Tucked between towering limestone cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Railay Beach is truly spectacular. Staying at the Rayavadee Resort takes this coastal destination to a whole new level. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Railay Beach, look no further. This luxury hideaway delivers the perfect balance of seclusion, natural beauty, and high-end hospitality.
We spent two magical nights at Rayavadee during our two-week Thailand adventure. This incredible resort quickly became one of our favorite stays of the trip. Here’s everything you need to know about staying at this iconic resort—including what makes it so special, tips for your visit, and whether it’s worth the splurge.
Quick Navigation
A Luxury Escape Surrounded by Nature
From the moment you step off the boat onto Railay’s white sand, Rayavadee feels like something out of a dream. The resort is set on 26 acres of sprawling tropical gardens and coconut groves. It is surrounded on three sides by beaches—Railay West, Railay East, and Phranang Cave Beach. Even better, the only way to get here is by boat, which adds to the sense of escape.
The architecture blends seamlessly with the natural environment. Villas are tucked into lush jungle foliage, and monkeys can often be spotted swinging overhead. With no cars on Railay, the entire area feels peaceful and refreshingly disconnected from the outside world.
Our Villa: Secluded Comfort with Thai Elegance
We stayed in one of Rayavadee’s two-story pavilion-style villas, which felt like a private sanctuary. The interior design was a thoughtful mix of traditional Thai elements and modern luxury, with warm wood tones, local art, and high ceilings. The villa featured a spacious living area, a king-sized bed with crisp linens, and a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub and rainfall shower. Outdoors, our private terrace was surrounded by lush greenery—perfect for morning coffee.
Because we were traveling for our anniversary, the resort had a few special surprises waiting for us. When we checked into our villa, our concierge sent me upstairs to the bedroom first “to make sure it was safe for the lady”—a playful gesture that led to a sweet surprise: a bouquet of flowers laid out on the bed for me to give to Ally. The team also brought us a bottle of prosecco, prepared a bath with flower petals, and restocked the room daily with the most delicious homemade cookies. The attention to detail and service was evident from the moment we checked in.
Dining at Rayavadee Resort
Food is a highlight at Rayavadee, with multiple on-site restaurants offering a mix of Thai and international dishes. During our stay, we had the chance to dine at Krua Phranang, The Grotto, Raya Dining, and the poolside bar—each offering its own unique atmosphere and menu.
Krua Phranang
One of our most memorable meals was at Krua Phranang, Rayavadee’s signature Thai restaurant tucked into a quiet corner of the resort overlooking the sea. The menu features a variety of classic Thai dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and everything we tried was exceptionally flavorful. On our second night, I challenged the kitchen here to make my crab curry “ped mak mak” (very, very spicy). The result? A fiery, flavorful dish that had everyone in the kitchen checking in to see how I was holding up. It was an incredible blend of nature, flavor, and atmosphere—and easily our best meal at the resort.
What really elevated the experience, though, was the view. As we dined on the open-air terrace, we were treated to a glowing sunset over the water, followed by the surreal sight of thousands of bats emerging from the cliffs across the bay.
The Grotto
We also enjoyed a sunset dinner at The Grotto—Rayavadee’s open-air restaurant nestled beneath a dramatic limestone cliff. It’s one of the most iconic dining spots in Railay, and the ambiance truly is spectacular. That said, while the cave setting created a magical atmosphere, the food didn’t quite live up to the price tag. We arrived 15 minutes early to snag one of the best ocean-facing tables. However, this turned out to be unnecessary, as plenty of seating was available. Also, while the oceanfront views were certainly picturesque, we quickly learned that sitting closer to the beach had a downside. Flies from the beach were a frequent annoyance, particularly drawn to Ally’s lobster dish. If you choose to dine at The Grotto, we recommend considering the non-seafood options and sitting slightly further back inside the cave for a more comfortable experience.
Raya Dining & Poolside Bar
Mornings at the resort began with breakfast at Raya Dining, which offered a generous buffet spread featuring fresh tropical fruit, pastries, made-to-order eggs, and both Western and Thai breakfast dishes. The airy, elegant setting and attentive service made it a lovely and relaxing way to start each day. We also ate lunch by the pool, where the standout was a “Thai pizza” topped with panang curry—surprisingly delicious.
Rayavadee Resort Amenities and Activities
Rayavadee offers a full range of luxury amenities, including a spa, fitness center, tennis courts, and a gorgeous infinity pool. The spa is set in a serene garden pavilion and offers a variety of treatments—perfect for a post-beach massage. We booked a couples massage and were welcomed with a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival. The space was tranquil and beautifully designed, with soft lighting, calming music, and the soothing scent of essential oils. By the end of the session, we felt not only relaxed but completely rejuvenated—a true highlight of our stay.
We also had so much fun simply wandering the resort grounds, which feel more like a tropical sanctuary than a traditional hotel. Monkeys were constantly swinging overhead, and tropical birds could be spotted throughout the trees. The resort provides kayaks free of charge during the day, making it easy to explore the nearby coastline or paddle out for a unique view of the cliffs. Whether lounging on the day beds near the beach or sinking into a poolside chair with a drink in hand, Rayavadee makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings.
If you’re looking for more activity beyond the beach and pool, Rayavadee offers a variety of enriching and adventurous experiences. Guests can take part in rock climbing lessons, hands-on cooking classes, or join privately chartered daytrips in luxury longtail boats to explore the nearby islands in comfort and style. Those wanting a bit of a workout can hike up to the Railay Viewpoint—a short but steep trail that rewards you with stunning panoramic views over the peninsula. And of course, one of the simplest yet most rewarding pleasures is just walking down to Phranang Cave Beach or watching climbers scale the towering cliffs that surround the resort.
Tips for Staying at Rayavadee
- Getting There: Rayavadee is only accessible by boat. The resort arranges transfers from Krabi Airport, including a van and longtail boat combo. Arriving at low tide? Be prepared for a unique (and fun) ride out to your boat via a tractor-drawn dock.
- What to Pack: Light, breathable clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes for exploring the rocky shoreline.
- Booking: Rayavadee often sells out in peak season (December–April), so book early. Consider booking through Booking.com or Expedia for flexible cancellation policies and loyalty perks.
Is Rayavadee Worth It?
Absolutely. Rayavadee isn’t just a place to stay—it’s an experience. From its incredible setting and impeccable service to the relaxed luxury and unforgettable scenery, it’s a splurge that feels fully justified. Whether you’re on a honeymoon, celebrating something special, or simply want to enjoy one of Thailand’s most iconic beaches in style, Rayavadee is one of the best hotels in Railay Beach.
Plan Your Trip
Want help planning your dream trip to Thailand? We specialize in curated Southeast Asia itineraries and can help you find the perfect balance of culture, nature, food, and luxury. Get in touch here to start planning your custom getaway.
Leave a Reply