Where to stay in Railay comes down to which side of the peninsula you choose. Railay West has the swimming beach and sunset resorts; Railay East, facing the mangroves, has cheaper hotels and the bars; Phra Nang has one famous luxury resort; and Tonsai, next door, has rustic bungalows for climbers. Everything is within a 5 to 15 minute walk, but the feel of your stay changes a lot.
This guide compares the four areas, lists hotels we checked on Agoda and explains the practical side of staying somewhere with no road.
Short answer: choose Railay West for the beach and sunsets, Railay East for value and a short walk to everything, Phra Nang (Rayavadee) for luxury, and Tonsai for climbing on a budget.
- Beach & sunset
- Railay West
- Value
- Railay East
- Luxury
- Phra Nang
- Climbers
- Tonsai
- Access
- Longtail only
Compare Railay hotels
Live prices for West, East and Phra Nang on Agoda.
Where to Stay in Railay: The Areas Compared
| Area | Vibe | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Railay West | Beachfront resorts, sunset, swimming | Couples, families, first-timers | Highest prices |
| Railay East | Walkway, bars, mid-range and budget | Value, climbers, nightlife | No swimming beach, mangrove shore |
| Phra Nang | One luxury resort by the cave beach | Special occasions | Very expensive |
| Tonsai | Rustic bungalows, jungle | Climbers, backpackers | Basic facilities, more isolated |
Deciding where to stay in Railay is easier once you know the peninsula is tiny: you can walk from East to West in about five to ten minutes, so even on the cheaper side you are close to the best beaches.
Where to Stay in Railay for the Beach: Railay West
Railay West has the swimming beach, the sunsets and the resorts with the best locations. Boats from Ao Nang land here, which makes arrival easier. Hotels to compare: Railay Village Resort, Sand Sea Resort Railay Beach and Railay Bay Resort & Spa, which stretches across the peninsula.
Where to Stay in Railay on a Budget: Railay East
Railay East faces the mangroves and has a muddy shoreline at low tide, so it is not for swimming. But it has the walkway of restaurants and bars, the climbing schools and most of the mid-range and budget hotels, such as Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas and Railay Great View Resort. Boats from Krabi Town land here. For many travellers, this is the smart answer to where to stay in Railay.
Where to Stay in Railay for Luxury: Phra Nang
The only resort at Phra Nang is Rayavadee, with pavilions in gardens between the cliffs and direct access to Phra Nang and Railay West. It is one of the most famous resorts in Thailand, and priced accordingly.
Where to Stay in Railay for Climbing: Tonsai
Tonsai sits just north of Railay West, reached on foot at low tide or by a short longtail. It has simple bungalows, a few bars and the best climbing access. Facilities are basic; check reviews for electricity hours, fans versus air-conditioning and noise.
Staying on Railay: What to Know
- Luggage: longtails land on the sand; you wade ashore. Pack light or use a backpack.
- Cash: ATMs are limited; bring baht.
- Prices: food and drinks cost more than in Ao Nang, as everything arrives by boat.
- Evenings: quiet on the West, livelier on the East and at Tonsai.
- Monsoon: crossings can be rough from May to October; boats from Krabi Town to Railay East are often calmer.
Arrival tip
When you book, ask your hotel which beach to land on and whether staff can help with luggage at the shore.
Where to Stay in Railay by Budget
| Budget | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Budget | Tonsai, back of Railay East |
| Mid-range | Railay East walkway, hillside resorts |
| High-end | Railay West beachfront |
| Luxury | Phra Nang (Rayavadee) |
Because supply is limited, the best rooms sell out early in peak season. If you are set on where to stay in Railay for December to February, book weeks ahead with free cancellation.
Check live availability
Compare Railay rooms before they sell out.
Railay or Ao Nang?
If you are torn between where to stay in Railay and staying in Ao Nang, think about evenings: Railay is magical after the day-trippers leave, Ao Nang has more choice and cheaper food. Many people do both: see where to stay in Ao Nang and where to stay in Krabi.
Where to Stay in Railay by Type of Traveller
| Traveller | Best area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Honeymooners | Phra Nang or Railay West | Beach access, sunsets, quiet evenings |
| Families | Railay West | Swimming beach, short walk to Phra Nang |
| Climbers | Railay East or Tonsai | Walk to crags and climbing schools |
| Backpackers | Tonsai or back of Railay East | Cheapest rooms, social bars |
| Short stopover | Railay West | Land and leave from the same beach |
If you are not sure where to stay in Railay, start with what you will do most: swim and relax (West), climb (East or Tonsai), or treat yourself (Phra Nang).
Where to Stay in Railay by Season
In the dry season, the West side is at its best: calm water, sunsets and easy landings from Ao Nang. In the monsoon months the sea on the west can be rough, so consider where to stay in Railay with your arrival in mind: boats from Krabi Town to Railay East are usually more sheltered, and East-side hotels are easier to reach. Low season also brings big discounts.
How Long to Stay
One night lets you see Railay at sunset and in the quiet early morning. Two nights add a full day for Phra Nang, kayaking or an island trip. Climbers often stay a week or more. Whatever you decide about where to stay in Railay, combine it with a few nights in Ao Nang or on the islands for variety.
Sample split stay
- Nights 1–3: Ao Nang for tours and restaurants
- Nights 4–5: Railay West or East
- Then: ferry to Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, which in season can leave directly from Railay
Booking Checklist
- Which beach will the boat land on?
- Is there help with luggage at the shore?
- Air-conditioning or fan? Hours of electricity at Tonsai?
- Is breakfast included (food on Railay is pricier)?
- Free cancellation for weather changes?
What Staying on Railay Is Like
Mornings are the best part of a Railay stay. Before the first boats arrive from Ao Nang, Phra Nang and Railay West are almost empty, the cliffs glow in the low light and climbers head to the walls. By mid-morning the day-trippers arrive and the beaches fill. In the late afternoon they leave again, the sunset draws everyone to the west side, and evenings are relaxed, with dinner on the walkway and drinks at the bars on the east side or at Tonsai.
There are no cars, so the only sounds are boats, birds and the occasional monkey. Wi-Fi works in most hotels but can be slower than on the mainland.
Is it right for you?
If you value scenery and quiet over choice and convenience, the answer to where to stay in Railay is easy: book at least one night. If you want shopping, nightlife and many restaurants, base yourself in Ao Nang and visit by boat.
Eating and Drinking on Railay
Restaurants line the walkway between the two main beaches, with Thai dishes, seafood, pizza and smoothies. Prices are higher than on the mainland. Resorts on the West have beachfront restaurants for sunset dinners, while Railay East and Tonsai have the laid-back bars. A small number of minimarts sell water and snacks.
Where to Stay in Railay: FAQ
Is it better to stay on Railay West or East?
West for the beach and sunsets; East for value and nightlife. They are a short walk apart.
Is Railay good for families?
Yes, especially Railay West and Phra Nang beaches, but pack light for the boat landings.
How many nights should I stay on Railay?
One or two nights is enough for most people; climbers often stay longer.
How do I get my luggage to a Railay hotel?
You carry it from the longtail through shallow water; some hotels send staff to help.
Sources: hotel listings on Agoda and Railay Beach (Wikipedia), checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Wendy Harman (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons); deror_avi (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.