Rayavadee Hotel

Rayavadee is a resort of two-storey pavilions set in gardens at the tip of the Phra Nang peninsula, on the Railay headland in Krabi, between limestone cliffs and the Andaman Sea. There’s no road in: guests arrive by boat at the resort’s own ferry port. Railay Beach is about 300 metres away, and Krabi airport roughly 30 km plus a 30-minute boat ride.

Pavilions in the garden

Every pavilion follows the same plan: a living room with sofas and satellite TV on the ground floor, opening onto a terrace or garden, and a king bedroom upstairs with a bath and walk-in shower. Each sleeps up to three. The Deluxe Pavilion is a 90 sq m circular building with a terrace, outdoor dining and two loungers. The Terrace Pavilion has a larger terrace with direct beach access. The Pool Pavilion sits in its own garden with a private 3 by 8-metre pool. Inside, it’s polished wood and Thai fabrics.

The resort has restaurants, a spa, a fitness centre, a tennis court and a shared pool, and runs yoga, kayaking, diving and boat trips. Children aged 4 to 12 get free daily activities with the staff, from tennis to Thai cooking.

Insider Tip: Pick the Terrace Pavilion if beach time matters most and the Pool Pavilion if privacy does. All three types share the same two-floor layout, so the choice comes down to what’s outside the door.

Who it suits

It suits couples and families who want Railay’s cliffs and beaches without the day-trip crowds at night. Phranang Cave Beach is beside the resort, Ao Nang is a short boat ride away, and island trips leave for Koh Poda. More stays are in our Krabi guide.