Railay

Spectacular limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, blue water, and a relaxed atmosphere is what brings people to Railay. Limestone cliffs cut the peninsula off from the rest of the mainland making it accessible only by sea which add to the unique feel.

Railay is a peninsula on the coast between the Krabi and Ao Nang in southern Thailand and consists of four different areas: East Railay, West Railay, Phra Nang, and Ton Sai. Railay fits the definition of a tourist trap, the place seems to exist solely off tourists. Every single local seems to be working in the tourist industry. With that in mind, Railay is a beautiful and relaxed destination, and a very easy place to visit for less experienced travellers. The prices may be a little higher than Krabi Town for example, but that can be justified by everything needing to be bought in by sea. Embrace the incredible natural setting of Railay and have fun!

East Railay

East Railay is the main arrival/departure point for boats to/from Krabi. Much of the beach is lined with mangroves and is generally not suitable for swimming. A path follows the length of the beach and is lined with cafes, restaurants, guesthouses and hotels. East Railay is significantly more relaxed than West Railay, and generally a little cheaper. Phra Nang beach is reached by following the main path south. 

Diamond Cave (Tham Pranangnai)

East Railay Lookout

West Railay

West Railay is the main arrival/depature point for boats to/from Ao Nang and Ton Sai. West Railay Beach is the most frequently visited beach in Railay, and for good reason. West Railay beach is long, sandy, has beautiful blue water, and unobstructed views of huge limestone cliffs at either end. A busy walking street leads away from the beach and is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and souvineer stands. Its possible to walk to Ton Sai from the northern end of the beach.

Walking Street

West Railay Lookout

Phra Nang

Arriving to Phra Nang beach is absolutely breathtaking. A huge limestone cliff overhangs the entrance to the beach in spectacular fashion. With cliffs  to explore at one end, a beautiful beach, an island you can swim to, a long-tail shop, and a limestone pillar with a cave the the far end, this beach has everything.

Ton Sai

Ton Sai is in its own little bay and is by far the least visited of the Railay beaches. A rough track leads from the northern end of West Railay to Ton Sai. Alternatively long-tail boats will talk you there from West Railay or Ao Nang. 

Where to EAT

Railay Family Restaurant

This family run restaurant has an authentic charm that a lot of other places seem to miss. The food is reasonably priced and really good!

Blanco Hideaway is the best hostel in Railay.

Joy Beach Bar

Joy Beach Bar is a nice relaxed place to just chill and when you want some down time to have a read or just relax. 

Rapala Rock Wood Resort is a nice option for a budget private room.

Where to STAY

There are heaps of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Railay. Its a competitive market so the quality is high. A lot of places even have their own private pool! You can’t really go wrong, it just depends on how much you want to spend. These are two cheaper options. Blanco Hideout is one of the only hostels in Railway, but is definitely the best and with budget friendly prices too!

Blanco HideouT

637 Moo 2, East Railay

Blanco Hideaway is the best hostel in Railay.

Rapala Rock Wood Resort

559 Moo 2, East Railay

A good option for a private room on a budget.

How to get to Railay

West Railay to/from Ao Nang via long-tail boat: 100 baht, 10 minutes
East Railay to/from Krabi Town via long-tail boat: 150 baht, 30 minutes
Ton Sai to/from Ao Nang via long-tail boat: 100 baht, 10 minutes

Krabi Travel Guide

Krabi Town is the base to explore the sights of Krabi province. Discover the sights of Krabi Town, including the beautiful Wat Kaew Krawaram temple, climb to Tiger Cave Peak, and take a daytrip to the beautiful Emerald Pool and the Krabi Hot Stream.

Krabi is the main town of the Krabi province on the west coast of Thailand, 783 kilometres south of Bangkok. To many tourists Krabi has become synonymous of the entire region, this mainly thanks to Krabi’s international airport which has made Krabi Town the gateway to the region. People come to Krabi to visit places such as Ao Nang, Ko Lanta, Railay, and the Phi Phi Islands. There are numerous sights closer to Krabi itself including the Emerald Pool, Krabi Hot Stream, and the Tiger Cave Temple. Krabi Town offers sights such as: Khao Khanab Nam, Wat Kaew Krawaram, and the Krabi Night Market to name a few. There are plenty of beautiful places to visit in the region. This article focuses on Krabi Town and nearby sights.

