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Trekking to Princess Lagoon Railay is one of the most exhilarating and intrepid things we did in Krabi. In fact, this is probably the most challenging trek we have done in Thailand. This adventure is not for the faint of heart. But if you love muddy, gritty, Bear Grylls-style adventure, Princess Lagoon should be at the top of your list for your Krabi adventures in 2025.
If you are planning to visit this beautiful lagoon, there are some very important things that you need to know before you go. Please read this article carefully and don’t skim through the information. This trek is not for everyone.
In this guide, we will answer all of your questions and give you top tips and insights to help you plan your trip and stay safe. Having completed and experienced this trek, we are very keen to share some important insights and info with you to help you plan and decide whether you will undertake this adventurous trek.
FIND MORE HIDDEN GEMS – The BEST hidden gems in Krabi
LOVE PRINCESS LAGOON? DON’T MISS THE EMERALD POOL – Emerald Pool – Visitors Guide
Where is Princess Lagoon located?
Princess Lagoon is located between Railay East Beach and the Phra Nang Cave Beach.
GPS Coordinates: 8.004809, 98.842301.
Topography: Situated in a natural deep basin in a steep limestone mountain (between Phra Nang Beach and Railay East).
The only way to access the lagoon is by trekking a very steep and challenging jungle route (there is one steep ascent followed by a steep descent with 4 small mini-cliffs which are around 5 – 8m in height). The route back follows the same trail.
Princess Lagoon – Important facts and figures
- Ascent: Approximately 80m each way (160m total).
- Distance from Railay East beach: 560m (each way).
- Jungle trek distance: Around 300m each way (very steep).
- Sections of near-vertical climb: 4 sections (from the highest point as you descend to the lagoon).
- It is not the distance that makes this a challenge to be reckoned with. It is the height, terrain and sheer steepness of the route. Keep reading to learn more.
Is it worth visiting Princess Lagoon Railay?
Have a look at the pictures and decide for your self. Adventure, nature, beauty and challenge await!
So is it worth it? The answer to this question depends on the person. If you love gritty jungle adventures and intrepid trekking, then we think you will adore this incredible adventure.
However, it is important to recognize that a high level of strength, fitness, and physical confidence are required to trek all the way to the lagoon. We don’t recommend that you do this trek on your own. Having a buddy with you can be very helpful when it comes to ascending and descending the cliff sections. You can pass your backpack to your buddy, and they can also spot you on the cliffs and help you find the best handholds and footholds. The mini-cliffs are around 5 – 8m in height.
The lagoon itself is very beautiful. This is a great spot for intrepid tropical photoshoots or just stopping, putting your phone away, and taking a genuine moment. The lagoon itself is not particularly deep, so this is not a great spot for wild swimming, but it is a stunning attraction and well worth the sweaty trek. This lagoon really is a hidden paradise – accessible only to those who are able to safely complete this remarkable steep jungle trek. Tree branches and vines hang off the step dramatic cliffs and sunlight beams shine into the chasm and reflect off the clear water.
How do you get to Princess Lagoon Railay?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get around the Railay Beach Area
1 Take a Boat From Ao Nang to Railay
Don’t miss our guide: How to get to Railay Beach from Ao Nang
Before you undertake this extreme trek, you need to get to the starting point of the trail. The best way to do this is to take a boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. The shared taxi boats drop you off at Railay West. The boats cost 100 baht each way (£2 or $2.50). There are several boat harbors in Ao Nang. They are situated on the north east side of Ao Nang Beach and the south west side of Noppharat Thara beach (Ao Nang Landmark beach).
2 Walk to Railay East
When you reach Railay West, there is a small path that leads through the Railay Bay Resort and Spa to Railay East beach. The path is flat and well-signed, and the walk only takes around 5 or 10 minutes.
3 Walk to the start of the trail
When you reach Railay East Beach, take a right and walk along the beach, and you reach a small shop and some public toilets. This is situated at the start of the path leading to Phra Nang Beach and the Princess Cave. Follow this path, which leads along the bottom of the cliff.
There are some very pretty trees and stalactites along this path. After a short distance, you will see a small seating pavilion to your right. This pavilion marks the start of the intrepid jungle trek to Princess Lagoon. Even the start of this jungle trek is extremely steep and serious, so you can get an idea of what you’re letting yourself in for right at the start.
Or why not BOOK an amazing resort nearby? Get there before the crowds and perfect for a luxury splash out! We are very impressed by the stunning Railay Bay Resort & Spa. You can find this resort on Agoda and they are also on booking.com
Is it worth taking a private boat?
If you don’t like the idea of all this walking (It’s not actually that far and the trails are very easy to follow), you could take a private boat all the way to Phra Nang beach and then walk a few hundred meters along the path towards Railay East. In our opinion, this is probably not worthwhile; the walk from Railay West is not that far, and it is very pretty. A private boat is likely to cost over 1,000baht (£20 or $25).
TOP TIP: There are no overland transport options to reach Railay Beach. Taking a boat really is your only option.
How challenging is the trek to Princess Lagoon?
