09 Apr Daytripping: Aonang to Railay Beach

I recently returned from a week in Krabi, Thailand with my parents. I hadn’t seen them in eight months, and we decided a reunion at the beach was just what the doctor ordered.

I was of course responsible for choosing which island we would go to, since apparently being an expat in Asia makes me an expert on all Asian countries. And while it’s true that I have traveled quite a bit in the region, I’ve done it a little differently than my 65-year-old parents would want to (i.e. staying in non-air conditioned bungalows for $10 a night).

So after much research and asking around, I decided on Ao Nang in Krabi–close enough to backpacker haven Ko Phi Phi, but with a family-friendly vibe. And the perfect place for day trips.

Our first of many boat rides was to Railay–a beach located on a nearby island, surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs. It had been recommended to me by my friends living in Bangkok, as well as several coworkers. They all deemed it “paradise on earth.” It didn’t disappoint.

We arrived at Phra Nang cave, a short 10-minute walk from Railay. We took one of the long tail boats at Ao Nang Beach for 100 Baht each ($3 USD). You can buy tickets at an office right across from the boats, and leave when the boat is full (every 15 minutes or so). This ticket is good for a return trip, but make sure to specify that when you purchase. However, if you return after 6pm, you will have to pay an additional 150 THB to the boat captain (worth it in my opinion, to see the sunset).

We asked the boat captain to drop us at Phra Nang Beach instead of Railay, because we wanted to check out the cave–famous for its phallic symbols and offerings left for hopes of fertility and safe journeys.

After exploring the cave and beautiful scenery, we took the path from Phra Nang to West Railay (behind the famous Rayavadee resort), where we walked beneath stalactites and passed monkeys.

The walk took about 15 minutes, and dropped us at idyllic Railay West, where we had dinner at Railay Village Resort & Spa. I’d definitely recommend the restaurant for the fresh seafood, but more so for the killer view. Perfect for sunset. 

We spent the next hour with our toes in the sand, taking in the salt water smell and pink sky. In short, it was the perfect way to spend our first day in the Krabi province of Thailand.

More to come on my trip to Krabi, including recommended day trips and hotels. Do you have anything you want me to write about? What’s your favorite island in Thailand?