What To See And Do In Krabi Town

Khao Khanab Nam

Khao Khanab Nam (also known as Khao Khanap Nam) are a two steep 100 metre tall limestone hills on the mangrove lined Pak Nam Krabi river, 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Krabi Town, in the Krabi Province in southern Thailand. The largest of the two hills contain limestone caves in which prehistoric human remains and cave paintings have been discovered. The majestic Khao Khanab Nam has become one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks.

Guide to Khao Khanab Nam

Khao Khanab Nam, Krabi

Krabi Night Market

Krabi Night Market is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night from 17:00 to 22:00 on Maharaj Soi 16. There are stalls selling fresh local food, art, craft, domestic goods, souvenirs, and more. There is a large stage where local perform dance and sing traditional and pop music. 

Krabi Riverside

Krabi Town is built along the side of Krabi River. A path leads approximately 2 kilometres along the river sides, beginning from the Black Crab and ending at Thara Park. The path leads through small parks and gardens along the way, as well as various sculptures, and also the Chao Fah Pier, Kong Ka Pier, and Krabi River Marina. The Chao Fah Night Market is held every evening.

  • Black Crab – Vicar Road
  • Eagle 0km – Vicar Road
  • Song of Andaman (Eagle Sculpture) – Maharaj 6 Alley
  • Boat of Life – Chao Fah Ally
  • Fun Fish – Chao Fah Ally
  • Kindness – The Tsunami Memorial
  • Thara Park
  • Great Naga / Puchong Nakaraj – 1km past Thara Park

Krabi Town Hall

  • Herd of Elephant – three elephants in the middle of a roundabout.
  • Historic Wall of Krabi – 28 panels telling the history of Krabi.
  • Love of Harmony – a group of people dancing in a ring.
  • Krabi City Pillar Shrine – a shrine to the people of Krabi.
  • Vessel of the Andaman – a sculpture in the middle of a roundabout.

Maharaj Road Sculptures

  • Elephant Holding Sword – Maharaj Road / Sudmongkol Road
  • Jatukarmramathep Shrine – Maharaj Road / Sudmongkol Road
  • Sea Eagle – Maharaj Road / Hutangkoun Road
  • Saber-Toothed Tiger – Maharaj Road / Vicar Road
  • Cromanon Human – Maharaj Road / Maharaj 10

Wat Kaew Korawaram

Wat Kaew Korawaram is a buddhist temple located on a small hill in the centre of Krabi Town. It has a grand staircase, lined with nāga sculptures. Entry to Wat Kaew Karawaram is free but you must dress modestly. 

Sights Close to Krabi

Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is located 57 kilometres from Krabi Town. It is one of the must see destinations for those exploring the region. Emerald Pool is located within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. There are a number of pools in the nature park, these include: Blue Pool, Crystal Pool, and most famously Emerald Pool. Admission is 100 baht for children and 200 baht for adults.

Krabi Hot Steam

The Krabi Hot Stream is located in the middle of the jungle, 52 kilometres from Krabi Town. The water temperature is 35-40°C, similar to that of a warm bath. The hot stream runs down a small cascade with naturally formed hollows which act as hot tubs in which you can sit and enjoy the therapeutic waters.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

Wat Tham Sua, commonly known as the Tiger Cave Temple, is a Buddhist temple complex approximately 9km north of Krabi Town in southern Thailand. The name Tiger Cave Temple has become synonymous of Tiger Cave Peak, while the actual cave is often overlooked. The Wat Tham Sua temple complex consists of a number of temples, structures, and points of interest. The main ones being Tiger Cave Temple, Tiger Cave Peak, Wat Tham Sua Temple, Guan Yin Pagoda, and Wonderland / Khiri Wong Valley.

Guide to Tiger Cave Temple

Krabi to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

How to get TO Krabi Town

Krabi Airport

 – Krabi Town by bus/minibus 90 baht
 – Krabi Town by songthaew 50 baht
 – Ao Nang / Noppharat Thara by bus/minibus 150 baht
 – Ao Nang by songthaew (blue) 60 baht, 1h40m

Motorcycle taxis and regular taxis are available outside the terminal.

