Find out my favorite place in the world, and learn more about Thailand. I have traveled all over the world and seen many places. But the most beautiful place in the world is Railay Beach, Thailand.
The Most Beautiful Place in the World
I took my first trip to Thailand in 2001. I wasn’t supposed to go to Thailand, at first the trip was planned to go to Spain. But just before I made the reservations, everyone around me started to talk about Thailand. After I did a little bit of research, our plans changed. When I saw Krabi for the first time and wandered around the magical nature in Railay, I got tears in my eyes. I couldn’t believe that anything was actually this beautiful. Eight years later, when I arrived, I felt exactly the same way.
Rock Climbing in Railay
Now, I ‘m sitting on the porch of a beachfront bungalow, listening to the birds, locusts, the sound of the long-tail boats, and watching the tide go out. The place that I’m staying is stunning, and it is $12 a night. One of the benefits of sticking around through the start of low season is that the rooms get increasingly discounted.
Check out my YouTube Video to get a bungalow tour & see more of the climbing here
One of the things that makes Railay so special is that you have to take a boat to get here. There are no cars, motorbikes, or other modes of transport. And yet, it’s not an island. The nearest town, Ao Nang (where I usually live) is separated by huge limestone cliffs. Railay is a fingertip point, jutting off the coastline and surrounded by extraordinary limestone karsts that attract sightseers and climbers from all around the world.
Thailand Just Feels Different
But the thing that most people can’t convey through countless photos that they take is how Railay feels. It is healing. There is something sacred about everything here, even the tourists because everyone that made it this far has put in a fair amount of effort to even be here. The plant life, the birds, even the local workers all hum to a different tune. If I might convey it in a word, it would be perfect.
I have never seen anything like this place in my life. I’ve never traveled anywhere more pristine, beautiful, or naturally as spectacular.
Small Island Lifestyle
I hopped off the boat with no real plan other than to enjoy myself, stopped in to visit Jane at the climbing shop and return the chalk bag I accidentally took home with me last time. I buy a handmade chalk bag. She tells me I should consider staying at Garden View this time. I make plans to meet up with them tomorrow for climbing and meander through the relatively unmarked trail that leads from Railay West to Railay East. Along the way, I spot a sign for Garden View, and it looks nice.
As I’m walking through the small beach hut shops, Tik from Real Rocks calls out my name. I sit with him for awhile, catch up, and leave with two bananas and a water. I make my way past my usual hotel and up the hill to Garden View Resort. It’s stunning. And, somehow they miraculously have wireless. I’ve only been here twenty minutes, and I have a new chalk bag, two bananas, a water, and an awesome bungalow in the jungle with ocean front view with internet.
Backpacker’s Paradise
The next day, I meet up with some other climbers from Australia, France, Korea and Scotland and spend the day climbing. We were rewarded after our hard work with one of the most beautiful sunsets ever. We relaxed while watching the sunset, taking pictures and drinking beer on the beach while the sun went down.
I love Thailand. But I especially love Railay. It’s great for the scenery, the prices, the no transport on the island, the people are incredibly friendly, and it attracts a wide array of adventurous travelers from all over the world. If you are into kayaking, rock climbing, deep water soloing, hiking, swimming, or generally living life out of a postcard, make an effort to visit Railay at least once in your lifetime, because it truly is a very magical place!! And the most beautiful place in the world is Railay Beach, Thailand. Click here to see How Much it Costs to Live in Thailand.
