Paradise found...... Raileh Beach
Trip Start
Apr 25, 2008
1
19
24
Trip End
Jun 07, 2008
Raileh,
Thailand
Friday, May 23, 2008
We caught a longboat out from Krabi, and were blown away by the scenery when we arrived at Raileh. Raileh is not an island, but it can only be reached by boat. There are massive cliffs (karst?) surrounding the beach, and also jutting out in the ocean as little stand-alone islands. They are very imposing and just magnificent to see.
Our boat dropped us off at Raileh East. Luckily it was high tide, as this side is the mangrove side and not quite so nice for swimming. We walked for about 5 mins along a path to the west sidewhere the beach was was much better, and where most of the resorts are. The scenery wa just spectacular - although to be honest, we are very spoiled with our beaches in NZ so I wouldn't say it was the best beach I had seen - but it was certainly pretty fantstic with the large cliffs at either end, the longboats in the water, and the palm trees lining the beach.
We had planned to stay in a fan room - but they didnt have any left with twin beds, so were were upgraded for free to an aircon room. They also had a deal going where we could stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3. So who could refuse?
We spend our first day exploring the area, and lazing by the pool. I started to go for a swim in the ocean, but immediately had a stinging sensation everywhere the water touched me. Not sure what that was all about but I got out pretty quickly. The water was fine the next day...
I did a snorkeling trip the next day (Phi Phi, Maya Bay where the filmed The Beach, and other beautiful spots). This place is just gorgeous - but way too many tourists, and it WAS the low season. Would hate to be here in the busy season!
On the snorkle trip I met up with Krista, a Canadian girl nannying in Bangkok, so Debbie and I hung out with her for the rest of our time there, and we all had a blast. We discovered another even more beautiful beach in Railey (about a 10 minute walk past caves, etc) - very few people, and the most gorgeous water ever - emerald green, sandy bottom, surrounded by massive cliffs. Paradise!
There is so much more to say - but I want to try to update other places on the blog now that I am so far behind!
