Phuket to Railay Beach tickets

About the ride from Phuket to Railay Beach

After partying the days and nights away in Phuket, you might need a little chill time. 

Nearby Railay Beach is a must-see destination known for its stunning rock-climbing cliffs and beautiful tropical beaches.

This breathtaking peninsula juts out from the west coast of Thailand and is positioned between the town of Krabi to the northeast and Ao Nang Beach to the northwest. There are two beachfront areas — West Railay and East Railay. 

The quickest way to reach Railay Beach from Phuket is by sea. The journey is 30.6 miles (49 km) and takes between 1.5 to 3.5 hours.  

Four fascinating things to do in Railay Beach

There is no shortage of things to do in this region. But Railay has a few that are unique to the area…

1. Visit the Caves at Phra Nang. On the southern tip of the peninsula is Phra Nang Cave and Beach. The Princess Cave, at the southeast end, is a must-see because of the many legends attached to it.

Fishermen still give unusual offerings here, hoping for prosperity and fertility.

Another highly recommended cave is at the western end of Phra Nang Beach. This huge limestone cave has an excellent viewpoint and is worth a visit. It requires climbing some rickety bamboo ladders, so be prepared for an adventure! 

2. Do a little climbing. Railay Beach is very popular for rock climbing. If you are a seasoned rock climber, you’ll have a blast. For those who have never climbed before, there are options for beginners. Some companies provide experiences guided by professional climbing instructors. It is a great opportunity to get your feet wet in a beautiful climbing spot.  

3. Go island hopping. There are so many islands that dot the Andaman Sea and are within reach during a day trip from Railay Beach. Hire a longtail boat and do some snorkeling at the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Poda, Tup Island and Chicken Island. 

4. Stroll and shop. Railay Walking Street connects West Railay and East Railay. There are cafes, bars, tour companies and small shops. Take a stroll and find a souvenir or two from your trip. 

How to get from Phuket to Railay Beach

To travel from Phuket to Railay Beach, you can go by ferry or van + ferry. Railay Beach must be reached by boat, but the van + ferry combo option allows for a shorter boat ride if seasickness is an issue. 

By ferry 

There are many different ferry options for traveling to Railay Beach from Phuket. Tickets start at $18 per person.

The journey takes between 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the number of stops. There are multiple departures a day, so you’ll easily find a time that works for your itinerary. 

Operators also offer various departure and arrival locations. Amenities vary by ship but usually include A/C, TV, restrooms, food and drink for purchase, and a large luggage allowance. 

By van + ferry 

Combining a van and ferry ride will allow for more time on the road and less time on the sea. Plus, you have the advantage of getting picked up at your hotel nearly anywhere in Phuket. No need to worry about getting to one of the ferry ports across the island.

From there, you’ll take a ferry to the pier in Railay. You’ll need to make your own way to your accommodation.

Tickets start at $19 and will take around 1.5-3.5 hours. 

What to expect on the journey from Phuket to Railay Beach  

The scenery is stunning, with limestone islands jutting up from the turquoise-blue waters. It truly is paradise. But the ferry ride can be quite bumpy. Take motion sickness medicine in advance if bouncing on waves disturbs your stomach. 

It is a good idea to choose a seat with fresh air as much as possible and keep your eyes focused on the forward motion. 

When is the best time to visit Railay Beach?

Lucky for travelers, it is warm and tropical all year round, with an average temperature of 82℉ (28℃). 

Although it is the high season, the best time of the year to visit Railay Beach is during the dry season. This spans from November to late March or early April. 

If possible, avoid visiting during the monsoon season, which spans from May to October.

How many days should you spend at Railay Beach? 

Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend at Railay Beach — more if you’re a rock climber.  

Where to visit after Railay Beach 

If you’d like to continue your adventure through paradise, consider heading from Railay Beach to Koh Phi Phi or the Phi Phi islands. There are six breathtaking islands, and they all have different vibes.

The inhabited party island is called Phi Phi Don and is only 27 km (16.5 miles) away. 

You’ll be glad you took the time to visit these enchanting islands with powdery white sand beaches, turquoise water, and lush tropical forests.