Krabi Bus Terminal

 – Krabi Town by taxi: 100 baht
 – Krabi Town by songthaew (brown): 30 baht
 – Bangkok: several daytime and overnight buses depart daily to/from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal: 600-900 baht, 12 hours.

Krabi Bus Terminal is located about 5km north of Krabi Town.

Renting a scooter/motorbike is the cheapest way to explore the sights around Krabi and cost 200 baht for 24 hours.

Krabi to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

Climb the 1260 steps to Tiger Cave Peak and enjoy amazing 360 degree views of the Khao Kaew mountains and out towards the coast. Take a stroll through the lush jungle of the Khiri Wong Valley and discover where the local monks reside. And be sure to make a visit to the actual Tiger Cave Temple!

Wat Tham Sua, commonly known as the Tiger Cave Temple, is a Buddhist temple complex approximately 9km north of Krabi Town in southern Thailand. The name Tiger Cave Temple has become synonymous of Tiger Cave Peak, while the actual cave itself is often overlooked. 

In the 1970s, a monk named Jumnien had a vision of starting a new monastery in a place surrounded by mountains and of a “tiger cave”. There were a number of suggested locations which his monks scouted. When Jumnien visited what is now Tiger Cave, it was the exact place he saw in his vision. Inside the cave there is a natural stone in the form of a tiger paw. In 1975 he bought 53 novice monks and 56 nuns to the place and founded the Na Ching Monastery, named after the nearby village. Villagers from Na Ching told the monks that in the past there was many tigers in the area. In 1990, Na Ching Monastery was renamed to Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple).

Wat Tham Sua Temple Complex

The Wat Tham Sua temple complex consists of a number of temples, structures, and points of interest:
Guan Yin Pagoda: a Chinese style pagoda dedicated to the goddess of Guan Yin.
Khao Kaew: the surrounding mountain range.
Tiger Cave Temple: a large temple built onto the side of the rock face. Inside the temple is the entrance to the actual Tiger Cave. Tiger Cave has a natural stone in the form of a tiger paw, and a model tiger just for show.
Tiger Cave Peak: the famed peak with a golden stupa and giant Buddha statue.
Wat Tham Sua Temple: The giant temple currently under construction.
Wonderland / Khiri Wong Valley: a small valley covered in lush jungle where the monks have their living quarters. 

The tiger of Tiger Cave.

Tiger Cave Peak

Tiger Cave Peak is a steep climb of over 250 metres from temple complex to summit. Previously there were 1237 steps leading to the summit but following a rebuilt section there is now 1260 steps. The steps are incredibly steep and vary wildly in heights with some being almost knee height! This makes the climb all the more draining on your body, even if you’re fit. Make sure you bring plenty of water (it can be purchased for 10 baht from the temple complex). Even if you don’t usually drink much, I strongly strongly recommend you bring water. It might not seem like the biggest hike but you’ll lose a lot of water in sweat and there is no water available on the climb or at the top. The time it takes to make the climb will vary on your fitness and stamina. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. 

The old sign which still numbers 1237 steps.

Tiger Cave Peak

Steps: 1260
Elevation: 278m
Return Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Difficulty: moderate / steep
Sights: 360 degree views over the entire region!

Make sure you bring plenty of water!

The starting point to Tiger Cave Peak.

Reaching the summit you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the whole region: from the temple complex down below, across to the Khao Kaew mountains, and out to Krabi Town and the coast. On the summit ridge is a huge sitting Buddha, a golden pagoda, and a couple of other small constructions. You don’t need long to look around, but you will need time to recover. The walk back down to the temple complex is only marginally faster. The steps are so narrow it makes it difficult to move fast. Once you get back to the temple complex and have another drink, be sure to visit Wonderland and the actual Tiger Cave Temple if you already haven’t.

Congratulations!
The Khao Kaew mountains.

