CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons (Wikigod)Anchorage· Krabi mainland coast· Thailand
Rai Lei West Beach Anchorage (Railay)
8° 0.6′ N · 98° 50.1′ E
A sand anchorage in the middle of Railay West, framed by rock-stack headlands and towering limestone cliffs. Ashore there are beach restaurants under the palms, the climbing crags and Phra Nang Beach a short walk away, with no road access at all.
Practical
Southeast Asia Pilot waypoint 08°00.637N 98°50.094E, about 1 nm from Ao Nang. Anchor in 4-5 m on sand in the centre of the bay. A reef extends into the bay from the south end of the beach; it is easy to see in clear water and good for snorkelling. Land the dinghy on the beach (longtails for hire are on the right). A NE-monsoon anchorage: the Pilot describes the whole Krabi coast as completely exposed in the SW monsoon. Ferries to Phi Phi and Phuket also load off this beach, so stay clear of their approach.
Best for
The classic Railay overnight under the cliffs
Season
Nov-Apr; exposed May-Oct
Nearby
- Flame Tree Restaurant, Railay West0.2 NM away
- Railay Bay Resort Restaurant and Bar (Railay West)0.2 NM away
- Local Thai Food (Railay)0.3 NM away
- Koh Nang Reef Snorkel (Phra Nang)0.4 NM away
- Railay and Tonsai Laundry0.4 NM away
- Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon Climb (Pool Cave)0.4 NM away
- Diamond Cave (Phra Nang Nai), Railay0.5 NM away
- Phra Nang Beach Anchorage (Tham Phra Nang)0.5 NM away