Ao Nang to Railay Beach is one of the shortest and most beautiful boat rides in Krabi. Railay sits on a peninsula walled in by limestone cliffs, so there is no road: every visitor arrives by boat. From Ao Nang beach a longtail takes around 15 minutes, and boats run all day from early morning until early evening.
Based in Ao Nang? See our Ao Nang guide for hotels and island trips.
This guide covers where the boats leave, how the queue system works, what to expect at low tide, how to get there from Krabi Town instead, and how to book a transfer in advance. For the beaches and climbing once you arrive, see our Andaman island guides and the Ao Nang guide.
Quick answer: walk to the longtail ticket booth on Ao Nang beach, buy a one-way or return ticket, and wait until your boat fills (usually 8 to 10 passengers). The ride to Railay West takes about 15 minutes. 12Go lists bookable Ao Nang to Railay transfers from about ฿200 (checked 13 November 2026).
- Ride time
- About 15 min
- Boat
- Longtail
- Leaves from
- Ao Nang beach
- Arrives at
- Railay West
- Book via
- 12Go or at the booth
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: How the Boats Work
Longtails for Railay leave from the boat station at the beachfront in Ao Nang. You buy a ticket at the booth, give your name, and the boatman calls passengers when there are enough to fill a boat. Outside peak hours you may wait a little; if you are in a hurry, you can pay for the empty seats or charter the whole boat.
Boats from Ao Nang to Railay Beach land on Railay West, the sunset-facing side. From there it is a short walk across the peninsula to Railay East and on to Phra Nang Beach and its cave.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: Tickets and Prices
For Ao Nang to Railay Beach you can pay at the booth on the day or book a transfer in advance. Booth fares are set locally and change over time, and evening boats usually cost more. Booking ahead through 12Go is useful in high season or if you are arriving with luggage and want a confirmed seat.
| Option | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared longtail | Ao Nang beach booth | Leaves when full; cheapest |
| Chartered longtail | Ao Nang beach booth | Leaves when you want; pay for the whole boat |
| Pre-booked transfer | 12Go | From about ฿200 (13 Nov 2026); check pickup details |
| Longtail transfer tour | GetYourGuide | Pre-paid transfer with set meeting point |
Return ticket?
A return ticket saves queuing twice, but you will be tied to the same boat station. If you might continue to Koh Lanta or Phi Phi by boat from Railay, buy one-way.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: Tides, Waves and Luggage
There is no pier at the end of the Ao Nang to Railay Beach crossing. Boats nose onto the sand and you step off into the water, which can be knee-deep or deeper at low tide. Wear shorts, keep your phone in a dry bag and pack light: rolling suitcases are awkward. Boatmen will usually help lift bags.
In the south-west monsoon, roughly May to October, the sea on the Ao Nang side can get rough and services may pause. On those days, boats from Krabi Town’s side to Railay East are often the alternative.
Krabi Town to Railay Beach
If you are staying in Krabi Town, longtails leave from the riverside pier area and land at Railay East. The trip is longer than from Ao Nang, about 40 to 45 minutes, and passes the mangroves of the river mouth. 12Go lists Krabi to Railay transfers from about ฿150.
Railay Beach to Ao Nang: Coming Back
The return is the Ao Nang to Railay Beach route in reverse: buy a ticket at the booth on Railay West and wait for the boat to fill. Last boats leave in the early evening; check the time when you arrive. If you miss it, charter options may be available at a higher price.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: Day Trip or Overnight?
Ao Nang to Railay Beach works well as a day trip: arrive mid-morning, walk to Phra Nang Beach, swim, and catch a boat back before sunset. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the beaches after the day-trippers leave, see the sunset on Railay West, and climb in the cooler morning hours.
Staying a night in Railay?
Compare Railay hotels on the east and west sides with live prices.
Tours That Include Railay
Many Krabi island-hopping and kayak tours stop at Phra Nang Beach or start from Railay, which saves you the transfer. Rock-climbing courses for beginners also run from Railay’s climbing schools.
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Railay West, East and Phra Nang: Where You Land
Boats from Ao Nang to Railay Beach land on Railay West, the side with the soft sand, the cliffs and the sunset. Railay East, facing the mangroves, has a muddy shoreline and is where boats from Krabi Town arrive; it has most of the budget accommodation and bars. A paved walkway links the two in about five to ten minutes, and another path leads to Phra Nang Beach and its cave shrine.
| Part of Railay | Arrive from | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| Railay West | Ao Nang | Beach for swimming and sunsets, upscale resorts |
| Railay East | Krabi Town | Mangrove shore, cheaper stays, bars, climbing walls |
| Phra Nang | Walk from East or West | Cave beach, best swimming, Princess Cave shrine |
| Tonsai | Short walk or longtail at low tide | Climbers’ hangout, simple bungalows |
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: Best Time of Day
The best time to take the boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is early: boats fill quickly in the morning, the beaches are quieter before the day-trippers arrive, and the light on the cliffs is softer. Late afternoon is the other good window if you plan to stay for the sunset, but check when the last boat back leaves before you settle in.
