Railay Beach, Beach peninsula in Ao Nang, Thailand.
Railay Beach is a sand beach on a natural peninsula surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that rise directly from the Andaman Sea. The sheltered cove has calm waters for swimming, while vertical rock walls create a dramatic natural boundary.
The beach gained international recognition in the 1990s when rock climbers discovered over 700 bolted climbing routes on the limestone walls. This discovery transformed the remote peninsula into a destination for adventure seekers and climbing enthusiasts.
Long-tail boats are a defining feature of the beach, with local fishermen continuing their traditional work alongside tourism. They use these distinctive wooden vessels for transporting visitors and catching fish in the surrounding waters.
The beach is accessible only by boat with a 15-minute ride from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, with services running from sunrise to sunset. Bring sun protection and water shoes for the rocky areas, as shade is limited along the shore.
A natural rock formation called Princess Cave contains wooden phalluses left by local fishermen for fertility purposes. This unusual collection reflects traditional beliefs that continue at this location to this day.
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