Railay Beach: Krabi
Author: LC | April 6, 2022
Long-tail boat to Railay Beach
For anyone who had traveled to South East Asia, you are most likely acquainted with the long-tail boat. It's in many iconic pictures of Thailand. It serves as water taxi, food stall, fishing boat, diving boat and this time for us, it served as ferry from Ao Nang Beach to Floating Pier Railay East.
From the pier, many hotels and resorts can be reached on foot. Actually, the entire Railay area can pretty much be reached on foot. Or so we thought....with the luggage on our back and in the heat, it wasn't easy to walk up hill for 10 minutes to Railay Phutawan Resort...but we made it.
When we got to the resort, we were drenched in sweat and their welcome chilled roselle juice couldn't have been more appreciated. Then of course we found out that the hotel has a free shuttle service (actually a tractor pulling a cart) to and from the pier if you arrange it ahead of time. The things you wish you knew before...
Rock Climbing in Railay
The entire area is beautiful but the view from this resort truly took our breath away. Once we walked into the swimming pool area, the view quickly took our minds off the heat. We almost never use hotels pools but this was an exception.
Dipping into the cool water, we floated around to take in the view of ocean and the towering limestone cliffs around us. There was also a rock climbing class in session and so I got to watch an extreme sport I probably will never get to try.
Besides rock climbing, there are many caves, hiking trails, island hopping tours and of course gorgeous beaches in the Railay area of Krabi. Our favourite one was Phra Nang Beach right by the Phra Nang Cave (Princess Cave).
We came to Phra Nang Beach to soak in the stunning Krabi scenery and didn't expect to see a cave full of local offerings.
It was a really odd sight to see nonetheless. We couldn't tell how deep the cave is, however there was a girl who climbed up and into the cave for 10-15 mins bare foot and disappeared from our view into the darkness as we looked around at the offerings and hoped that she would make it out.
Although it's a shrine, if you are not praying for kids, we read that you should not step into the cave.
Here’s what the sign at the Princess Cave reads to explain the ritual:
"Local people, fisherman and navigators believe and hold faith in the Princess of the Pranang Cave that she will preserve and protect their livelihood and fulfill one’s wishes. When their wishes are fulfilled, votive offerings would be made at the shrine. Common gifts are flowers and incense sticks, but usually the spirits of the Goddess are offered a special gift, the lingam, which is carved from wood. The belief of the lingam and holy womb shall create fertility and prosperity to the whole earth and mankind.”
Phra Nang Beach
Phra Nang Beach felt exclusive and peaceful. We were able to find a spot all to ourselves to enjoy some swimming, watching the sunset, watching few people kayaking. GS even attended a virtual work meeting from the beach. How technology and COVID-19 have changed our lives!
The view of the sunset on this beach was breath taking. The pink sky painted a backdrop for the already stunning ocean with islands and karsts.
We loved it here so much that we came back for sunset almost every day we were there. After seeing many other islands in Thailand, this beach is still in my top 5 must see places. It's a perfect blend of outdoor activities, water activities, and beautiful beaches.
There are few restaurants still open by the beach. We noticed The Grotto @ Rayavadee that is partially built into the cave. If we ever go back, we would definitely give this restaurant a try.