Railay Beach (Krabi) by Private Yacht from Phuket

What is Railay Beach like?

Railay beach is a famous tourist peninsula, which leaves neither locals nor visitors to Thailand indifferent.

This area is popular for its beautiful beaches and calm relaxing atmosphere. The beach is divided into three parts:

• Railay West Beach;
• Phra Nang;
• Reilai East Beach.

Reilai West Beach is the main destination for beach lovers on the Reilai Peninsula. The beach is fringed by high limestone cliffs on both sides, and a scenic sandy stretch stretches around it, which is so nice to look at and take spectacular shots. There is a small promenade lined with stores.

Phra Nang. The coast is washed by the emerald sea, and nearby are powerful rock formations that create the perfect backdrop. Here you can swim in the sea, watch spectacular sunsets, and in the evenings there are amazing fire shows.

East Reilai Beach. This part of the coast is beautiful but less suitable for swimming. In addition to the fact that it is shallow, during low tide the water goes for hundreds of meters. On the other hand, the landscape is decorated with lush greenery, dense mangrove forests – very beautiful to look at.

Other advantages of the location:

• The high limestone cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world.
• Developed tourist infrastructure. Guests are accommodated in bungalows, mid-priced hotels on East Railay, and luxury resorts centered on West Railay. Interestingly, one of them – Royavadee, covers both coasts and has a restaurant on the beach Ao Phra Nang.
• Nearby is the island of Ao Nang, which can be reached by boat in 15 minutes.
• Phra Nang Cave Beach is home to the famous Phra Nang Cave. Inside it is the Phra Nang Sanctuary, which is revered and worshipped by sailors living in the area. Upon entering the cave and looking outside, tourists will see the mouth of the cave with stalactites coming down to form an attractive chandelier. This is a real natural viewing platform, from which it is convenient to admire the sunset.

Nuance: the entrance here is free. The convenient location attracts a lot of tourists and locals. For privacy, it is better to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening.

Day on a private yacht: Phuket to Railay beach peninsula and back

Experience the enchanting beauty of Railay Beach Peninsula with our one-day tour that will give you a break from the hustle and bustle of Phuket. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, immerse yourself in the tranquility and unspoiled nature of the Raleigh Beach Peninsula. A tour by sea to the peninsula will allow you to take in the magnificent views of the islands and azure sea from the comfort of your luxury yacht. By including this trip in your vacation itinerary, you are guaranteed to remember it for years to come.

Why you should use our services:

• Individual approach. We are ready to take into account all your wishes and preferences, whether it is the organization of a romantic dinner or trolling fishing from the yacht.
• Unrivaled comfort. We have cozy spacious cabins, as well as attentive staff.
• Transparent pricing. Say goodbye to hidden fees that often catch tourists off guard when traveling.
• Safety. Crew members are experienced professionals: guarantee your safety throughout the journey.

Get started planning your exclusive Railay Beach yacht trip. Contact us today and the memories of this adventure will be some of the best of your life.

How far is Railay Beach from Phuket?

In a straight line it is about 44 km (24 nautical miles) from Ao Po Grand Marina to Railay Beach. This is an approximate straight-line distance, not an exact navigational figure — the actual route on the water is always somewhat longer. From Chalong Pier in the south it is about 58 km — well over an hour under way. We measure routes towards the Krabi side from Ao Po: the hour saved stays with the islands.

For a motor yacht, a crossing of this length typically takes about 1–2 hours, depending on the yacht, the weather and the state of the sea. Ao Po Grand Marina is the closest departure point for Phang Nga Bay and the Krabi side, so we measure routes in that direction from there. Your exact pier depends on where the boat is berthed and is confirmed when you book.

When planning a longer day on the water, this trip is often combined with Koh Poda or Chicken Island (Koh Kai).

Where does this route depart from? Chalong Pier and the island's marinas are compared in where yachts depart from in Phuket.

How long does the trip take on different boats?

Railay Beach is about 44 km from Ao Po Grand Marina (about 58 km from Chalong Pier), and that distance sits differently on different hulls.

How long does the trip take on different boats?

Boat	Cruising speed	One way
Speedboat	25–35 knots	~1 h
Motor yacht	9–28 knots	~1.3 h
Power catamaran	8–18 knots	~1.8 h
Sailing catamaran	5–7 knots	~4.5 h

Times are calculated and run a little longer in practice: the captain eases off in swell and close to shore.

