Living Free and Easy Style in Railay
(by Justin Wiechnik)
Exploring the Thailand coast in search of the coldest beer, untamed wildlife, and the perfect beach to toss a frisbee is a philosophy you couldn’t possibly understand until you’ve been to Railay. If you had only one choice on where to accomplish as much free and easy action as you could (dance parties, rock climbing, beach frisbee, cold beer and optimum hammock hanging spots etc), your best choice in this backpacker’s mind would be a hidden haven called Railay.
Railay is located on the western coast of Thailand, surrounded by caves and staggering lime stone cliffs complete with stalactites dripping into the warm Andaman Sea. The world’s most stunning beaches combine with a culture of its own that will change your lifestyle into a beach life with a difference. West Railay beach is your best choice in Thailand to experience the perfect sunset but if you’re not into sunsets then spend your days lounging on Phra Nang beach around the corner eating corn on the cob. The relaxing atmosphere of Railay is fantastic if you’re all about getting a tan on a powder white beach with bright blues skies however for me this is just a bonus considering the activities and nightlife Railay has to offer.
Railay is world renowned as one of the best rock climbing locations in the world! Adrenaline junkies flock in from all around the globe to hang out with the monkeys who occupy the massive rock faces. The finest part about the rock climbing in Railay is that it is for anybody, beginner and pro climbers. The first time I arrived in Railay I stared up at the “1 2 3” rock face and leered at the brave souls and immediately wanted to be 30 metres high chillin with the monkeys.
The tranquil atmosphere Railay offers backpackers is a laid back, “at your own pace”, adventure community. The night life can be chill on a bamboo mat under the stars sipping on a few cold drinks in tropical warmth or you can take the other route and watch Thai’s risk their lives playing with king cobras and then indulge in a dance party till dawn. When I think of what Free and Easy Traveler is to me, and why I’m a so proud to represent this company, it is simply for introduction to special un-touristy places like Railay. To have the opportunity to experience Railay with Free and Easy is a chance that cannot be passed as this sanctuary of friendly locals and endless adventures is on a scale that cannot possibly be fully explained.
Beyond the amazing night life, superb rock climbing and perfect beaches you can explore the mountains by hiking to viewpoints that overlook the entire peninsula, and even make your way down the challenging waterfall on a rope to the secret lagoon! The secret lagoon is my sanctuary, when I consider one place on this planet where I could find complete happiness, this lagoon is most certainly my place. The sheer quietness of no domestication, wild sounds from the monkeys and birds really makes you believe you’ve found your own piece of paradise.
There is a reason why Thailand’s most popular band are frequently putting on concerts in the Railay jungle (Job 2 Do), because it is home, home sweet home away from home, be who you wanna be, live free, live easy, live Railay style. Whether you leave feeling like a rasta man singing, “do do do do ter tam, tum mai tueng tum gub chun dai”, or with a tattoo from a piece of bamboo, Railay is a special place that backpackers dream of, cherish and will always return to.
