s a beautiful way to feel your body unwind. Try the unique 10-step hydrotherapy experiences by Naam Wellness, and you’ll understand why this spa won “Wellness Resort 2025” at the Thailand Spa and Wellbeing Awards 2025. Forest bathing, yoga, mindfulness art sessions, and floating soundbaths can also be enjoyed here.
-

Muay Thai Boxing
Looking for an active change from lounging on the beach? Try Muay Thai, also known as the "Art of Eight Limbs", a traditional Thai sport and symbol of national pride. As well as fantastic exercise, it’s also super fun and a great way to immerse yourself in Thai culture. Head to the Last Bar on Railay East beach to book lessons for ages 10+, and to find out more about the unmissable bi-weekly fights (usually Wednesday and Saturday nights). Simply turn up with some energy, and get set to learn some hooks and kicks.
-

Massage
Need to unwind just that little bit more? Let the superb masseuses at Railay Massage unknot your muscles and take that holiday relaxation to a deeper level. We love the traditional Thai massage that works the body’s deep tissues by concentrating on the body’s “Sen Sib” or 10 meridian lines to restore flexibility and energy flow. Enjoy your massage from the privacy of our terraces, shaded by ferns and tropical plants, or stroll to the light and welcoming salon on Walking Street. Or if you prefer to stay in, relax in the open-air Javanese pavilion and book a masseuse to come to you.
-

Jewellery making
Rings, pendants, bracelets, and more can be made by your own fair hand at Dragonfly Silvermaking. Set in a tranquil jungle location just 10 minutes from Krabi, where dragonflies and tropical plants are abundant, it’s a fun way to learn a new skill under the expert guidance of Lee. At the end of it, you get to walk away with a unique piece of silverware. The ultimate memento of your time in Krabi.