What is there to do at Railay?

Railay is not an island but a peninsula: joined to the mainland, yet cut off from it by sheer cliffs, so it can be reached only by water. Hence the main impression — a place with no road to it.

The Railay cliffs are one of the best-known rock-climbing spots in Asia, and the routes start right from the beach. Nearby are caves and a lagoon reached by a steep path. For those arriving from the water on their own boat there is a separate advantage: ferries and longtails bring people in waves, and between the waves the beach is almost empty.

How a day at Railay Beach actually goes

How a day at Railay Beach actually goes

Time	Full day
08:00	depart
09:30	first stop, the bay is empty
11:00	move to the second anchorage
12:30	lunch on board at anchor
14:00	third stop or back to the first
15:00	head back
17:00	alongside

The schedule is yours to move: a private charter has no timetable to hold to. But the eight o'clock departure is worth keeping — the tour boats reach the popular anchorages between ten and eleven, and the first hour and a half decides what kind of day it becomes.

This destination is not taken as a half day: after the crossing each way there would be an hour and a half left on the island itself.

When is the best time to go, and when is it not?

From November to April the Andaman side has calm water and predictable visibility — this is the main season. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings wind and swell in bands rather than continuously: there are calm weeks in July and rough days in December.

In practice, in low season the route is chosen on the morning, not a week ahead. The captain reads the forecast and takes the side of the island that is in the lee. Trips are almost never cancelled — they change shape. If the weather genuinely does not allow a safe departure, it is discussed case by case.

Recommended yachts for a Railay Beach charter

Ready to explore Railay Beach in comfort and style? Here are two of our yachts perfectly suited for this trip:

• Technema 89 “Say Yes” — a spacious luxury yacht ideal for families and groups.
• Beluga 88 — a comfortable and stylish yacht for a memorable day on the water.

Browse our full yacht fleet or contact us to plan your private Railay Beach charter.

What does a trip to Railay Beach cost?

The price is per boat per day, not per person: from ฿18,900 for a speedboat for 4–12 guests, from ฿20,900 for a sailing catamaran for 8–120, from ฿33,900 for a motor yacht for 6–80, from ฿39,115 for a power catamaran, from ฿100,000 for a luxury yacht. The group shares one sum.

Fuel for the distance — about 88 km there and back — is added to the rate, plus fees where the route incurs them. Season moves the base rate by roughly a quarter: low season May to October, high season November to April, peak from 20 December. Full tables are on the yacht charter prices page.

What to bring

A hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a light long-sleeved shirt for the middle of the day — it protects better than any amount of cream. Swimwear worn under your clothes saves the changing routine. Cash in baht for fees, if the route incurs them. A dry bag if you take a phone into the water.

Towels, masks and fins, water, soft drinks, ice and life jackets in adult and child sizes are already on board. On full-day trips most boats include lunch.

Railay or Koh Poda — which should you choose?

Railay is a mainland peninsula with rock climbing and caves that cannot be reached by road. Koh Poda is an island with a beach and a view of the Koh Mo rock. Different experiences, 4 km apart. Koh Poda in detail.

Where do boats to Railay Beach depart from?

Routes into Phang Nga Bay and to the Krabi side are measured from Ao Po Grand Marina in the north-east of Phuket: from there it is about 44 km to Railay Beach against 58 km from Chalong. The hour of running saved stays on the islands themselves. The boarding point depends on where the particular boat is berthed and is confirmed at booking. All Phuket marinas.

Other destinations nearby

• Koh Poda — about 40 km from Ao Po, a beach and the view of the cliffs
• Chicken Island (Koh Kai) — about 38 km from Ao Po, a sandbar between islands
• Hong Island, Krabi — about 27 km from Ao Po, a beach and shallow water

Frequently asked questions

How far is Railay from Phuket?

About 44 km from Ao Po Grand Marina — roughly 1.3 hours on a motor yacht and about an hour and a half by speedboat. From Chalong Pier it is about 58 km.

Is Railay an island?

No, a peninsula: it is joined to the Krabi mainland but cut off from it by sheer cliffs, so it can be reached only by water.

Can Railay be reached by road?

No. There is no road to Railay — only water: by longtail, ferry or private boat.

What is there to see besides the beach?

The cliffs where some of the best-known rock-climbing routes in Asia start, the Phra Nang cave with its shrine, and the lagoon reached by a steep path.