While in Thailand, Val and I met up with some friends on Railay Beach. To get there we took the long tail boats from Ao Nam Mao to East Railay Beach. This is the most convenient route if you’re arriving into Krabi Airport with luggage. If you’re traveling to the hotels on Railay, I would recommend using the East Railay boats as opposed to the Railay Beach boats, there’s a dock on each side.
The ride costs 100 Bhat($3 USD) per person, the boats run regularly between 9:00am and 6:30pm. Outside of those hours you can still go, just expect to pay for the whole boat, 1000 Bhat($30 USD).
Bottom Line: Getting to Railay Beach will always involve a longtail boat ride. Getting there from Ao Nam Mao is quick and cheap.
Ao Nam Mao to Railay East Quick Guide
- Boats run regularly between 9:00 am and 6:30 pm, the cost is 100 Bhat($3 USD)/person. Outside of these hours the cost is 1000 Bhat($30 USD) as you’ll essentially have a private boat.
- Pack light, you’ll need to handle your own luggage.
- The longtail boats are somewhat small and you’ll be in the weather, dress and prep your bags appropriately.
- There is a dock on both ends, no beach landing required.
- From Dock to Dock the trip takes about 15-20 minutes. The views along the way are fantastic.
Ao Nam Mao to Railay Pier Location
This part’s easy, go here. There’s a ticket office with a big sign. If you arrive after hours, go right to the end of the road and the little shack. Unfortunately you’re likely not going to pay 100 bhat($3 USD) for a seat. You’re going to have to buy the whole boat for 1000 bhat($30USD).
Our Grab driver knew exactly where to go. He dropped us off right out front and then helped with our bags. The ride here from the airport took about 35-45 minutes.
After getting our tickets you walk down the street to the little hut. Again, lots of signs to direct you into the right place.
Ao Nam Mao to Railay East Tickets
Tickets cost 100 Bhat/person($3 USD). Between 9:00am and 6:30pm the boats run regularly. They mostly wait for a full load of people, but will run if it’s been longer than about 30 minutes.
With your ticket in hand, you go inside the little hut to wait for the next departure.
Ao Nam Mao to Railay East Boat Ride
We waited with the other passengers in the little hut. There’s benches to relax on while people gather.
After about 20 minutes it was time to leave, the boat drivers make an announcement and then we all walk down the pier to the boats.
Don’t expect much help with luggage or boarding. There is a good pier so no wading into the water, but you’ll want to be able to easily carry all of your stuff with one hand.
We were soon on the way. The ride between Ao Nam Mao and Easi Railay takes about 15 minutes. I would recommend sitting all the way in the back or right in the front. The front has a great view but a chance of getting wet. The back will be the most protected, but a littler hard to see the view.
The scenery is really amazing along the way. Our weather was very good, relatively smooth water and no rain. Just keep in mind you might not be so lucky.
On that note, be a little selective on where you sit. The first seat on the bench will get a little wet. I’m super glad we have our pelican cases, they’re waterproof and we don’t have to worry about our things.
Railay East Arrival
After our quick ride over, we approached the East Railay pier. Unlike going to Railay beach, we don’t have to get into the water, there’s a nice floating dock to just walk on.
Use a little care when walking on the floating dock at Railay East, it can be slick but really is in great shape. Val and I had no issues with our bags during this trip, but we back light. Large luggage would not be fun on this trip.
Ao Nam Mao to East Railay Beach Final Thoughts
This boat ride between Ao Nam Mao and East Railay is actually really easy and scenic. For 100 Bhat($3 USD) you can ride on a long tail boat with a dock on each side. No pre-booking is needed, just show up with cash. The boats to Railay Beach don’t have a dock on both ends so you have to do a beach landing at Railay. If you’re going to Railay with luggage or the hotels you want to use the longtail boats to Railay East.
Even with a dock on both sides, you’ll want to back light, you’re responsible for your own luggage on and off the boats. If you opt for the private option after hours(1000 Bhat), they will usually help with bags.