Railey, in the Krabi Province on the Andaman Coast, is the rock climbing mecca of Thailand. This breathtaking peninsula of spectacular limestone cliffs and caves offers an unmatched experience for the amateur photographer, seasoned climber or casual spelunker. It's a great place to get introduced to the sport of rock climbing, and several well-established climbing outfits offer gear rental and lessons for all ages and skill levels.

On top of all that, Railey boasts a couple of great beaches, hundreds of bungalows, a 4-star resort, some really good restaurants and clubs, and an unforgettable hike to the "hidden lagoon" . Accessible by only by longtail from the town of Krabi, neighboring Ao Nang, or Ko Phi Phi, Railey is isolated and very popular, especially during the holidays. You can book some bungalows in advance at K-LEO, usually a good idea since this one-of-a-kind destination is often near capacity.

The nearby town of Krabi is well worth a visit itself. It has some great markets and a beautiful riverside city park to hang out in. There's also a nearby trip to the mountain temple with its large golden Buddha that overlooks the river city.