Rai Leh

Rai Leh (อ่าวไร่เล), also commonly known as Railay, is a tourist area on the Andaman Coast of Thailand, in Krabi Province. Rai Leh is primarily known as a rock climbing hot spot, attracting climbers from all over the world to its superb towering limestone.

Rai Leh Halal Travel Guide

Rai Leh is considered to be all of the peninsula, which has four primary areas:

Phra Nang: (shown as Pranang Cave Beach on local maps) a fine white sand beach, on the southern tip of the peninsula. This lovely beach, recently voted one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, has jaw-dropping spectacular scenery and is 20 minutes away from Ao Nang by longtail boat. It is excellent for swimming, but during high season and there might not be much space for it as most of the beach will be occupied by longtail boats (with the exceptions of the left and right corners). Watch the climbers climb right off the beach. Have a private massage, eat a delicious barbecue and salad lunch, maybe cliff-jump off the rocks into the water. A broad strip of white sand with massive cliffs framing each end of the beach, Phra Nang has just enough facilities: roast Chicken and salad lunches cooked on the beach, private massage ladies and people inconspicuously selling cold drinks. Despite the crowds and noise from the longtail boats and the beach still thankfully lacks most things that spoil a beach: pollution, traffic, over-enthusiastic hawkers, jet-skis, and lager louts.
Rai Leh East: the mangrove side of the peninsula, used by longtails to/from Krabi. Not good for swimming or sunbathing. Plenty of restaurants. Budget to mid-range accommodations.
Rai Leh West: a fine beach of white sand and shallow water, where most longtails arrive from Ao Nang. North end of the beach is great for swimming. South end is OK, but a little rocky under the water. Mid- to high-end accommodations. This beach is especially beautiful after sunset, when the silhouetted surrounding rock faces give the place a totally unique and almost supernatural look. Idling on the beach while watching the antics of the rock climbers scaling the surrounding cliffs is about as relaxing an experience as can be found anywhere. To the right the bay stretches away past Ton Sai to the massive Sleeping Indian cliffs, so named because that is exactly what they resemble, at night. The kilometre-long Sleeping Indian is lying on his back, with his hands folded across his midriff, his feet sticking up and a feather sticking out of his headdress. It's an uncanny resemblance, especially at nighttime.
Ton Sai: a cove around the junction from Rai Leh West where rock climbers and backpackers hang out in affordable accommodation and training climbing.

Get in

As Rai Leh is on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by ocean and blocked by Nang Mountain, access is only by boat. Longtails depart from Ao Nang (10 min, 100 Baht/person, minimum 8 people), Ao Nammao (15 min), and Krabi Town (30 min) on demand, making those places the gateways to Rai Leh. It's also feasible to reach Rai Leh via regular ferries that run between Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi, and Phuket Town (from Rassada Pier).

If departing from Ao Nang, be aware that you're expected to walk out several metres into the surf before getting on a boat (depending on the tide). It might be best to change into clothes suitable for getting wet, or at the very least be sure you don't have more luggage than you can carry a few metres into the ocean.

Get around

It's a 5-10 minutes walk between any of the monuments, except for Ton Sai, which is a longer hike through the jungle. The village itself is a pedestrian's dream, as there are no cars, and the uneven bumpy walkways make even bicycles impractical.

What to see in Rai Leh

Lagoon & Viewpoint - The climb to the top takes about 20-25 minutes and to the viewpoint another 10 minutes. From the top of the trail and there is another path that leads down towards the jungle for about 20-25 minutes to the lagoon. The path to the lagoon is steep, rocky, and dangerous. Some have carried climbing gear to reach the lagoon. There are hand ropes along the steeper parts of the path, but note that if you are not in decent shape, wearing only sandals, or carrying a heavy pack and the trip is not advisable. Monkeys may be encountered in the forest here. They can be approached cautiously, but feeding or petting them is not a good idea. Watch your belongings, as they can quickly snatch glasses, wallets, or food from you.

