Railay Beach is a fun-filled beach area known for Phra Nang Nai Cave and Phra Nang Cave Beach. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're scuba diving with your friends, relaxing on the beaches, or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Railay Beach, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Railay Beach?
A typical traveler spends $139 (฿4,441) per day on a trip to Railay Beach. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Railay Beach based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $43 (฿1,366) on meals
- $29 (฿929) on local transportation
- $145 (฿4,624) on hotels
A one-week trip to Railay Beach for two people costs, on average, $1,952 (฿62,174). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$976
฿31,087
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,952
฿62,174
-
One Month
Per person
$4,184
฿133,230
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,952
฿62,174
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,905
฿124,348
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,367
฿266,460
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Railay Beach cost?
A one week trip to Railay Beach usually costs around $976 (฿31,087) for one person and $1,952 (฿62,174) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Railay Beach on average costs around $1,952 (฿62,174) for one person and $3,905 (฿124,348) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Railay Beach will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Railay Beach on average costs around $4,184 (฿133,230) for one person and $8,367 (฿266,460) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Railay Beach expensive to visit?
In Railay Beach, budget travelers spend $56 (฿1,788) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $139 (฿4,441) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $338 (฿10,755) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Railay Beach.
Railay Beach is a popular beach area that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You may find Railay Beach to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
Within Asia, Railay Beach is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Railay Beach is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Railay Beach Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Railay Beach?
The average Railay Beach trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Railay Beach travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Railay Beach cost?
Railay Beach on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$29
(฿923)
|
$73
(฿2,312)
|
$179
(฿5,714)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$13
(฿406)
|
$29
(฿929)
|
$56
(฿1,774)
|
|
Food2
|
$17
(฿551)
|
$43
(฿1,366)
|
$103
(฿3,290)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$10
(฿306)
|
$26
(฿836)
|
$78
(฿2,471)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$4-11
(฿117-350)
|
$9-26
(฿271-813)
|
$17-52
(฿549-1,646)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Railay Beach cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $56 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Railay Beach will want to visit Phra Nang Nai Cave or Phra Nang Cave Beach. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $139 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $338 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the beach area with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Railay Beach
In Railay Beach, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak winter season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $, but during peak season they jump to an average of $. You can find budget options starting at $ up to luxury rates at $. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Railay Beach for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $145 (฿4,624). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $73 (฿2,312) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Railay Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
There are multiple resorts available in this beach area. You might be able to find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many have onsite restaurants.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than winter, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.
Many enjoy discovering Railay Beach by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Transportation Budget in Railay Beach
Railay Beach does not have a good public transit system. The area is only accessible by boat and there is no road transportation.
Visitors who prefer to discover the area by walking will find it enjoyable. The area has no cars or road transportation so everything, including the beaches are easy to walk to.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $29 (฿929) per person, per day, on local transportation in Railay Beach. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Railay Beach is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
฿929
Everything on Rai Leh is within walking distance. Walking should be no problem - unless you're looking to go to Ton Sai. That region is a longer walk through the jungle. There are no cars or bicycles anywhere on the peninsula.
How much does it cost to go to Railay Beach? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Railay Beach will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Railay Beach
While the culinary offerings in Railay Beach are good, many people don't specifically come here for the cuisine. Look for a few special spots around the beach area that are worth a try. You'll find a number of tourist oriented restaurants. Many are affiliated with hotels and resorts and serve the standard Thai options along with pizza and burgers.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Railay Beach can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Railay Beach is $43 (฿1,366) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$43
฿1,366
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Railay Beach is around $43 (฿1366) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $103. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $13
- Lunch: $6 to $17
- Dinner: $13 to $30
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Rai Leh welcomes so many visitors, it's become a large influence on their dining options - mostly in that it's pleasing to everyone and largely expensive. For outstanding scenery, visit one of the four restaurants on Rai Leh West. For more variety and options, check out the dining selections on Rai Leh East. One small tip: try to get a restaurant near the Diamond Cave for the best view.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
You can save money and appreciate the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Stop by a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and find a lovely park or scenic area to enjoy your meal.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Typical food prices in Railay Beach, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
฿200
-
Pizza
฿170
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Railay Beach
It's easy to see why people visit Railay Beach, given its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Railay Beach typically cost an average of $26 (฿836) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
฿836
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Phra Nang Nai Cave for ฿200
- Phra Nang Cave Beach (Free)
The peninsula has loads to explore in the way of natural, geological wonders. The Phra Nang Cave, for example, is known as the Diamond Cave and the reason is no real mystery. Located on the east side of the peninsula, this sight has a small entrance fee that includes a walk along a boardwalk full of glittering formations.
