I always wanted to visit Railay Beach in Thailand. However, I kept putting it off as I don´t like crowds. Instead, I always traveled to see nature, wildlife, and to witness something unique.
However, I was fascinated by the photos of Railay Beach. So, I decided to visit it to find unique things to do on Railay Beach.
And I´m so glad we decided to visit Railay Beach! During our stay, we saw things that most tourists don’t: the endangered dusky leaf langur, swam with bioluminescent plankton at night, hiked to a hidden beach for sunset, and witnessed a bat exodus at sunset.
Curious how we did it and how you can do it, too? Read along!
In this travel guide, you`ll find non-touristy, unique things to do on Railay Beach.
Hidden Beach at Railay Spectacular Sunsets around Railay Beach
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6+ Unique Things to Do on Railay Beach
Railay Beach might have a reputation for being touristy, and spots like Railay West and Phra Nang Beach can indeed get too crowded. As someone who actively avoids overly popular places, I wasn’t sure what to expect on Railay Beach. But I’m glad we didn’t skip it.
Even in a destination as famous as this, there are plenty of unique things to do on Railay Beach that let you escape the hustle and enjoy its charm—without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
1. Spot the Endangered Dusky Leaf Langurs
One unique thing to do on Railay Beach is look for the endangered Dusky Leaf Monkeys. These gentle monkeys, with their distinctive white-ringed eyes, can be found in the mountainous areas of Railay East.
They love jackfruit and are most active in the early morning. We saw groups of 5–7 every morning, including adorable baby langurs.
Important: Stay at a distance and never feed them. They are wild and endangered, so it’s vital to respect their space.
Where: Mountainous areas of Railay East
Dusky Leaf Langur on Railay Beach They love Jackfruit
2. Beat the Crowds Phi Phi Islands Tour
Visiting the Phi Phi Islands is a bucket-list experience, and this early bird tour with over 900 five-star reviews ensures you get the best of it while avoiding the biggest crowds.
We personally chose this tour and had an amazing time! While I can´t say we were alone on the Phi Phi islands, we got to see great spots, amazing snorkeling locations, and rich marine life. Don`t miss it.
Costs: We booked this tour for €95 per person at a local office, but you can save money by booking here. Trust me – you don`t want to miss the Phi Phi islands when in Thailand.
Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour
Duration: 9 hours (7 AM–4 PM)
Pickup Locations: Ao Nang, Railay
Why choose this Tour?
- Early Start: After breakfast, the boat headed straight to Maya Bay, beating the largest crowds.
- All-Inclusive: All meals, snacks, beverages, and snorkel gear are provided—just bring sunscreen, a towel, and a swimsuit.
- Beautiful Stops: Visit four islands with pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and great marine life.
3. Hike to Tonsai Beach
Hiking to Tonsai Beach is one of the best things to do on Railay Beach if you’re looking for a quiet spot. In my opinion, Tonsai Beach is even more beautiful than Railay Beach.
How to get to Tonsai Beach:
– Go to the far end of Railay West.
– Find the hiking path at the edge of the beach.
– Follow the trail for about 20 minutes.
Along the way, enjoy stunning views before reaching the beach. Tonsai is perfect for swimming in shallow waters and watching the golden sunlight illuminate the cliffs. Tonsai Beach is a great spot for sunset.
Right on the beach, at the Freedom Bar, you can grab a cold coconut, a beer, or even something to eat. Tonsai is a popular area for climbers, so you’ll see huge ladders on the cliffs used for rock climbing.
Pro Tip: At low tide, you can walk back to Railay West through the sea instead of taking the hiking trail.
Arriving at Tonsai Beach Hiking to Tonsai Beach
4. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
For my friends and me, the most magical experience at Railay Beach was swimming with bioluminescent plankton. The glowing water feels like something out of a dream and is a must-do when visiting Railay.
How to experience it: book a private longtail boat—it often costs about the same as a group tour. The boat departs at night (we went at 8 PM, in complete darkness) to areas where plankton thrive.
While some suggest walking to Phra Nang Beach to see the plankton, I preferred the safety and convenience of a guided trip.
The highlight? When our boat stopped after a short ride, a simple splash illuminated the water with countless glowing specks. Swimming among them was surreal—each movement lit up the ocean.
Where to Book: Most tour operators on Railay Beach offer these trips, either by boat or kayak. We opted for a boat as it made swimming among the plankton possible. You can also book the bioluminescent plankton trip here.