The answer is very challenging. Many people undertake this trek and do not make it to the lagoon. In fact, if you are doing this trek yourself and you feel like the route is becoming too challenging or dangerous for you, we would encourage you to stop and turn back. Don’t push yourself beyond your limit, as this is a very remote location, and any rescue from this location would be particularly difficult. You can actually get a view of the lagoon without descending all the way down the hill to the lagoon edge.
A high level of physical strength and confidence is required for this intrepid trek. There are several sections of near-vertical climb where you will need to use ropes to help you ascend and descend mini-cliffs. Even when you are not attempting these mini-cliffs, the trail is extremely steep, and you will probably need to use both your hands and feet to climb. This extremely steep route is particularly challenging in the intense heat and humidity. We recommend bringing a small day pack with plenty of water. Don’t bring any large, clunky bags, as this will make climbing more challenging.
Preparing for your visit to Princess Lagoon
Trek in flip flops? Just No.
If you are planning to attempt this adventure, we recommend preparing well beforehand. Only bring things that you don’t mind getting muddy and potentially ripped. Here is a packing list of things that we recommend bringing:
1 Good walking shoes
The best footwear for this trek is lightweight trainers with good grip. We don’t recommend using heavier walking boots because you may struggle to feel the terrain through thick soles, and some of the climbing sections will be more challenging. We also strongly advise against wearing flip-flops or sandals on this terrain; the mud can be extremely slippery and dangerous, especially if you are wearing inappropriate footwear.
2 Small day pack
We recommend bringing a small day pack that you don’t mind getting sweaty and muddy in. In your small day pack, we recommend bringing at least one or two liters of water per person. There are no places to get drinks along the way, and you are likely to sweat a lot on this route. We would also recommend bringing some mosquito repellent, as you will be trekking through the jungle. If possible, we recommend packing any valuable items in a dry sack; this is a great way to protect your belongings, especially if the weather turns.
3 Snacks
It may also be worth bringing a few snacks with you. Small, high-energy snacks are best. Make sure that you have a good breakfast on the day that you plan to do this track, but we don’t
recommend eating too soon before you climb, as this can lead to feeling nauseous and drowsy.
4 Wear Suitable Clothing
Think: Strenuous activity, free movement and clothing that wont get snagged. We recommend wearing clothing that you are happy to sweat into, for example, gym wear or some light shorts and a T-shirt. You may want to leave jewelry and accessories at home!
5 Check the Weather
Keep an eye on the weather before you attempt this trek. The trail may be closed during rainy weather. We strongly recommend that you do not attempt this trek during a rainstorm or for a few hours afterward; the clay is fairly sticky when dry; however, it is extremely slippery when wet. September and October have the highest average rainfall in this area. Mid-afternoon storms often roll in during the rainy months, so we recommend heading out nice and early for this adventure (especially in the rainy season).
Dramatic mid afternoon storms may be impressive but watch out if you’re trekking through the jungle.
How much does it cost to visit Princess Lagoon Railay?
Like all of the best things in life, it is FREE to visit Princess Lagoon in Railay. There are no national park fees or permits required, and there are no entry tickets to use the trail or see the lagoon. So the only cost is your transport cost.
How long does it take to trek to Princess Lagoon?
As a determined man on a mission, I was able to reach the lagoon and return to Railay East in around 45 minutes. But this was a ridiculous pace so that I could catch a boat as part of an island-hopping trip in Krabi. This was a VERY challenging and sweaty experience, and at a couple of points, I had to apologize to other hikers who were waiting to ascend and descend the mini-cliffs. I really don’t recommend trying to fit this into such a short time.
For a safe and steady pace, we recommend allowing around 1 – 2 hours to reach the lagoon and 1 – 2 hours for the return trip. There is also a viewpoint (at the top of the first climb before you descend to the lagoon; the trail to the viewpoint is to the left).
Safety tips for visiting Princess Lagoon Railay
This is a close up picture of the rope. Use the ropes to help you climb safely…
Make sure you have a good medical insurance policy before you trek. Also make sure you are in a good state of physical health. If you struggle with back injuries, knee injuries or have any other impediments, we recommend considering your health carefully before undertaking this adventure. Here are a few safety tips:
- If possible, go with a trekking buddy (you can spot each other on steep sections and pass your bag to each other. If you get into trouble, your friend can get help).
- Make sure you wear appropriate shoes; trainers with a good grip are best.
- Bring plenty of water in a small day bag.
- Never attempt this trek during or after a rainstorm. Keep an eye on the weather before you go.
- Use the ropes to help on the steep sections and face the cliff as you climb down. Take your time and make sure you always have 3 points of contact with the rock.
- Remember, it’s better to stop or turn back than push on. A mountain rescue in this area would be extremely challenging.
Route to Princess Lagoon Railay
We have already shared a description of how to get to the start of the trail to Princess Lagoon Railay. We will now share a detailed description of the route so you can picture what this trek is really like. This route is reasonably well-used, and it is pretty easy to follow. There are not any signposts, but the wear on the trail should enable you to follow the route without any navigation issues.
