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 The
Ao Nang and Railay peninsular is a land of incredible mountains,
impenetrable forests and beautiful beaches most inaccessible without
a boat.What any map can't effectively show you is how the striking
countryside actually is but to help you explore this amazing area
and choose where you want to base yourself to do that, the locations
of all the major hotels and resorts are shown here.
There are 3 beaches -Railay West, Railay East
and Phra Nang. Though on the peninsular, the area feels like an
island because it is only accessible by boat. In the 80's it was
a travelers paradise with its white sand beaches, aqua blue sea,
incredible limestone scenery, memorable sunsets, simple delicious
food, basic cheap bungalows, friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere.
Then came development. The beach, sunsets & scenery are still
as impressive, but the other elements have changed. Phra Nang beach
has virtually been taken over by the Luxury Dusit Rayavadee Resort
Complex. Rai Leh East & West beach suffer from over-crowding
as bungalow complexes are crammed into the small area between them.
Upgraded over the years, budget accommodation is now limited, often
full in the high season when most accommodation is overpriced. Food
standards are low. Staff are overworked, underpaid, complaints from
customers are common.
Despite the negative points, Railay is still one of the most beautiful
areas in Thailand, it has retained a relaxed atmosphere, and remains
a favorite with many visitors. Railay attracts many rock-climbers.
It is also a popular center for scuba diving.
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Local Transport :
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Bus Services to the beaches. Local minibuses leave from outside
the Seven Eleven store on Maharaj Road every 15 minutes, from 07:00
until 17:30; and go to Ao Nang, Noppharat Beach and The Shell Cemetery
Beach.
Journeys take about 40 minutes and cost 20 Baht per person, each
way. Buses also leave from outside Thaimit Tours on Ut-Tarakit Road
every 5 minutes for Wat Tham Seua Koa Gaew the famous Tiger Cave
Temple. The 9 Km journey costs 30 Baht per person, each way.
There are no roads at Rai Ley. You have to take small paths to
move this place.
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Wether of Railay :
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Rainy season : May-Dec
Monsoons : Sep- Nov
Dry season : Jan-Apr
Average Temp. : 17-37 degrees
High Season : Nov-May
Low Season : Jun-Oct
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Stoppover :
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Once a backpackers haven, budget options are decreasing as accommodation
is renovated and upgraded. Prices can be 3x as much during the high
season when it gets very crowded. Sometimes people have to sleep
a night or 2 on the beach while waiting for a vacancy.
High Season prices start Nov 1. The biggest season is the Xmas/New
years Day holiday. Discounts for longer stays.
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Sights :
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Rock-climbing (very popular), hiking, volleyball and the usual
sea-based activities - snorkeling(50B + fin 50B), diving, fishing
and kayaking are available. Beach: Tham Phra Nang Beach: 5 min from
the village. a very beautiful beach with a cave.
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