Railay Beach

Railay Beach is technically on the mainland, but you can only reach it by long-tail boat — sheer limestone cliffs cut it off from the road network. That isolation is a big part of what makes it special. Four small beaches, no roads, no cars, and some of the most spectacular karst scenery in Thailand.

Railay West is the postcard beach: white sand, jungle-backed cliffs, and ridiculous sunsets. Railay East is mangrove-lined and not great for swimming, but it's where most of the budget accommodation and bars are. Phra Nang Beach to the south has the iconic Princess Cave shrine and the most beautiful water of the four. Tonsai, around the headland, is the climber/backpacker hangout.

Climbing is the headline activity — Railay is one of Asia's most famous sport-climbing destinations with hundreds of bolted routes — but there's also kayaking, deep-water soloing, and just doing nothing. Hike up to the viewpoint above Phra Nang Beach for the best panorama (it's steep and muddy; wear proper shoes). Stay at least two nights; day trippers don't get the magic.