Visit This Popular Thailand Destination For An Incredible Beach Vacation

Everyone has a different idea of the perfect beach day. Maybe you love lounging on the sand, alternating between reading a book and dozing off. Or maybe you love snorkeling and swimming in the ocean waves. Perhaps you prefer admiring the landscapes from a boat rather than in the water. Whatever you enjoy, Railay Beach in Krabi, Thailand has it. It's the perfect spot for those looking to relax with its scenic limestone cliffs and shimmering blue water, as well as those searching for adventure with its opportunities for water activities and rock climbing.

This beach is surrounded by rugged mountains and only accessible by boat. You can hop on a ferry from the neighboring islands of Phuket and Koh Lanta, or even further afield. For more traditional transportation, catch a local wooden longtail boat from Ao Nang. When traveling by boat you can take in views of the surrounding ocean and jungle as you venture to this magical beach.

Once you arrive at Railay Beach, you can begin your adventure. If you took the ferry and still want to experience a traditional longtail boat, you can hire someone to take you sailing around the area. This mode of transport allows you to island hop and see more remote places only accessible by boat.

Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or paddle board  — kayaking in Thailand is an especially wondrous experience. Freebird Paddle Company offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and longtail boat tours. You can choose between tours that range from an hour to a full day. There are tours to suit any schedule, with some setting out in the morning, afternoon, evening, and at night to see bioluminescent plankton.

If you'd rather make some waves instead of observing them, you can go for a swim, snorkel, or scuba dive. Railay Dive Center rents gear and hosts tours for those wanting to explore and learn more about the local sea life. They have options for seasoned scuba divers as well as those who've never done it before and are eager to give it a try.

If you want to explore the surrounding land or the limestone cliffs, you can venture into the caves or go rock climbing. Some notable sites include the Diamond Cave, which is filled with stalagmites and stalactites, and the Bat Cave, which has spectacular views of the beach below. For those looking for a little kick of adrenaline, there are multiple places to rock climb, including courses that range from beginner lead climbing to advanced deep water soloing.

You'll need a place to sleep when the day is done and your adventure is over. Fortunately, the area has accommodation options that cater to every type of traveler.  convenient and clean hostel like Blanco Hideout Railay, or a luxurious retreat, such as the Railay Village Resort and Spa.

Railay Beach is a beautiful place to visit — you won't be bored with the variety of water and land activities available to you. Next time you're looking for the best international vacation, plan a trip to Thailand and explore Railay Beach for yourself.