Where is Railay? What are the attractions? Is it an island? For Thai tourists, it's probably not very well-known, but Europeans are very familiar with it.

Railay is a seaside tourist destination, a dream spot for world-class rock climbers. Its landscape is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs from west to east, forming Railay Bay, a stunning backdrop to the Andaman Sea waves.

Originally, Railay was a small fishing village with only a few households, cultivating coconut plantations mixed with fishing. Railay isn't an island; you have to reach it by boat. There was an attempt to build a road to Railay many years ago, but it was strongly opposed by conservationists. I strongly agree that a road shouldn't be built; the natural beauty would be lost – the trees, the canals, and my beloved spectacled langurs would likely decrease in number.

Railay today is very different from the Railay I knew 20 years ago. The resorts, accommodations, and facilities have all changed significantly, but the natural beauty remains unchanged. I've been there seven times, and the hotels are gradually being renovated to accommodate international tourists. Some new resorts have opened in Railay East, bringing the total number of rooms to approximately 650. Did you know that during peak season, like December, they're almost 99% full? That shows how popular they are with tourists. Electricity is now available after the government extended power poles all the way to the resorts, eliminating the need for generators like before. The phone system has also improved; previously, communication was limited to mobile phones.

Besides limestone cliffs and rock climbing, Railay has many other attractions, such as viewpoints overlooking two bays, the inner and outer Phra Nang caves, the Southern Spectacled Langurs, Phra Nang Cave Beach, canoeing, snorkeling, and the Four Islands tour including Koh Kai, Koh Tub-Talay Waek, Koh Poda, and Phra Nang Cave Beach.

Compared to Ao Nang, I think if you're going to the beach, you should take a boat to Railay. For an additional 80 baht per person and a 20-minute ride, you can enjoy nature much more. During the low season, you should board the boat at Ao Nam Mao instead of Ao Nang because of the rough seas. Compared to Phi Phi Island, Railay Beach feels cooler and more relaxing. This might be because of the tall limestone cliffs; by 3 PM, it's much cooler and less hot because the cliffs block the sun. The rows of coconut groves also create a shady atmosphere. You can hear birdsong more often here than on Phi Phi Island, where later at night you might hear the noise of pubs and bars, see drunk foreigners, and feel more stressed.

Compared to Patong in Phuket or Chaweng in Koh Samui, when you're on vacation, you prefer the natural beauty of the beach and the sea breeze. The first two seem to be too focused on convenience and bright lights.

• From Ao Nang, take a longtail boat, either privately or shared with others, for 80 baht per person. The journey takes 20 minutes. The peak season is November to April each year.

• From Ao Nam Mao, take a longtail boat for 800 baht per trip. You can park your car at the resort office at the pier. Arriving and disembarking at Ao Nam Mao pier is more convenient for those driving their own car, as there is parking available. If you have booked accommodation at Railay Resort (Railay Village, Sand Sea, Railay Bay, Railay Princess, Railay Viewpoint, Railay Great View), they have an office at the pier where you can park your car. The boat ride takes 15-20 minutes, a short circle around the bay. Ao Nam Mao is a sheltered area, accessible year-round.

• Bring cash: ATMs are available but limited.

• Shoes with grip are helpful if you plan to hike to the viewpoint or lagoon.

• December to February is peak season—book ahead.

• Keep mosquito repellent handy, especially around mangroves.

Entrance Fee:

• There is no entrance fee to the headland and beach area (only the ferry fare is charged).

Opening Hours:

• The area is open 24 hours a day (but public long-tail ferries mainly operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; after that, private overnight charters are available).