Railay View Point
Railay View Point
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RaunaqSinghPunn
New Delhi, India230 contributions
Jan 2020
Railay View Point is accessible from the pathway connecting PhraNang Beach to Rialay Beach. The starting part of the climb is quite steep, thus demoralizing most of the climbers. Thereafter the climb is mediocre, I wont call it easy. As we did not plan to trek this so we were in our beach slippers/flip flops which added to the difficulty. Although the climb is assisted by ropes but one needs to be careful.
Midway through the climb the route is bifurcated wherein one road leads to the Railay View Point and another road leads to the Railay Lagoon.
Its a apprx 20-25mins climb to the View Point from the ground. But the view from there is worth the effort. The view point is a small area with a capacity to accommodate 5-6 people one time. View from the top can be seen from the attached photos.
On returning we planned to visit Railay Lagoon as well. But the climb or I should say the climb-down to the lagoon was much more difficult and steep. On top of this, we were not wearing our shoes so we decided not to pursue it.
If you plan to visit the view point/lagoon, I would recommend to carry your shoes and a bottle of water.
Midway through the climb the route is bifurcated wherein one road leads to the Railay View Point and another road leads to the Railay Lagoon.
Its a apprx 20-25mins climb to the View Point from the ground. But the view from there is worth the effort. The view point is a small area with a capacity to accommodate 5-6 people one time. View from the top can be seen from the attached photos.
On returning we planned to visit Railay Lagoon as well. But the climb or I should say the climb-down to the lagoon was much more difficult and steep. On top of this, we were not wearing our shoes so we decided not to pursue it.
If you plan to visit the view point/lagoon, I would recommend to carry your shoes and a bottle of water.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessica A
Philadelphia, PA84 contributions
Jan 2020
I read a lot of TA reviews before going on this hike and I wasn't sure what to think. For context- I am a deconditioned, but not overweight, 45-yo female. The hike to the viewpoint ended up being easier that I thought it would be. I didn't want my white sneakers to get dirty so I hiked in my sandals and it was fine. It took less than an hour to get to the viewpoint. If you are in halfway decent shape this hike is no problem.
I recommend doing this early in the day to avoid other hikers and the heat.
As far as the lagoon goes, I dared not venture down this trail after reading the TA warnings. My 22 yo son did so I sat and waited for him. I watched as several people hiked down and then came back without descending all the way into the lagoon. When my son returned after an hour, he said it wasn't that hard and that I could have done it. I don't know if he or TA is right, but he loved it and said it was one of the best parts of our trip to Thailand. Very few people were there, and the tide was high so the lagoon was not muddy.
I recommend doing this early in the day to avoid other hikers and the heat.
As far as the lagoon goes, I dared not venture down this trail after reading the TA warnings. My 22 yo son did so I sat and waited for him. I watched as several people hiked down and then came back without descending all the way into the lagoon. When my son returned after an hour, he said it wasn't that hard and that I could have done it. I don't know if he or TA is right, but he loved it and said it was one of the best parts of our trip to Thailand. Very few people were there, and the tide was high so the lagoon was not muddy.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kaprifol
Oslo, Norway461 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Well, we were the «stupid ones» and wore flips flops. Not out of ignorance, but because we didn’t want to get our sneakers covered in red mud, which is impossible to wash off. That being said, I do not recommend wearing flip flops as the climb is steep and slippery, but we went during dry season and are reasonably fit and flexible.
It was an easy enough climb up, but somewhat harder going down. The view from the viewpoint is absolutely amazing and well worth it. Expect 15 minutes up and about the same down. Also recommended going an hour or so before sunset as there were hardly anyone else there.
It was an easy enough climb up, but somewhat harder going down. The view from the viewpoint is absolutely amazing and well worth it. Expect 15 minutes up and about the same down. Also recommended going an hour or so before sunset as there were hardly anyone else there.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Claire
Adelaide, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Was a fun, muddy hike to the view point. Definitely need sturdy walking shoes as it is very slippery after rain.
