Getting to Railay

Get in

Rai Leh Beach (West)As Rai Leh is a peninsula surrounded by ocean and mountains, final access can only be by boat. Long-tails depart from Ao Nang (10 minutes, 100 baht/person, minimum 6 people) and Krabi (30 minutes) on demand, making those towns the gateways to Rai Leh. It’s also possible to access Rai Leh via regular ferries that run between Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi, and Phuket (more frequent in the November-May dry season - times available from local travel agents, or check online ferry schedules).

The Krabi, Phuket, Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi articles have information on reaching the gateways to Rai Leh from throughout Thailand. From Bangkok there are flights to Krabi and Phuket, direct bus services, and trains to Surat Thani with onward connections by bus.

NB: If departing from Ao Nang, be aware that you’re expected to walk out several meters into the surf before getting on a boat (depending on the tide). It might be best to change into clothes suitable for getting wet, or at the very least be sure you don’t have more luggage than you can carry a few meters into the ocean.

Get around

Rai Leh Beach (East)Rai Leh is considered to be all of the peninsula, which has four primary areas:

Phra Nang: a fine white sand beach, on the southern tip of the peninsula
Rai Leh East: the mangrove side of the peninsula, used by long-tails to/from Krabi
Rai Leh West: a fine beach of white sand and shallow water, where most long-tails arrive from Ao Nang
Ton Sai: a cove around the corner from Rai Ley West where rockclimbers and backpackers hang out in cheap accommodation and practice climbing
It’s a 5-10 minute walk between any of these landmarks. The village itself is a pedestrian’s dream, as there are no cars, and the uneven bumpy walkways make even bicycles impractical.

Get out

Most exit Rai Leh as they came in. The Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta and Phuket are easy destinations from Rai Leh and transportation can be easily booked through any hotel or activity center.