Bangkok to Railay Beach
My best travel bud, Lisa, visited Bangkok and Railay Beach in December. This was a solo trip for a 60+ year young female. She is well acquainted with Thailand so she had a level of comfort that some may not have. She enjoyed her trip so much she decided to share her trip to Railey Beach with us. Keep reading to see what Lisa had to say.
Where Did You Stay?
Accommodations are plentiful at Railay. The most costly I came across was the Rayadavee Resort on Railay Beach West at USD 600/night during the week I was in Railay. I stayed at the Sand Sea Resort which cost me USD 61/night and included a breakfast buffet. It too is directly on the beach and I found it to be more than adequate during my vacation.
What Did You Do?
There are well-known sites to see which are all described on various YouTube and Instagram posts so I will focus on what I did during my four days there.
Relaxed! Took a lot of time simply walking the area from west to east, enjoying the sights and sounds of this vacation jewel
Took a 4-island fantail boat tour which was booked through GetYourGuide.com (a very good online resource for finding and booking activities). This was at first meh due to the first and second stops (Princess Phra Nang Cave and Poda Island) which were crowded and overrun by tourists; our third stop was for a photo op with famous Chicken Island (Koh Kai) as the backdrop. It was at this island where the tour became super fun for me as we anchored and were given the opportunity to jump overboard and swim in the warm, clear sea.
More rest and relaxation with swimming in the ocean and the hotel pool, sitting on the beach, walking through the area (avoiding the monkeys), and simply enjoying the tranquility of this resort.
Grogu was the stand-in travel partner for Stacy. He traveled well and had no complaints! And look how photogenic!
What Transportation Did You Take To/From Railey Beach?
Local airlines (e.g. Air Asia or Nok Air) from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi International Airports in Bangkok to Krabi Airport; estimated flight time 1 hour 25 minutes; I flew out of Don Mueang on Air Asia on the morning of December 9th.
Ground transportation from Krabi to Railay Beach: upon exit from the Krabi Airport gate passengers are enthusiastically beckoned immediately to a transportation desk across the lobby by competing vendors; there will be a mad vying for your business; I had no trouble procuring transportation due to this highly competitive atmosphere. I rode comfortably in an air-conditioned 10-seater van which cost THB 150 one-way to Ao Nammao pier. It takes an estimated hour depending on how many stops are involved on the way. One internet post gave a cost of THB 500 for taxi service. I thought I was going to Ao Nang Pier and was somewhat surprised to arrive at Ao Nammao. However, the ease with which I was able to figure out what was going on brought much relief and I was soon on my way to Railay Beach.
Water transportation from Ao Nammao to Railay Beach East: boats are the only way to transport visitors to Railay Beach as there are no roads that go there due to its remote location through jungle terrain; my ride was smooth as the weather was clear on the day I arrived.
Ao Nammao Pier and Waiting Area
Ao Nammao Pier: The van from the airport will take guests directly to the pier ticket desk where THB 100 is charged for a one-way 20-minute ride on a fantail boat to Railay Beach East; boats during this time of year departed whenever there were 10 riders ready for transport; a return van trip can also be purchased at this time—it is a good idea to pre-arrange the van to ensure a space for return to Krabi.
Railay Beach East: Upon arrival at the Railay Beach East pier, it is an easy walk (distance will depend on where the accommodations are) along a concrete walkway to both sides of Railay. I was not sure about where to check into my hotel as I was expecting to be taken to Ao Nang. A friendly worker directed me to the check in desk just a few feet from the pier, I checked in, and then was given a golf cart ride to Railay Beach West where I stayed for four nights.
Returning to Krabi and Bangkok:
Upon checking out of the hotel, I returned to Railay Beach East pier for the boat ride to Ao Nammao. Because my pre-arranged van transport was scheduled for 10am, I went to the pier to purchase a ticket for the boat (THB 100). Because boats will only leave with no less than 10 passengers, a boat operator asked if I wanted to pay THB 200 to go with the two women who were also waiting. The older of the two women was quite convincing so I decided to pay the 200 and we left for Ao Nammao then. Once at Ao Nammao I did have to wait for an hour before my van finally arrived. The flight to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport was uneventful thereby completing my first-time journey to beautiful Railay Beach.
Tips:
Pack lightly! The boats are small and bags must be portable enough to carry onboard; this is especially true if the drop-off area happens to be Railay Beach West where passengers disembark by ladder and directly into the water; there also may not be porters and bellhops (unless the more exclusive hotels are booked) to transport suitcases etc.
Take the time to unwind and go with the flow; it is like island life on Railay and there is no hurry to get things done