We didn’t go all of the way to the Lagoon as it seemed too steep but the view point was great
We didn’t go all of the way to the Lagoon as it seemed too steep but the view point was great
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hinalea
Manila, Philippines47 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Well worth the steep scramble up and down! We debated doing it with our two kids and decided to leave them behind. Wise decision as it was a very steep climb up and down! The view was gorgeous.
Wear sneakers and non-white clothes. The red dirt will stain everything and you need the traction of sneakers.
Note- if you want to make it all the way to the lagoon, you have to scramble up the hill, all the way down to the lagoon, back up the hill, and then down again so be prepared for the trip!
Wear sneakers and non-white clothes. The red dirt will stain everything and you need the traction of sneakers.
Note- if you want to make it all the way to the lagoon, you have to scramble up the hill, all the way down to the lagoon, back up the hill, and then down again so be prepared for the trip!
Written February 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen Browne
37 contributions
Feb 2020
Worth the climb up here, just to see the two beaches of Railay from a different viewpoint and relax.
It is a good climb up, not too difficult but try to have moderate fitness and good shoes on.
You will be covered in red clay/dirt so be prepared to be both dirty and sweaty.
It took me about 8 minutes from the bottom to the viewpoint, it's not that hard.
It is a good climb up, not too difficult but try to have moderate fitness and good shoes on.
You will be covered in red clay/dirt so be prepared to be both dirty and sweaty.
It took me about 8 minutes from the bottom to the viewpoint, it's not that hard.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bret M
San Francisco, CA67 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
It is a fairly easy 15-20 minute climb to the Viewpoint and worth the effort. As you've probably heard it is a great view and you could complete the hike and get back to your hotel in an hour. It looks intimidating at the beginning but really is a piece of cake (very easy). For those who want a longer outing and a fun experience continue on to the lagoon.
On my way to Phuket last evening I met a couple from the UK and without me mentioning a word they stated the "best and most interesting thing they've done so far in Thailand was the hike down to the lagoon at Railay" and I agree with them completely.
On the hike to the Viewpoint you will see a sign which says "Lagoon 20 meters" but this is deceiving. It will take you 45-60 minutes to get to the lagoon bottom depending on how many people are on the hike as there may bottlenecks at the rope climbing areas and you will need to wait. After about 10 minutes of hiking (and thinking what happened to the 20 meters...) you will see a large tree in what appears to be in the middle of an empty lagoon but do not be fooled as you are not at the bottom. I was about to turn around but my friend continued on toward the back and found it went further down. There are several areas which drop straight down 15-20 meters and will entail a combination of rock climbing and rope climbing. These are more challenging then the ropes taken previously to the Viewpoint so if those gave you a problem do not pursue going to the lagoon. On the ledges where the ropes are located you will find the bottlenecks and may need to wait and/or assist people getting up and down. At some points there are two sets of ropes but observe carefully and choose wisely as some are much easier than others. My friend took one route and rather than waiting I took the other route and found myself going down the rope with only my arms as there was no place for me to get a footing.
At the bottom you can reward yourself with a dip in the pool and views of the limestone karsts on all sides. Each day the depth of the lagoon pool varies and appears to be tidal. This is evidenced as when we went the water was about 1 meter deep, however, the UK couple I spoke to who went the day after us said it was 2-1/2 meters deep and there was no rain overnight. Suggest you bring shoes which allows you to walk on rocks as it was quite painful getting into and out of the pool on the sharp rocks and the the muddy bottom wasn't pleasant to walk on. We wore gloves and sneakers but we observed numerous people at the lagoon in either flip flops or barefoot. The whole trip to the Viewpoint and lagoon took us about 3 hours with about 30-45 minutes at the bottom.
On my way to Phuket last evening I met a couple from the UK and without me mentioning a word they stated the "best and most interesting thing they've done so far in Thailand was the hike down to the lagoon at Railay" and I agree with them completely.
