Railay Garden View Resort consists of 19 rustic bungalows, clustered high up on a steep jungly hill overlooking the Andaman Sea. The freestanding, stilted bungalows have an authentic Thai feel, with thatched roofs, bamboo walls, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There’s no TV or air-conditioning in the rooms, and no hotel amenities like a pool, spa, or full restaurant, so this property is best suited for those looking for little more than beautiful views, low rates, and plenty of quiet. Travelers wanting to feel immersed in nature, but with a few more frills, might prefer Railay Phutawan Resort, which has a striking infinity pool and great pool bar, but is farther away from the sea.
Railay Garden View Resort consists of 19 rustic bungalows, clustered high up on a steep jungly hill overlooking the Andaman Sea. The freestanding, stilted bungalows have an authentic Thai feel, with thatched roofs, bamboo walls, wood furniture, and mosquito nets. There’s no TV or air-conditioning in the rooms, and no hotel amenities like a pool, spa, or full restaurant, so this property is best suited for those looking for little more than beautiful views, low rates, and plenty of quiet. Travelers wanting to feel immersed in nature, but with a few more frills, might prefer Railay Phutawan Resort, which has a striking infinity pool and great pool bar, but is farther away from the sea.
Railay Phutawan Resort is a budget-friendly property located in the jungle-shrouded hills of Railay, about a 10-minute walk from the east and west beaches. The resort offers beautiful views of the immense limestone cliffs (look closely for tiny rock climbers) and surrounding wilderness from its infinity pool, pool bar, restaurant, several outdoor relaxation areas, and many of its rooms. Of Phutawan’s 40 rooms and cottages, about eight have direct views of the cliff and sea from private balconies. Not all rooms have this outstanding perk, but all do have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free coffee/tea and bottled water. In all, this is one of the best values (and views) in Railay. For a private bungalow at a lower price point, look into Railay Garden View Resort; just know that that property lacks a pool, full restaurant, or air-conditioning.
Railay Phutawan Resort is a budget-friendly property located in the jungle-shrouded hills of Railay, about a 10-minute walk from the east and west beaches. The resort offers beautiful views of the immense limestone cliffs (look closely for tiny rock climbers) and surrounding wilderness from its infinity pool, pool bar, restaurant, several outdoor relaxation areas, and many of its rooms. Of Phutawan’s 40 rooms and cottages, about eight have direct views of the cliff and sea from private balconies. Not all rooms have this outstanding perk, but all do have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free coffee/tea and bottled water. In all, this is one of the best values (and views) in Railay. For a private bungalow at a lower price point, look into Railay Garden View Resort; just know that that property lacks a pool, full restaurant, or air-conditioning.
This secluded, mid-range property is the easternmost hotel on Railay East, surrounded by jungle and sea, and a 10- to 15-minute walk from restaurants and bars. Its 42 rooms are freestanding cottages scattered up the hill (resort paths are steep and stairs copious). Accommodations have private decks, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests come here for the faraway forest setting and the views from the striking infinity pool, sundeck, and open restaurant (where free breakfast is served). The "and Spa" part of the resort name is a bit of a misnomer, as there's just a pavilion for Thai massage and no fitness center. Also, many complain about mosquitoes getting into the rooms and roaring boat engines in the bay below. Travelers looking to be on flatter ground and closer to the action could consider Railay Bay Resort & Spa on laid-back Railay West.
This secluded, mid-range property is the easternmost hotel on Railay East, surrounded by jungle and sea, and a 10- to 15-minute walk from restaurants and bars. Its 42 rooms are freestanding cottages scattered up the hill (resort paths are steep and stairs copious). Accommodations have private decks, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests come here for the faraway forest setting and the views from the striking infinity pool, sundeck, and open restaurant (where free breakfast is served). The "and Spa" part of the resort name is a bit of a misnomer, as there's just a pavilion for Thai massage and no fitness center. Also, many complain about mosquitoes getting into the rooms and roaring boat engines in the bay below. Travelers looking to be on flatter ground and closer to the action could consider Railay Bay Resort & Spa on laid-back Railay West.
The 49-room Railay Village Resort is a four-pearl property on West Railay Beach, where limestone cliffs jut out of the water and long-tail boats anchor offshore. On the sand is an open-air restaurant serving breakfast (not included in all rates), and a cute cafe with coffee and ice cream. Two pools are tucked into the gardens, and there are also a small spa, and tour desk. Rooms have decorative wooden touches, are pleasantly furnished, and offer poolside balconies or patios, while Villas offer whirlpool tubs under skylights. But some rooms have dated decor and fixtures in disrepair. For more modern rooms -- plus thatched-roof villas and a gym -- guests could consider Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa on Railay East.
The 49-room Railay Village Resort is a four-pearl property on West Railay Beach, where limestone cliffs jut out of the water and long-tail boats anchor offshore. On the sand is an open-air restaurant serving breakfast (not included in all rates), and a cute cafe with coffee and ice cream. Two pools are tucked into the gardens, and there are also a small spa, and tour desk. Rooms have decorative wooden touches, are pleasantly furnished, and offer poolside balconies or patios, while Villas offer whirlpool tubs under skylights. But some rooms have dated decor and fixtures in disrepair. For more modern rooms -- plus thatched-roof villas and a gym -- guests could consider Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa on Railay East.
