Railay, also known as Rai Leh is a large peninsula in Krabi (Thailand). This beautiful location is part of the mainland however, it is only accessible by boat due to high limestone cliffs. This makes for a relaxing destination as there are no roads or cars only paths. Krabi airport is only 30-40 minutes away and Phuket is a 2-hour 30-minute ferry ride away. Railay is a great place to relax with its stunning beaches and chilled-out atmosphere. Backpackers will full in love with its rustic character and beach vibe.

The main reason to visit Railay is for the beach on the west side of the peninsula. It is one of my favourite beaches I have ever been to. The limestone cliffs are topped with bright green foliage either side of the beach which makes for a great backdrop. Part of the white sandy beach is lined with long-tail boats, speed boats, and kayaks. The best time to visit is just before sunset for a great photo opportunity. You will also find restaurants facing the beach and the bay. They offer a wide variety of food from Western to Asian food, there is something here for everyone. Just off the beach is a walking street full of bars, restaurants, and shops. This street is the main focal point in Railay. The bars are a great place to chill out and meet people. They offer a wide selection of cocktails and the reggae music adds to the beach vibe. And if that's not enough why not try some of the local weed (if that's your thing). Don't forget to check out Phra Nang beach, it's just as beautiful as the west side beach. Also, the beach on the east side of the peninsula has a Pier for boats arriving from Krabi.

Railay viewpoint (on the east side) is a great spot to enjoy stunning views of the whole peninsula. However, it does involve a steep 30-minute climb through the jungle. You will come across boulders and jagged rocks but it's WORTH THE EFFORT. If you are planning on tackling this climb make sure you check the weather first. As it can become extremely dangerous on foot when it is wet. There are also many other activities to choose from. The day tours from Railay are a great chance to explore the local region. I found the 4 islands tour by speedboat to be my favourite. I got to see Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phranang Cave Beach. This tour is great for snorkelling and seeing uninhabited islands. A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is a must and a romantic sunset dinner cruise is not to be missed. Or if island hopping isn't your thing then I would suggest booking an elephant tour in Krabi. The elephants on my tour were treated well and looked after.

Railay has an abundance of accommodations to choose from like hostels, bungalows, medium-priced resorts, and a collection of luxury resorts. Check out the typical websites e.g. booking.com, trivago.com, and airbnb.com for great prices. But I would recommend staying at Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa. It is a bit pricey in terms of Thailand but by Western prices, it's quite reasonable. They have a fantastic buffet breakfast with everything you could want. Also, they have a spa, gym, pool, and best of all a bar by the pool. The Service here is great as staff will offer to take your luggage to a taxi boat if needed.

P.S. If this hasn't inspired you enough then I recommend watching the film The Beach, starring Leonardo Dicaprio.