From Koh Lanta to Railay Beach: Ferry, Boat or Minivan

Island to Paradise: Navigating from Koh Lanta to Railay

Railay, nestled between Ao Nang and Krabi, attracts globetrotters from around the globe. Its dramatic limestone cliffs jutting out of the glistening waters and pristine beaches. Lodging on the peninsula ranges from backpacker-friendly bungalows to luxurious resorts gracing the western shores of Railay.

As you plan your journey from Ko Lanta to Railay Beach, your starting point is Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. Here, you can secure your ferry tickets. Koh Lanta consists of two main islands. Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, separated by a narrow strait. Koh Lanta Yai is the more developed and frequented one. Koh Lanta Noi offers a quieter and more pristine experience.

Before setting off on your Railay adventure, take some time to explore the vibrant souvenir shops. Indulge in delectable treats at the local food stalls near Saladan Pier. Once your departure time arrives, you'll board the ferry. You will embark on a scenic voyage across the Andaman Sea towards Railay Beach.

The distance between Koh Lanta and Railay Beach is easily covered by ferry. It provides an enjoyable sea journey that allows you to relish the awe-inspiring surroundings. Upon arriving at Railay Beach, the iconic limestone cliffs will greet you, setting the stage for your memorable experience. The expansive long beach stretches out before you, offering a tranquil ambiance for relaxation and exploration.

For those arriving at Krabi Airport, Railay is accessible via ferry from Ao Nang. It ensures a seamless transition from the airport to this enchanting peninsula.

How to get to Railay

The peninsula is accessible by boat only due to the high limestone cliffs that cut off the access to the mainland. The nearest airports are Krabi and Phuket as Railay doesn’t have an airport.

There are no cars on Railay, the main way of transportation is by foot. There are few motorcycles and bicycles on the peninsula. So basically getting to Railay from Koh Lanta will be by boat.

From Saladan Pier to Railay Bay

Railay doesn’t have an actual pier, there is no concrete on the beach, there is only the sea, the boats, and white sand.

There are two different trips available to travel from Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta to Railay Bay.

First, you’ll hop on a ferry from Saladan Pier. From there, you'll reach a nearby place to Railay. Then a local longtail boat will pick you up and drop you off on the bay.

The second one is a joint minivan + longtail boat ticket. from Saladan Pier you’ll get on a minivan to reach Ao Nam Mao Pier in Ao Nang.

Best time to visit

From November to April starts the high season on Railay. The sky is clear and blue, the sea is calm, and you get to enjoy the warm sunny weather. From Mid-December to Mid-February is the peak season. Railay becomes crowded with different people from all around the world and the lodging prices become higher.

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