Railey Beach

 

Getting Around Railey:

Railey Beach is a small isthmus off of the mainland and is small enough that you can get around on foot. In fact, there are no cars or motorcycles on Railey.

Getting to Railey:

Railey Beach is on the mainland but because it's separated from the rest of the country by mountains, you must get there by boat from Krabi's main beach, Ao Nang. There are frequent longtail ferries that make the fifteen-minute trip from one beach to another during daylight hours.

Where to Stay:

Railey has very limited accommodations and there are only a few resorts and bungalows on West Railey, including the convenient and homey Railei Beach Club and the luxurious Rayavadee Resort. If you want to stay on this beach, make sure you book well in advance.

What to Expect:

Although it's becoming more and more popular every year, Railey Beach is still laid back and quiet compared to other popular beaches in the area. There are a couple of bars on Railey but generally nightlife is limited and those seeking big parties might feel a little bored.

What to Do:

Sporty folks will love Railey because of all the activities available on the beach or around it. The are is known for rock climbing and there are hundreds of bolted routes available (beginners can sign up for lessons and advanced climbers can rent equipment easily), kayaking and snorkeling. If that's not your thing, it's a quiet beach for relaxing.

Railey Beach, surrounded by immense limestone cliffs and backed by lush jungle, is one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. Although it's on the mainland in Krabi Province, because it's only accessible by boat, it has a desert island feel. There are Railey beaches, West Railey and East Railey. East Railey is mud flats and mangroves. It's just a few minutes by foot to West Railey, but make sure you know which beach you're stayin

Patong Beach

Patong beach on Phuket is the island's most popular beach and probably the most popular beach in all of Thailand. For many vacationers, it's the best of both worlds - a gorgeous, big, wide beach with white sand and warm water and plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs in the surrounding area.

Getting Around Patong:

The beach and surrounding area are big enough that you might not want to walk from place to place. Rent a scooter or take one of the many mini-buses that ply the streets to get from your hotel to the beach or shopping.

Getting to Patong:

Patong Beach is on the west coast of Phuket and if you're coming from the airport you can either take a taxi for about 350 baht or get on the island's equivalent of a share-the-ride van for about 150 baht. There are no public buses directly from the airport to the beach, but if you don't mind switching, take the public bus from the airport to the bus terminal in Phuket Town, then switch to a bus heading for Patong.

Where to Stay:

Patong is filled with hotels, guest houses and resorts, although there are no accommodations right on the beach. Since Patong is so big, make sure you know how far a walk it is from your room to the beach before booking. 

 

 

What to Expect:

Patong Beach is a built up, busy beach area but because there is no development right on the beach (and a road separating the town from the beach) it still offers sweeping views of the ocean and relative tranquility. If you just want to relax on the beach, rent a beach chair from one of the vendors who've set up shop on the beach. They also sell beer, water and juice. People of all ages visit Patong Beach but it is particularly popular with visitors in their early 20s.

What to Do:

Patong Beach is action-packed, so if you like paragliding, jet skiing or riding banana boats you are in luck. If you want to get out of the sun for a while, head to the upscale Jung Ceylon Mall in town, or grab something to eat at one of the many food stalls and restaurants.