The ferry ride from Phuket to Railay Beach was quite the experience. Since the ferry is too large to reach the beach we had to transition to a smaller boat (with our luggage.) The smaller boat got us as close as possible to the shore but we still had to unload and carry our luggage in waist-high water until we reached land. Luckily, our hotel (Railay Bay Resort & Spa) was right on the beach and far nicer than we imagined.
First, check out that f***ing door! We had a private entrance into our little bungalow that also had an outdoor hot pool! The room was spacious and clean. Thailand is one of the few places we could afford something so nice! We paid $80 for the night and it was considered busy season. I couldn’t imagine the cost of something so cool in the states. The food at the restaurant was delicious and the pool overlooked the beach. They also offered free transportation when we booked our ferry tickets for the ride back to Phuket. Meaning we had a free ride from the Phuket ferry to our final lodging (Enjoy Hostel) close to the Phuket airport. That’s over an hour drive FO FREEEEE! We highly recommend Railay Beach Resort and Spa.
Eager to explore the island, we quickly organized our room and walked toward the east side of Railay that consists of bars, restaurants and mini shops. Railay does not have a market. We spent the evening at the Tree House bar and restaurant, enjoying the vibe and listening to live music. I requested Pearl Jam and he played “Last Kiss.” Beggars cant be choosers! I was impressed a local knew Pearl Jam at all!
Railay Beach Resort and Spa had a massive breakfast selection including a chef taking personal egg orders. We left our bags with the receptionists so we could explore one last time before departing in the late afternoon. There is a walking trail on the east side that leads to Pranang Beach and Cave. The paved trail, running against a limestone wall, is short and sweet with many divots and small passages.
Without any warning we discovered the Railay Viewpoint involved strenuous rock climbing. No one mentioned this and there were no signs other than one casually pointing up the rock hill “Viewpoint this way.” NO BIG DEAL. I was sweating profusely by the time I reached the top. The Viewpoint had a wonderful view of East and West Railay. Notice the East side is completely dry!
Just the beginning.. 
Railay East completely dry
We followed the trail to the secluded Phra Nang beach. The trail continued past the beach and through a cave where most explorers turned back. To our surprise, one of the rock formations was painted silver and gold. Nice little hidden gem.
We made our way back to the resort for some lunch and drinks on the beach. Lunch was great and it was our first time having mango sticky rice. I don’t know what all the hype is about? However, the coconut water was incredible and quite ballsy of me to try with our long journey ahead of us, (cough cough Siem Reap experience.) I’m really going to miss the food presentation.
We spent our last couple hours laying on Railay Beach surrounded by lush green mountains and ocean sounds. Our journey back to Texas was starting the next day and this day was the perfect ending to our trip. We were ecstatic when we discovered our flight from Shanghai to LA was ten hours opposed to the expected fourteen. GOLLY that was gold!
Thailand is such a magical place. Everything from the meal presentation to customer service was exceptional and done with such grace and beauty. Upon arrival, the hotels gave us chilled washcloths and freshly squeezed juice. Every meal was perfectly presented with flowers and mini umbrellas. The spas would wash your feet before taking you back for your massage. The tour guides and locals in each city were remarkably kind and welcoming. It’s a beautiful country with so much to explore. Thanks Thailand for the amazing experience. I hope to be back one day <3