Krabi 1-day itinerary

Take a longtail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach — a stunning peninsula cut off from the mainland by sheer limestone cliffs, accessible only by water. Railay West is the main beach with fine white sand and dramatic karst towers rising from the jungle behind. Walk the short path through the jungle to Phra Nang Beach on the south side, where a sacred cave shrine sits at the base of a towering cliff and the water is an improbable shade of turquoise. Rock climbers will want to check out the bolted routes on the Thaiwand Wall — Railay is one of the world's top climbing destinations with over 700 routes.

After lunch at a beachside restaurant, tackle the Railay Viewpoint hike — a steep, muddy scramble up the cliff using ropes and tree roots that takes about 30-45 minutes each way. The reward at the top is a panoramic view over the entire peninsula with both beaches visible below and the Andaman Sea stretching to the offshore islands. Descend the other side to the hidden lagoon — a surreal sinkhole surrounded by vertical limestone walls. The route down is challenging and slippery, so take your time and wear shoes with grip. Return to Railay West for a swim to cool off.

Return to Ao Nang by longtail boat in time for sunset over the Andaman Sea. The main beach promenade fills with vendors selling fresh fruit shakes, grilled corn, and Thai street food as the sky turns orange behind the offshore limestone islands. Walk along the beachfront to one of the seafood restaurants where fish, prawns, squid, and crab are displayed on ice — pick your selection and choose how you want it cooked. A whole grilled sea bass with garlic, chilli, and lime runs about 350 baht. End the evening at one of the open-air bars along the main strip for a cheap cocktail.