Rayavadee

Rayavadee Resort, nestled along the stunning coast of Krabi, Thailand, is truly a destination that leaves you speechless and imprints on your soul for a lifetime. From the moment you arrive, you’re immersed in a world so surreal, it feels like stepping onto the set of Avatar—a paradise where jungle meets sea and every corner is touched by magic. Arrival: A Journey Worth Every Step To reach Rayavadee, you must take a boat, as it’s tucked away on the Phranang Peninsula, only accessible by water. After confirming your reservation, you can contact the resort to coordinate transfers. (If you book directly with them, boat transfers are sometimes complimentary.) I had booked through Expedia, so I paid 1295 THB (about $40 USD) each way—but trust me, the experience is worth every penny. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by staff with a cool towel and a refreshing welcome drink. The hospitality was immediate and genuine. My two best friends and I stayed in one of their luxurious two-story pavilions, which felt like a tropical treehouse—spacious, cozy, and beautifully designed to blend in with the lush surroundings. Nature That Leaves You Breathless After settling in, we wandered over to the beach by The Grotto—and were blown away. A massive cave opened up before us, with a temple nestled inside. It was like something from a dream. Every corner of Rayavadee is intertwined with nature—towering limestone cliffs, whispering palm trees, and curious monkeys swinging through the trees. It’s paradise in its purest form. A Private Phi Phi Adventure The following day, we booked a private boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands directly through the resort. It cost $1100 USD for a six-hour excursion and included a personalized bento box lunch. The crew was phenomenal—attentive, friendly, and so fun. Midday, we pulled up to an untouched beach where we enjoyed our lunches in peace. Every moment felt like a scene from a movie. A Ceremony of Joy and Gratitude When we returned to the resort, we were lucky enough to witness a Songkran ceremony led by the Rayavadee staff to celebrate Thai New Year. The joy, the energy, the cultural richness—it moved me to tears. There was a moment where I just stood there, completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the beauty of life, the people I was with, and the experience unfolding around me. The staff celebrated just as joyfully as the guests, and it was pure magic. Dining at The Grotto That evening, we had dinner booked at The Grotto, Rayavadee’s signature dining experience nestled in a limestone cave. Reservations and pre-selections are required, and it’s worth every bit of planning. For the three of us, the dinner came to about $400 USD, and the food was divine—plentiful, flavorful, and beautifully presented. We couldn’t even finish it all! The next day, we returned for lunch, and I highly recommend seeing The Grotto during daylight hours as well. Lunch reservations are required, but no pre-ordering is needed. And let’s not forget—the included breakfast each morning? Absolutely phenomenal. A Tranquil Escape for the Soul We stayed for three nights, and it felt like the perfect amount of time. Rayavadee is serene, peaceful, and designed for rest, nature, and rejuvenation. Any longer, and we might have gotten the itch to explore beyond. The resort also offers other excursions, spa experiences, and local adventures if you want to mix in activity with your relaxation. A Heartfelt Thank You Rayavadee is one of the most unforgettable resorts I’ve ever stayed at. While the breathtaking scenery steals the show, it’s the people who make the experience extraordinary. Every staff member we encountered went above and beyond with warmth and care. A special shoutout to Luna, who took my number and helped coordinate spa treatments and dinner reservations—you were an angel! Final Thoughts If you’re planning a trip to Krabi, Thailand—Rayavadee is not just a resort, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the jungle-canopy vibes to the world-class hospitality, it’s a place where you’ll find beauty, peace, and magic in every moment. I left with a full heart, memories to cherish forever, and a deep sense of awe for this little slice of paradise. Read less

wonder of the world. we went there on may 13th may to 15th may. what a hotel never seen or experienced like this in my 20 year plus travel . they have three beaches. to reach the hotel u have to nong pier and it takes 20 minutes by super luxury boat. we got room at end which is near the poool. it is long island almost 800 mts long. grotto resturant a must. u can even have lunch or high tea if u dont want to spend 2500 bhat per person for dinner cover charge. their shop inside is worth a glance. dont go anywhere just stay in the hotel. worth going in a little bit off season like end april and may as rates fall almost 50 percent from peak. Anyone coming to thailand a must visit. breakfast locations currently to die for. 4 resturants buggy service. they have full indian menu too. Read less

We will 100% return to Rayavadee. What an amazing hotel. The staff are friendly and attentive. - The setting is unbelievable - food is fantastic - rooms are spotless - grounds are beautiful - nothing is too much trouble - activities every day hosted by the hotel - renovations not impacting the experience at all Nothing not to love. We were 50/50 about booking this hotel for various reasons and the only regret i have is not booking longer. Read less

This resort provides an amazing experience, and provides the feeling of being in the rainforest. The design and build of the accommodation is of a very high level. The pool provides the most idyllic setting. I had read reviews stating that the pool could get too busy, and the boats/noise from Rallay beach was a big negative - both of these concerns were totally unfounded in our experience. Staff were all great, and we particularly enjoyed eating at Raitalay terrace with a gorgeous view over Rallay beach. We also did two tours, one to Emerald Pool/Blue Pool/ Hot Springs, second one to Rok Islands. Nat was our guide on both, and thoroughly enjoyed Read less