Phra Nang Cave - Diamond Cave - An interesting place to explore and one of the few strictly sightseeing destinations at Rai Leh. A nominal entrance fee pays for a short walk along the lit boardwalk through formations that glitter as if they were full of diamonds. Though not breathtakingly large (and thus easily viewed in about fifteen minutes) it is quite beautiful. The cave is a common stop for day trips from Phuket and Ao Nang.

Phra Nang Shrine - Dedicated to the spirit of the drowned princess (phra nang) who gave the beach her name, this small shrine in a small cave is notable primarily for the dozens of carved red-tipped phalluses donated by fishermen seeking her favour.

What to do in Rai Leh

Climbing

Rai Leh is perhaps the best winter sport rock climbing area in the world, with over seven hundred bolted routes up limestone faces with breathtaking views over the ocean. If you are an avid rock climber, chances are you already know about this place and the spectacular cliffs are the reason you are here.

Climbing is graded on the French scale, most is steep and challenging with only limited possibilities for beginners. Due to the corrosive nature of the seaside location and the steel bolts may be of questionable integrity, bolt failure is not uncommon here, and threads (rope tied through holes in the rock) may be of questionable integrity as well. Overall the rock quality is superb; however, like everywhere else, you will find the occasional loose section including the famed Rai Leh stalactites.

Required climbing gear: Rai Leh and around is all sport climbing. Beyond a 60 metre (200 foot) rope, sixteen quickdraws, your harness, shoes and a lot of chalk, you won't need much else. Anything you forget or don't have can be rented at the climbing shops.

Guides: Rai Leh and Ton Sai have several guide operators with services ranging from introductory rock climbing courses to rent-a-belay partner.

Real Rocks Climbing School - Real Rocks Railay is a small rock climbing company.

Diving & snorkelling

Rai Leh is not a major diving spot as the local coral and sea life is not as diverse or spectacular as other areas of Thailand. However there is a dive shop that will certify divers and take them on boat trips to decent dive sites, including a sunken wreck. Serious divers tend to prefer the Similan Islands, Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta for quality diving.

King Cruiser is a vehicle ferry that sank in 1997, providing the area with its only wreck, located at 30 meters. Unfortunately its condition is deteriorating fairly fast in the warm waters. This is the most popular dive site in the area.
Snorkelling is not a major draw for Rai Leh though it is feasible to swim out and see coral and fish a few metres off the sandy beaches. Beware of the ever present longtail boat traffic. Most looking for some snorkelling fun rent a longtail and head for the islands south and west of Rai Leh, such as Poda Island, but even there the snorkelling is only moderate. Some hotels organize snorkelling trips or you may prefer to charter your own boat for the afternoon. A one way trip usually takes less than 25 minutes.

Kayaking

While not as good as Phang Nga and the kayaking around the peninsula at Rai Leh affords a great alternative to climbing and a stunning view of the area. Several of the limestone islets off Phra Nang Beach have sea caves eroded into their bases, including a few large enough to offer opportunities to beach the kayaks and explore. Paddling into caves and through subterranean passages is particularly interesting, but watch out for low, jagged ceilings. For those with more ambition, a short open-water crossing (about one hour of steady, heavy paddling) leads to the private island of Ko Poda which has beautiful and relatively isolated beaches.

Several bungalow resorts] on the Rai Leh West side of the peninsula have sea kayaks available for rent for around 1000 Baht/half-day, 1,800 Baht/full-day (including life-vests). The kayaks are simple two-seat plastic models, but perform fine on the millpond-smooth water of the bay. A half-day is probably plenty long enough to explore the immediate environs of Rai Leh. A bottle of water, a hat, and plenty of sun protection are crucial!

Swimming

Midnight Swims - Au naturel or otherwise, are sensational on dark nights, when the brilliant-blue bioluminescence in the water lights up disturbed water like a neon-lit tree. To best appreciate this amazing phenomenon, bring a pair of swimming goggles along and swim underwater for a while: the bioluminescence will wreath your body in a million tiny blue lights, in surely the loveliest clothes you've ever worn.

