Limestone cliffs
Towering rock walls over the sea.
Nnthurber — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shivashanky — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Koshy Koshy from Faridabad, Haryana, India — CC BY 2.0
Among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand: a small peninsula cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs, so it can only be reached by boat even though it is part of the mainland. Soft white sand, turquoise water and huge rock walls hung with stalactites make one of Thailand's most famous views. The peninsula has several beaches: Railay West, the loveliest for swimming and sunset; Railay East, lined with mangroves and not for swimming; and enchanting Phra Nang Beach at the southern tip, reached by a short path under the cliff, with the Princess Cave. The place is world-famous for rock climbing, with a hidden lagoon and a viewpoint for the adventurous. The longtail boat from Ao Nang beach costs about a hundred baht per person each way, takes about fifteen minutes, and leaves when full from morning until evening. There are no cars on Railay; you walk between its beaches. Come in the morning and stay for sunset on Railay West if you can, but check the last boat back. In the monsoon from May to October the sea is rougher and boats sometimes stop.
Towering rock walls over the sea.
One of Thailand's loveliest.
Walk between the beaches.
Railay peninsula, by boat from Ao Nang
Yes, the cave holds a local shrine where carved wooden offerings of a symbolic shape are left, which some visitors find awkward. You can enjoy Phra Nang Beach without going near the cave.