The Phra Nang Shrine, located at the north end of Phra Nang Beach, is one of the manmade wonders of the area. Created to commemorate the spirit of the drowned princess the beach was named for. Fishermen offer tributes in exchange for her favor at this small shrine in a small cave.
For a stunning, but somewhat challenging view follow the path to the viewpoint of Rai Leh and Ton Sai. It's about a 20 minute climb to the top complete with rocks and tree roots. There is a rope to help with the climb, but be sure to wear sensible climbing shoes. After you've reached the viewpoint and taken enough photos, there is another path that leads down towards the jungle. It's another 20 minutes to the lagoon, but this path is steep, rocky, slimy and, most of all, dangerous. To travel to the lagoon you'll want to at least be in decent shape. Keep an eye for monkeys along the way, but only look, don't touch. Also, these little critters are notorious for pick-pocketing - so watch your belongings.
Rai Leh is the likely the best spot for winter rock climbing in the world. There are over seven hundred routes up the limestone faces that all lead to some of the most magnificent views over the ocean. There are guides operating along the peninsula to help climbers of all experiences. They can help the intro climbers and they'll offer rent-a-belay partners to be sure you get the full climbing experience.
If climbing isn't really your thing, there is also the opportunity for more water activities like diving, snorkeling or kayaking. Kayaking gives visitors a different, but just as stunning view of the areas. There are several spots where you could beach your kayak and explore eroded caves.
Plenty of other activities are available, too, so check out even more things to do in Railay Beach.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Railay Beach is one of the most popular activities. There are dive centers that offer both snorkeling and dive trips to nearby areas.
Beaches:
A large number of tourists find their way to Railay Beach for its beautiful beaches. The beaches are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs. There are three areas: Railay Beach West is scenic with its surrounding cliffs and popular resorts. This is the place to swim or watch the sunset. Railay Beach East is most popular for its rock climbing. You should also check out Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is the location of Phra Nang Cave.
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Railay Beach are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
-
Rock Climbing (for Two)
฿700
Nightlife Budget in Railay Beach
For nightlife, Railay Beach offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. It's a secluded area with a decent number of laid back bars that are usually associated with hotels or resorts. There's also a young crowd, including backpackers, who come for the beautiful setting and great rock climbing. This population insures that there's always something going on at night.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $17 (฿542) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Railay Beach per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
฿542
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.
Typical prices for alcohol and nightlife in Railay Beach are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the drink prices in Railay Beach. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, how often you drink alcoholic beverages, and how much you order. Keep in mind that if you want to save money on your trip, cutting out alcohol can make one of the biggest impacts on your travel budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Railay Beach
Longtails in Railay Bay
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
Because of the extreme mountains and oceans, Rai Leh is only accessible by boat. Most of them depart from Ao Nang or Krabi. Make sure you get there at a time to share the ride with someone - or else you'll be stuck with a pretty large price tag.
Neighborhoods & Around
The Rai Leh peninsula is split into four primary areas. Phra Nang is a beautiful beach covered in white sand. Located at the southern tip of the peninsula, this area can get crowded during the busy season. Because of this, there is typically a lot of noise from boats coming and going on this beach.
Rai Leh East is the mangrove side of the peninsula. It's not necessarily good for swimming or sunbathing, but there are some restaurants and bars. Rai Leh West is a lovely beach with shallow water where most of the boats from Ao Nang arrive. Watch for rocks under the water if you venture too far out.
Ton Sai is the cove around the corner from Rai Leh West where backpackers and climbers hang out in cheap bars and hotels to talk and practice climbing.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
My hotel here was amazing, it had a gorgeous pool and cute little bungalows right on the beach. I don't think it was the cheapest place here but it was so much cheaper than anything I would find near home. The food wasn't as cheap as other places around Thailand but I guess that's normal for a touristy place like this. If you go back a bit from the beach past the rock climbing outfitters you can find a row of cheaper restaurants that are not part of the resorts. We had some good meals here that were also pretty cheap.