5. Try out Rock Climbing
Join this half-day rock climbing tour that perfectly combines adventure and breathtaking views of the iconic Railay Beach. With over 400 five-star reviews, this is one of the most highly-rated climbing experiences in the area—a must-try for anyone visiting Krabi or Ao Nang!
Whether you’re a first-timer or an intermediate climber, this tour is tailored to suit all skill levels. You’ll be guided by highly experienced and professional climbing instructors who ensure your safety and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Duration: 4 hours
Recommended for: adventure enthusiasts
Why Choose This Tour?
- Perfect for beginners and intermediate climbers.
- Incredible views of Railay West and Tonsai Beach.
- Learn from expert climbing guides with years of experience.
- Hassle-free transportation from Ao Nang or Krabi.
Pro Tip: for the best lights over Railay, choose the morning session!
6. Watch the Bat Exodus
Every evening, just after sunset, hundreds of fruit bats emerge from their caves in search of food—an astonishing display of nature’s theater. This unique experience is a must-see for nature lovers and a perfect way to end your day at Railay Beach.
Where: Head to the mountainous areas on Railay East. Look for the stairs close to The Last Bar leading up to a point where you can witness this incredible sight.
When: Arrive around sunset and stay a little after to see the bats flying.
7. Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon Hike
We decided to skip the Railay Viewpoint Hike due to rainy weather, but it’s a popular adventure for those visiting Railay. Be warned—the climb can be slippery in rainy weather. We saw many people returning with muddy clothes.
The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Railay West and Tonsai Beach, making it a perfect spot for stunning photos.
For the adventurous, there’s a hidden lagoon tucked away beyond the climb. If you’re up for it, you can hike down to this secluded spot – but I heard that the hike down there is very difficult.
Pro Tip: Only attempt the lagoon hike in dry conditions and with proper shoes.
Where to Stay on Railay to Avoid the Crowds
For a peaceful and authentic experience, head to the end/mountains of Railay East. This area offers a serene atmosphere, away from the crowds, while still being close to the beach and the walking street.
We stayed at Railay Hilltop, a quiet and scenic place surrounded by lush jungle and towering limestone cliffs. From our bungalow, we spotted huge lizards, giant squirrels, and even dusky leaf langurs up close – a rare experience that made our stay unforgettable.
While Railay Hilltop has many negative reviews on Booking.com due to the steep stairs leading up the mountain, I’d still recommend it if you’re reasonably fit. Being higher up means you’re away from the tourist noise, making it a peaceful retreat and a great base to enjoy all the amazing things to do on Railay Beach and explore the beauty of Railay Beach Thailand.
Best Hotels at Railay Beach away from the crowds:
- Railay Hilltop (we stayed here, located on a hill)
- Railay Garden View Resort
- Railay Great View Resort & Spa (I would stay here next time)
Pro Tip: Book your accommodation in advance – they sell out fast.
View from our Terrace On the Way to our Hotel
How to Reach Railay Beach
Railay Beach is accessible by longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach or Ao Nam Mao Beach. Here’s what you need to know:
- Check Your Accommodation Location:
- Boats from Ao Nang drop you at Railay West.
- Boats from Ao Nam Mao stop at Railay East.
- Longtail boat rides cost 100 baht per person. They operate the boats frequently, as soon as enough people are waiting (every 10-15 minutes).
- Railay West vs. Railay East:
- Railay West: The busy side with a beautiful beach and the limestone cliffs
- Railay East: Quieter, more rustic & not suitable for swimming.
- Pro Tip:
- It takes 15–20 minutes to walk between Railay West and East. Choose the side closest to your accommodation for convenience.
Conclusion – Railay Beach
Railay Beach stands out from typical Thai tourist hotspots. While it’s popular for a reason—their beaches are hard to beat—Railay still offers plenty of hidden gems, away from the crowds.
Whether it’s swimming with bioluminescent plankton, hiking to hidden beaches, or witnessing the bat exodus at sunset, Railay’s charm lies in its ability to offer both adventure and tranquility, even with many visitors around.
Still Looking for Hidden Gems In Thailand?
Further Thailand Travel Resources:
Offbeat island with great wildlife: Koh Mook
Best Authentic Island close to Phuket and Krabi: Koh Yao Noi
Avoid the Crowds: Hidden Gems Thailand
Visit the World`s Best Beach: Koh Kradan, Thailand
An Authentic, Quiet Town in Koh Phangan: Thong Nai Pan, Koh Phangan
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