WONDERLAND / KHIRI WONG VALLEY

Return Time: 30 minutes return
Return Distance: 1km
Difficulty: easy flat walking
Sights: jungle, caves, monks living quarters

Most people come to Wat Tham Sua solely to climb the peak. Many people are unaware of Wonderland or are simply worn out after their climb. Wonderland is an easy 30 minute walk through lush jungle and passes limestone caves. The only up and down is the first flight of stairs from the pagoda up to a small stupa and then down the other side. The rest of the walk is completely flat. Within the valley are some huge tree, some of which some are hundreds of years old. There are numerous caves around the valley, some of which have monks living quarters. Signs direct you in a loop from the living quarters. This little walk is stunning in itself. 

HOW TO GET TO WAT THAM SUA

Distance: Wat Tham Sua is approximately 9 kilometres northeast of Krabi Town. 
Entrance: Entry to Wat Tham Sua is free.
How long do I need? Anywhere from 1-3 hours. I spent approximately two hours at Wat Tham Sua in total.

Scooter: A scooter can be rented for 200 baht (AUD$9.70) for 24 hours. The ride from downtown Krabi takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
Minibus: 100 baht one way / 150 baht return (including guesthouse pick up and drop off) . Departures from Krabi Town every two hours 0900 to 1700. The last departure from Wat Tham Sua is at 1900.
Taxi: Around 300 baht one way from Krabi Town.

Khao Khanab Nam, Krabi

Take a traditional longtail boat to the limestone hills of Khao Khanab Nam which poke up 100 metres from the mangrove lined Pak Nam Krabi river. Explore the caves where art and history meet. Then check out the fishing village of Koh Klang.

Khao Khanab Nam (also known as Khao Khanap Nam) are a two steep 100 metre tall limestone hills on the mangrove lined Pak Nam Krabi river, 1.5 kilometres from the centre of Krabi Town, in the Krabi Province in southern Thailand. The largest of the two hills contain limestone caves in which prehistoric human remains and cave paintings have been discovered. The majestic Khao Khanab Nam has become one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks. 

KHAO KHANAB NAM WALKTHROUGH

Wander down to Chao Fah Pier and a boatman will find you before you find him. You can hire a longtail boat to Khao Khanab Nam for 300 baht. You will given the option to also visit the mangroves and the fishing village of Koh Klang for a total of 400 baht. The price is for the boat, not per person, so you can be as many people as will fit on the boat. 

The longtail boat will take approximately 10 minutes to reach Khao Khanab Nam. Once you arrive the boatman will tie up the boat and you will have as long as you want to explore the caves, 20 to 30 minutes is quite sufficient. Thirty metres or so from the boat parking pontoon is a booth where you need to pay 30 baht (AUD$1.40) for entry to the cave. 

The cave was bigger and more impressive than I expected. Inside the cave are a number of neanderthal scenes, a scene of Japanese soliders from WWII, a couple of replica cave paintings, and a bizarre skeleton of a prehistoric giant by Taiwanese artist Tu Wei-cheng. The giant skeleton, coiled by the skeleton of a huge snake, is presented like a real excavation site with accompanying “factual” information. There must be people who don’t realise this is a cheeky art installation at all! 

Once you return to the boat, if you chose only to visit Khao Khanab Nam, you will return to town. If you opted to visit the fishing village of Koh Klang, it’ll take you take you 15 minutes from Khao Khanab Nam, passing the pier where you began. At Koh Klang you disembark on a floating fish enclosure / restaurant and will be shown some fish. This stop takes 10-15 minutes. From Koh Klang, it’s 5 minutes back to Krabi Town. For just Khao Khanab Nam return, you’ll be back in less than an hour. Including Koh Klang the trip might last 1.5-2 hours. There is no specific stop for the mangroves, but you will see plenty of them on route. 

A stilt hut on approach to Koh Klang.

HOW TO GET TO KHAO KHANAB NAM

Logistics: Hire a long-tail boat from Chao Fa Pier in Krabi Town. 
Price: 300 baht (AUD$14) for Khao Khanab Nam only, 400 baht (AUD$19) for Khao Khanab Nam and Koh Klang. (The price is for the boat regardless of number of passengers.)
How long do I need? 1 hour for just Khao Khanab Nam or 1.5-2 hours including the fishing village of Koh Klang.