The 123-room Sand Sea Resort is a mid-range property on Railay's western beach. It's within walking distance of a number of restaurants and bars, and it's close to the pier where the boats arrive from the mainland -- the only way to access the hotel. Rooms are spacious, but mostly dated, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee makers, and furnished balconies or terraces. Though guests can dine by the beach with gorgeous sunset views, and breakfast is free, there's no alcohol here and the food quality can be mediocre at best. The two outdoor pools are lovely, relaxing spaces, and the spa offers massages and other treatments. As an alternative, the nearby Railay Bay Resort & Spa is slightly more upscale, but it's also more expensive.
The 123-room Sand Sea Resort is a mid-range property on Railay's western beach. It's within walking distance of a number of restaurants and bars, and it's close to the pier where the boats arrive from the mainland -- the only way to access the hotel. Rooms are spacious, but mostly dated, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee makers, and furnished balconies or terraces. Though guests can dine by the beach with gorgeous sunset views, and breakfast is free, there's no alcohol here and the food quality can be mediocre at best. The two outdoor pools are lovely, relaxing spaces, and the spa offers massages and other treatments. As an alternative, the nearby Railay Bay Resort & Spa is slightly more upscale, but it's also more expensive.
The 28-villa Sunrise Tropical Resort is a mid-range resort located on the quieter eastern side of Railay. It's situated on a lovely property teeming with tropical vegetation and palm trees, but it doesn't have direct beach access -- Railay Beach is a five-minute walk across the isthmus. Chalets and villas are spacious and include the requisite modern conveniences, although some still have old-style tube TVs. Furnished balconies are nice, and some villas have private outdoor showers. The pool is an inviting space for relaxing outdoors, and there's a casual open-air restaurant serving all meals, though alcohol isn't available. Travelers who don't mind paying more could check out the Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa, which has a spa and gym plus villas with private pools.
The 28-villa Sunrise Tropical Resort is a mid-range resort located on the quieter eastern side of Railay. It's situated on a lovely property teeming with tropical vegetation and palm trees, but it doesn't have direct beach access -- Railay Beach is a five-minute walk across the isthmus. Chalets and villas are spacious and include the requisite modern conveniences, although some still have old-style tube TVs. Furnished balconies are nice, and some villas have private outdoor showers. The pool is an inviting space for relaxing outdoors, and there's a casual open-air restaurant serving all meals, though alcohol isn't available. Travelers who don't mind paying more could check out the Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa, which has a spa and gym plus villas with private pools.
Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa, with 60 rooms and villas, is a four-pearl property tucked into the palms on the eastern side of Railay, a 10-minute walk to Railay Beach and only reachable via boat transfer. Modern rooms have minimalist Thai decor with balconies or patios and garden and/or partial sea views -- many also have soaking tubs. An outdoor pool and an open-air restaurant overlook the Andaman Sea and the area's signature karsts, and the hotel has a spa and a sparsely equipped gym that's open 24 hours as well. For a hotel with direct beach access, travelers may want to compare prices at Railay Village Resort.
Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa, with 60 rooms and villas, is a four-pearl property tucked into the palms on the eastern side of Railay, a 10-minute walk to Railay Beach and only reachable via boat transfer. Modern rooms have minimalist Thai decor with balconies or patios and garden and/or partial sea views -- many also have soaking tubs. An outdoor pool and an open-air restaurant overlook the Andaman Sea and the area's signature karsts, and the hotel has a spa and a sparsely equipped gym that's open 24 hours as well. For a hotel with direct beach access, travelers may want to compare prices at Railay Village Resort.
The Railay Bay Resort & Spa is an upper-middle-range property that spans the Railay isthmus from the laid-back western beach to the more lively eastern side of the peninsula. The location is hard to beat -- and the west side views of Krabi's karsts are amazing -- but the resort's 130 rooms can be dated, and it's a long walk to the swimmable western beach from rooms on the east side. The hotel has a pricey restaurant and a waterfront pool perched on the western beach, both with Andaman Sea views. For nicer rooms, travelers can consider Bhu Nga Thani Resort, but it doesn't have a beachfront location.
The Railay Bay Resort & Spa is an upper-middle-range property that spans the Railay isthmus from the laid-back western beach to the more lively eastern side of the peninsula. The location is hard to beat -- and the west side views of Krabi's karsts are amazing -- but the resort's 130 rooms can be dated, and it's a long walk to the swimmable western beach from rooms on the east side. The hotel has a pricey restaurant and a waterfront pool perched on the western beach, both with Andaman Sea views. For nicer rooms, travelers can consider Bhu Nga Thani Resort, but it doesn't have a beachfront location.
The Rayavadee Resort is a luxury beachside property with an idyllic locale that’s only reachable by boat. Set across 26 tropical acres inspired by a southern Thai village, each of the hotel's 102 stand-alone rooms are chic and private. They also include separate bedrooms and living rooms, large flat-screen TVs, and luxe bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The setting is stunning, with a massive outdoor pool wedged between Krabi's signature cliffs. Remote as it is, the resort's beaches are public and can become crowded in peak season. Four restaurants, bars, a luxe spa, tennis courts, and water sports round out the features. Travelers might also want to consider the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, which has similar style and amenities, and offers easier access to shopping and restaurants.
The Rayavadee Resort is a luxury beachside property with an idyllic locale that’s only reachable by boat. Set across 26 tropical acres inspired by a southern Thai village, each of the hotel's 102 stand-alone rooms are chic and private. They also include separate bedrooms and living rooms, large flat-screen TVs, and luxe bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The setting is stunning, with a massive outdoor pool wedged between Krabi's signature cliffs. Remote as it is, the resort's beaches are public and can become crowded in peak season. Four restaurants, bars, a luxe spa, tennis courts, and water sports round out the features. Travelers might also want to consider the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, which has similar style and amenities, and offers easier access to shopping and restaurants.
