Railay Peninsula is the undisputed rock climbing mecca of Thailand! Therefore, it is not surprising that people from all over the world flock to Railay to climb the majestic limestone karsts. There are over 700 bolted sport climbing routes ranging from beginner to extreme, which will keep any climber, novice to experienced, a happy climber for years! We anchored Thorfinn, our trusty sailing steed, at Railay for a couple of days to give our son Kye and his mate Jack a chance to check out this beautiful corner of the world and to test their skills against the daunting cliffs of this world-renowned rock climbing destination! Read more about Railay Beach here.
When I say “test their skills”, I do not mean they are experienced rock climbers, far from it. Our guests, Kye and Jack, are a couple of footy players from Australia, but like most 20-year-old guys, they are willing to give anything a go. With this in mind, we took them ashore, got them rigged up with a reputable climbing firm, and sat back to watch them scramble up the stunningly beautiful limestone karsts that this peninsula is composed of.
We chose Tex Climbing because it was in the right place at the right time! We were walking past the climbing shop as we discussed the upcoming climbing adventure. Upon discovering that Tex was likely the first climber to establish his own climbing business in Railay and that he was still operating, we signed the guys up for a climb. There are many reputable climbing schools and shops on the peninsula, and I am pretty sure they all charge around the same rate.
On the morning of the climb, the guys were fitted for their climbing gear and accompanied by a rock climbing guide to a beautiful spot on Phranang Beach. Rigged up, and a quick lesson later, they were taking turns scrambling up the cliff.
Kye and Jack completed three climbs of varying difficulty. As beginners, they started with a challenging but achievable route. After successfully finishing their first climb, they eagerly began their second ascent. This climb proved to be more demanding, featuring a difficult start that led up to a cave. Once inside, they faced the challenge of climbing out, up, and over the cave’s entrance. They concluded their climbing session with a third ascent, which, although not as high as the previous two, was a more technical climb that tested the new skills they had learned. If you’re looking to combine the adventure sport of rock climbing with a stunning tropical island destination, Railay is an excellent choice.
About Railay
Railay is a small peninsula located between Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand’s southern region. It is isolated from the mainland by mountains, jungle, and the Andaman Sea; therefore, it is accessible only by boat. Hence, Railay has a distinctly island-like feel about it. Railay has a lot more to offer than rock climbing. Activities to enjoy at Railay include, but are not limited to, sea kayaking, diving, snorkelling, jungle trekking and cooking classes.
More Information
Currency
Thai Baht (THB) written here as ฿ – Currently (Oct 2020) USD 1.00 is worth ฿31, and AUD 1.00 is worth ฿22
Rock Climbing
Tex Climbing
Half-day – 3 climbs
Cost – ฿1000
Included – all climbing gear and a bottle of water. 3 climbs of suitable grade.
Note: Take extra water with you. Don’t forget sunscreen and your camera.
Climbing schools and gear hire are also available.
Getting there
It is possible to get to Railay from Krabi and Ao Nang, as well as many of the nearby islands, including Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi.
For example, as quoted on Travelfish “A year-round ferry departs Railay at 15:00 and costs ฿650. In high season, a speedboat departs at 10:30 and costs ฿1,200. From Phuket, the year-round boat returns to Railay at 08:30”. Check out Travelfish for all the details.
For more information on how to get to Railay, check out this website- http://www.railay.com/railay/intro/getting_there.shtml
Accommodation
Accommodation prices start around ฿700. We use Booking.com to make all our bookings because the price you are quoted is usually the total price (including tax and other charges), and you pay for your accommodation upon arrival. Booking.com advertises a wide range of accommodation styles on Railay, ensuring you’ll find the perfect place.
eSim
eSIMs are a convenient way to stay connected while travelling. Simply purchase and install your eSIM before your trip and activate it from your device as soon as you land.
Simify makes the process easy. Click here to choose your destination and select a plan that suits your needs. After your purchase, you will receive an email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to install your eSIM. Once you arrive at your destination, enable data roaming, and your eSIM will automatically connect you to a local network.
Why choose Simify? Enjoy unlimited data for overseas travel at an affordable price, gain access to the internet as soon as you land, and avoid any additional fees.
To ensure your device is compatible, click here.
ATM & Wise
There are a few ATM’s at Railay.
Do you have your Wise card yet?
The Wise card is an excellent option for travellers, offering lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional credit and debit cards when spending or withdrawing money abroad. It provides flexibility, ease of use, and enhanced security features.
One of the significant advantages is its significantly lower fees compared to traditional banks, which can result in substantial savings when spending overseas. The Wise card is linked to a multi-currency Wise account, enabling you to hold and convert various currencies easily. You can use the card in over 160 countries and withdraw cash from 3 million ATMs worldwide.
Additionally, the Wise card is reloadable and reusable, making it perfect for multiple trips without the need to obtain a new card each time. The app further enhances your experience by allowing you to manage your money, track transactions, and convert currencies on the go.
More about Thailand
21 Budget Places to Stay in Thailand / To ride or not to ride? Elephant Tourism in Thailand. / What’s So Good About Chiang Mai? / How to get around Bangkok on a budget! / 13 Delicious Thai Street Foods You Must Try! / 5 things you must know about Pattaya!
Magical Koh Rok… and a turtle rescue! / 5 Must-Visit Islands in Tarutao National Marine Park / What Is The Right Time To Visit Koh Phayam? / Why I think Everyone Should Snorkel Koh Surin! / Seriously! Put Mu Koh Similan National Park on Your Bucket List / Diving and Snorkelling Thailand with Friends! / Unlikely Heroes get Tough with Trash in Paradise!
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