On the hike to the Viewpoint you will see a sign which says "Lagoon 20 meters" but this is deceiving. It will take you 45-60 minutes to get to the lagoon bottom depending on how many people are on the hike as there may bottlenecks at the rope climbing areas and you will need to wait. After about 10 minutes of hiking (and thinking what happened to the 20 meters...) you will see a large tree in what appears to be in the middle of an empty lagoon but do not be fooled as you are not at the bottom. I was about to turn around but my friend continued on toward the back and found it went further down. There are several areas which drop straight down 15-20 meters and will entail a combination of rock climbing and rope climbing. These are more challenging then the ropes taken previously to the Viewpoint so if those gave you a problem do not pursue going to the lagoon. On the ledges where the ropes are located you will find the bottlenecks and may need to wait and/or assist people getting up and down. At some points there are two sets of ropes but observe carefully and choose wisely as some are much easier than others. My friend took one route and rather than waiting I took the other route and found myself going down the rope with only my arms as there was no place for me to get a footing.
At the bottom you can reward yourself with a dip in the pool and views of the limestone karsts on all sides. Each day the depth of the lagoon pool varies and appears to be tidal. This is evidenced as when we went the water was about 1 meter deep, however, the UK couple I spoke to who went the day after us said it was 2-1/2 meters deep and there was no rain overnight. Suggest you bring shoes which allows you to walk on rocks as it was quite painful getting into and out of the pool on the sharp rocks and the the muddy bottom wasn't pleasant to walk on. We wore gloves and sneakers but we observed numerous people at the lagoon in either flip flops or barefoot. The whole trip to the Viewpoint and lagoon took us about 3 hours with about 30-45 minutes at the bottom.
Written November 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ryan C
Ko Lanta, Thailand15 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Great experience. My wife and I took a day trip to Railay and we wanted to check out the view point as we heard it is worth seeing. What we did not know was that you literally have to climb up a hill with ropes. At first it looked intimidating to me, but my wife was already half way up the first part so I had no choice. It was not that bad at all to the view point. Make sure you wear shoes; although there were a handful of people that did it bare foot. The view is amazing and worth the climb. A great way to meet people as it seems you are all in it together.
After the view point we opted to check out the lagoon which is about 150 feet (or so they say) from the view point. What the signs fail to mention is that it is pretty much straight down. Again my wife was jumping down the different parts so I was left with no choice but to follow. This was much harder than the climb to the view point. At certain places you have to use trust the ropes as the rocks get slippery and you do not always see where to put your feet on the way down. We were able to do it, but we did see many people turn around after getting half way to the lagoon. The lagoon was beautiful, although when we were there the water was shallow (not enough to swim which was a bummer because at that point we were dripping in sweat). The climb up from the lagoon was challenging.
All in all glad we did the trip and got a great workout as a side affect. I would definitely recommend the view point. If you are feeling adventurous check out the lagoon, but not required to enjoy a great climb. Hope this helps. RC
After the view point we opted to check out the lagoon which is about 150 feet (or so they say) from the view point. What the signs fail to mention is that it is pretty much straight down. Again my wife was jumping down the different parts so I was left with no choice but to follow. This was much harder than the climb to the view point. At certain places you have to use trust the ropes as the rocks get slippery and you do not always see where to put your feet on the way down. We were able to do it, but we did see many people turn around after getting half way to the lagoon. The lagoon was beautiful, although when we were there the water was shallow (not enough to swim which was a bummer because at that point we were dripping in sweat). The climb up from the lagoon was challenging.
All in all glad we did the trip and got a great workout as a side affect. I would definitely recommend the view point. If you are feeling adventurous check out the lagoon, but not required to enjoy a great climb. Hope this helps. RC
Written May 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Magellanic47
Bangkok, Thailand1,049 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Rain? Stay away.
Dark? Stay away.
Drunk? Stay away.
Children? Stay away.
The first 60 meter climb is at a severe and steep angle and some agility and strength is required.
Once over the hard part.. the hike to the lookout point is fairly easy.
And the view absolutely worth it.
Dark? Stay away.
Drunk? Stay away.
Children? Stay away.
The first 60 meter climb is at a severe and steep angle and some agility and strength is required.
Once over the hard part.. the hike to the lookout point is fairly easy.
And the view absolutely worth it.