1 Steep climb to the top
The trail to Princess Lagoon starts with a very steep section of climb, a muddy hill with plenty of roots and some climbing rope to help you ascend this steep trail. The first section of climb is likely to take at least 30 minutes if you are going at a steady pace. There are a couple of points where you need to scramble up some very steep rocks; the rocks are fairly solid and have a reasonable number of handholds and footholds. You will find the clay surface relatively sticky and easy to walk on, providing the conditions are dry.
2 Find the trail down to the Lagoon
When you reach the top of the first section of climb, you will see a trail to the left and a trail straight in front of you leading down a steep hill. The trail to the left leads to a beautiful viewpoint, and the trail in front of you leads down a steep hill. Princess Lagoon is at the bottom of this hill.
3 Follow the steep trail down to the Lagoon
The second part of this trek is even more steep and challenging than the first part.
As you descend the trail to Princess Lagoon, we recommend going very carefully; take your time and don’t rush. There are four near-vertical steep sections; for each of these mini-cliffs, there is also a fixed rope to help you ascend and descend. There are plenty of handholds and footholds in the rock, so take your time and remember to keep three points of contact.
4 Descend the mini-cliffs
After you have descended the first two mini-cliffs, you will see the lagoon coming into view at the bottom of the hill. It is likely to take at least 30 minutes to descend safely to Princess Lagoon; this section may well take much longer depending on how many people are on the trail and on your pace. The final mini-cliff is the biggest. There is a small “hole in the rock” to the right; you can climb through this and use the climbing rope to descend carefully.
5 Enjoy the Lagoon
When you reach the lagoon, you can get a beautiful view across a lagoon and even take a paddle. The return journey is likely to take longer than the outbound journey because the ascent is very steep and quite challenging. For most of this route, you will need to use both your hands and feet to climb; when you’re descending, go very slow and steady on the mini-cliffs. We recommend facing your body towards the rock face and taking your time to plan your handholds and footholds. Return by the same route.
Top tip: This is a reasonably popular trek, so you are likely to see other people on the route. When you get to the mini-cliffs, you will need to wait for other people who may be ascending or descending. Take your time and help people out if they need it.
What is the terrain like on this trek?
The terrain on this route is very challenging. We have already mentioned that the path is extremely steep, and for most of the trek, you will be using both your hands and feet to climb and descend. Throughout the route, there are plenty of limestone rocks and tree roots; these are actually very helpful as they provide grip for your hands and feet. The ground is mostly comprised of a thick, sticky red clay (silicone and iron oxides). This has pretty good grip in dry conditions but is very slippery when wet. The ropes are thick and can be muddy.
What is the best time to visit Princess Lagoon Railay?
The most important thing is not to attempt this route during rainy weather or for several hours after a rainstorm. We recommend attempting this trek early in the morning but not before sunrise. The temperature and humidity are lower in the morning, and this will make the trek more enjoyable. If you are attempting this trek later in the afternoon, make sure you leave plenty of time before sunset; we strongly advise against attempting this route during the dark. The driest months in the Krabi district are December – March. This is a great time of year to visit. Find out more about the best time of year to explore Krabi.
What facilities can you find close to Princess Lagoon Railay?
There are no shops or vendors situated on the trail to Princess Lagoon; the closest shop can be found on the south side of Railay East Beach just before you walk along the path to the start of the jungle trail. At this location, you can buy snacks and drinks, including water and soft drinks. There is also a public toilet situated next to the shop.
Is this trek suitable for families?
We do not recommend the walk to Princess Lagoon for families with kids on the trail. I did see one adventurous mother with a six-year-old girl who made it to the top of the first steep section of climbing. However, we really would not recommend this trail for families; it is very steep and challenging, even for strong and fit adults. If you have strong, confident, and adventurous teenagers, they will probably enjoy this route a lot. However, this route is not suitable for families with younger kids. It would not be safe to use a child carrier or a sling on the route. Apart from being extremely challenging to carry a child on such a steep climb, the risk of slipping is also high.
What other things can you see and do close to Princess Lagoon, Railay?
Here is Princess Cave situated on Phra Nang beach a short walk from the start of the Princess Lagoon trail…
The great news is there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. For example, all of the beaches in this area have kayak rental so you can explore the coastline by kayak. This is also a lovely area for swimming and snorkeling. Very close to the start of the trail, you can also visit Princess Cave, which is situated on the south side of Phra Nang Beach.
Many people also visit this area for rock climbing. There is a rock climbing spot on the south side of Railay East Beach and on the southeast side of Tonsai Beach. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants situated on Railay East, Railay West, and Tonsai Beach. In this area, you can also see bioluminescent plankton on Phra Nang Beach. You can take an island hopping tour to visit some of the small islands in the Krabi bay area.
Summary (important note!)
If you take nothing else from this article, we strongly recommend that you don’t get peak fever when you are trying to visit this Lagoon. If you feel uncomfortable with the descent to the Lagoon, we recommend stopping and turning back; the near-vertical sections are quite challenging and require a good level of physical skill, strength, and confidence. This is not the type of area that you want to have a small or big accident; even a turned ankle could prove to be very tricky in a location like this. Remember to make sure that you are fully insured, and if possible, bring along a buddy on this trek.