Trekking

Rai Leh itself does not offer many trekking opportunities, as the peninsula is so tiny. The one interesting and undeveloped area is the jungle atop the limestone towers that make up the club-shaped southern end of the peninsula. Along the paved path that runs from Rai Leh East to Phra Nang beach, a so-called "trail" leads up a slippery, rocky embankment to the jungle-covered plateau. A narrow, indistinct trail circles the top of the southern tower, with a left turn offering access to the highest point (accessible via a sheer face and thus navigable only with climbing gear) as well as a fantastic lookout point over the peninsula. A right turn on the path leads downward into a hidden glen, which provides access to the secret lagoon called Sa Phra Nang or Holy Princess Pool. The route from this glen to the lagoon leads down a steep, rocky ravine, and the path is covered with slippery red clay, making it quite treacherous even for the experienced. The technique is not so much climbing as scrambling, and the knotted nylon ropes are often more dangerous than they are helpful. The lagoon itself is breathtakingly beautiful, but try not to step in, as the soft bottomless muck has quite a penchant for trekkers' footwear.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Rai Leh

Rai Leh has many small general convenience stores with various crucials at reasonable prices, considering shipment costs to what is crucially an island. Though most shoppers (souvenir or otherwise) will be better satisfied in nearby Ao Nang, clothing, souvenirs, beachwear and such are all also available in various small shops in Rai Leh East and Rai Leh West. There are no real grocery vendors, so meals are limited to the restaurants, though some small snack items are available in the convenience stores.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Rai Leh

Rai Leh has a variety of Halal restaurants to choose from. In general however and the food is what you would expect for Southern Thailand, tasty and affordable.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Rai Leh

Please check the latest Hotel Rates for Rai Leh

Rai Leh primarily caters to two groups: honeymooners/families and climbing tourists. Fortunately and there is to suit both ranging from bamboo bungalows to concrete three story hotels. Prices double during high season (November-April inclusive)

Railay Great View Resort - Tucked away on its own away from the hustle and bustle. Gorgeous views with very well designed cottages with a mix of traditional and modern design. Free Wi-Fi throughout resort. Restaurant and mini-mart onsite. Restaurant does not serve alcohol. Room rate includes buffet breakfast (reasonably good variety and quality). Very steep incline up into the resort so not for aged, infirm, or tipsy!

Railay Viewpoint Resort - Resort set in beautiful natural surroundings boasting unbeatable views of Rai Leh Beach and the hanging limestone crags beyond. Over the mountain through the natural forest and then back down to West Beach for the 30 minutes sunset to the sandy white beaches of Rai Leh.

Railay Village Hotel - Collection of concrete bungalows, each with private bath and fan or air con, set back off the beach in a garden setting.

Bhu Nga Thani Resort - 60 rooms. Curiously up-market considering its setting on less obviously impressive Rai Leh East. Restaurant rarely busy, but beautiful design.

Railay Bay Resort & Spa - Straddling the whole of Rai Leh peninsula's narrowest point, very nice cottages.

Rai Lei Beach Club - High season rates begin at 3,500 Baht for a single room home up to 13,000 Baht for a three bedroom home that sleeps twelve. Rents private houses which vary in size and quality. None have air conditioning or hot water, but include daily maid service.

Rayavadee - The only resort on Phra Nang Beach, with a jaw-dropping gorgeous view and prices to match. You'll be looking at upwards of 20,000 Baht/night for a stay here.

Sand Sea Hotel - A collection of concrete bungalows, private baths, choice of fan or air-con and quietly set back off the beach among a garden setting. Although the included breakfast buffet is nothing special and the rooms have marginally nicer décor, and has a nice swimming swimmingpool (which attracts a more family-oriented clientèle).

Stay safe as a Muslim in Rai Leh

Go next

Ao Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Muk, Ko Ngai and Phuket are easy destinations from Rai Leh and transportation can be easily booked through any hotel or activity centre.