Written April 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frankie Wreyford
162 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Me and my husband climbed the mountain to the Railay view point, beautiful, fun and tranquil. I really recommend a visit!
Written February 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1Gogo
Landskrona, Sweden8 contributions
Hejsan! Den här utsiktsplatsen heter ju Railay Beach Viewpoint men jag har läst någonstans att det ligger på Phi Phi Iland. Är det så eller ligger den vid Railay Beach? Kan inte riktigt hitta rätt svar.....
Vill också passa på att fråga: Vilken Ö rekommenderar ni Koh Lanta eller Phi Phi??
Mvh/ Goga
Muss man zuerst mit dem Boot an den beach, oder ist der Track auch von der anderen Seite aus zu starten?
jaja_queiroz
Geneva, Switzerland53 contributions
Railey beach est accessible uniquement par bateau.
Erin H
Honolulu, HI11 contributions
Are there 2 viewpoints?
Kim wahlund
66 contributions
NO there is only 1 viewpoint
Amit H
10 contributions
can i go there from pharanang beach?
stevewolfcub
Bury St. Edmunds, UK130 contributions
from a previous answer....get a longtail taxi boat from Ao Nang beach to West Railey for 100b each, walk through to East railey, then walk to south end of the beach and follow path behind Rayvadee resort to Pranang beach. 100 m along this path is a shelter with sign to the viewpoint, take plenty of water and sensible shoes as climb is steep, sweaty and scrambly, use of hands is required, and after rain it will be muddy. can also visit the lagoon, but requires a tricky descent. after the descending from the climb, continue along the path to pranang bach and take a dip in the sea to wash off the dirt and sweat.... if you dont want to walk all the way back to west railey, there are longtail boatmen on pranang to take you directly back to ao nang...
kris_datz
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia7 contributions
Hi, I am currently in Krabi and want to hike the viewpoint. Does anyone know how to get there without going with a tour guide coz we've already got a car. Thanks a bunch
stevewolfcub
Bury St. Edmunds, UK130 contributions
get a longtail taxi boat from Ao Nang beach to West Railey for 100b each, walk through to East railey, then walk to south end of the beach and follow path behind Rayvadee resort to Pranang beach. 100 m along this path is a shelter with sign to the viewpoint, take plenty of water and sensible shoes as climb is steep, sweaty and scrambly, use of hands is required, and after rain it will be muddy. can also visit the lagoon, but requires a tricky descent. after the descending from the climb, continue along the path to pranang bach and take a dip in the sea to wash off the dirt and sweat.... if you dont want to walk all the way back to west railey, there are longtail boatmen on pranang to take you directly back to ao nang...
Hi I m planning to go phuket for 2 night krabi for 2 nights ñ Bangkok for 3 night...pls suggest which best thing can't be missed. ...where to water activities at which place....ñ I m have booked 1 for phI phi island from phuket....sir I want cover maximum thing ....I going for my honeymoon ñ I don't want to miss single thing in Thailand. ...so pls revert me ...I will reach krabi on 7th may 2016
Sashasosweet73
Essex, UK61 contributions
Agree with above, boat trips can be crowded and rushed. The best place for me was Railay beach. I wish i could move there. Avoid elephant ride, the animals are abused and not looked after.
View Point at Railey is worth seeing but the trip down the lagoon is not safe, there is no regard for health and safety in Thailand
Railay View Point (Railay Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Railay View Point
- We recommend booking Railay View Point tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Railay View Point tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Railay View Point:
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- Hotels near Railay View Point:
- (0.27 mi) Rayavadee
- (0.26 mi) Avatar Railay Krabi
- (0.29 mi) Bhu Nga Thani Resort Railay
- (0.25 mi) Railay Princess Resort & Spa
- (0.54 mi) Railei Beach Club
- Restaurants near Railay View Point:
- (0.17 mi) Krua Phranang, Rayavadee Resort
- (0.37 mi) Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Pizza
- (0.43 mi) Bang Bang Bar
- (0.21 mi) The Grotto Restaurant
- (0.37 mi) Railay Family Restaurant