A Half-Day Plan from Ao Nang
- 08:30 — buy your ticket and take an early boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach.
- 09:00 — walk to Phra Nang Beach and swim before the crowds.
- 10:30 — visit the Princess Cave and, if you are fit and the trail is dry, the viewpoint path.
- 12:00 — lunch on the Railay East or West walkway.
- 13:30 — beach time on Railay West, then the boat back.
With a full day, add a kayak around the cliffs or a short climbing session. With two days, stay overnight and see the sunset on Railay West.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach in the Rainy Season
In the south-west monsoon months, roughly May to October, the sea in front of Ao Nang can be rough and boats from Ao Nang to Railay Beach may run less often or pause on bad days. Many travellers switch to the longtails from the Krabi Town side, which land on the more sheltered Railay East. Expect to get wet and keep valuables in a dry bag.
Accessibility and Mobility
Getting from Ao Nang to Railay Beach involves stepping from the sand into a longtail and wading ashore, which can be difficult for travellers with limited mobility, young children or heavy luggage. Boatmen usually help, and some resorts on Railay arrange their own transfers. The walkways between the beaches are paved but uneven in places, and the viewpoint trail is steep and muddy.
Stay on Railay?
Railay has hotels for every budget, from bungalows on the East side to resorts on the West. Staying overnight lets you skip the return queue and enjoy the beaches in the evening.
Compare Railay hotels
West side for beaches, East side for value: check live prices.
From Railay to Phi Phi or Koh Lanta
In the dry season, boats from Ao Nang to Railay Beach continue on to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, so you can leave Railay directly by sea. 12Go lists Railay to Phi Phi from about ฿1,300 and Railay to Koh Lanta from about ฿350 (13 November 2026). See how to get to Koh Lanta and Ao Nang to Phi Phi.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: Longtail, Tour or Private Boat?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Shared longtail | Cheapest, frequent, no booking needed | Wait for the boat to fill; wet landing |
| Private longtail charter | Leave when you want, can combine stops | Costs the price of the whole boat |
| Pre-booked transfer | Confirmed seat, fixed meeting point | Less flexible if plans change |
| Island tour stopping at Railay | Railay plus islands in one day | Short time on Railay itself |
For most visitors, the shared longtail is the best way to go from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. Pre-book in high season if you are moving hotels with luggage, and consider a charter if you are a group of six or more.
What to Bring for the Boat
- A dry bag for your phone, wallet and passport copy.
- Sandals or water shoes you can wade in.
- Cash for the ticket booth and for drinks on Railay.
- Sunscreen and a hat; there is little shade on the boat.
- A light top for the walk between beaches and the cave shrine.
Avoiding Common Hassles
The ticket booths on Ao Nang beach post their prices, so you do not need to negotiate for a shared seat. Be wary of touts away from the beach offering “special” boats, and confirm the return arrangements before you pay for a return ticket. If a boatman asks for extra on arrival, politely point to your ticket.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach with Children
The trip from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is short and usually fine for children, but the wet landing is the tricky part. Carry small children ashore, keep a change of clothes in a dry bag, and choose a calm morning. Phra Nang Beach is the best spot for kids to swim once you arrive, thanks to its shallow, sheltered water in the dry season.
Night-time return
Boats stop running in the evening. If you plan to stay late on Railay for dinner, ask at the booth about chartering a boat back and the price, or book a room for the night.
Climbing and Kayaking on Railay
Many people take the boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach for the climbing. Railay is one of the best-known climbing areas in Asia, with hundreds of bolted routes and several climbing schools offering half-day and full-day courses for beginners, gear included. Kayaks can be rented on Railay West to paddle along the cliffs to Phra Nang when the sea is calm.
Ao Nang to Railay Beach: FAQ
How long is the boat from Ao Nang to Railay?
About 15 minutes by longtail to Railay West.
Can you walk from Ao Nang to Railay?
Not practically. Railay has no road access; the coast between them is cut off by cliffs, so everyone arrives by boat.
What time is the last boat from Railay to Ao Nang?
Boats run until early evening. Times vary with season and demand, so check at the booth when you arrive.
Is Railay worth visiting from Ao Nang?
Yes. Railay’s beaches, cliffs and Phra Nang cave are among the highlights of Krabi, and it is close enough for a half day.
Sources: Railay Beach (Wikipedia) and transfer listings on 12Go, checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: Wendy Harman (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons); Ijasasap (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Stefan Fussan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Disclosure: InsideSamui may earn a commission when you book through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and timetables quoted here were checked on 13 November 2026; they change by season and operator, so confirm when you book.