Welcome Back Restaurant

On Railay’s walking street toward the East side, Welcome Back is the unfussy Thai spot locals point visitors to when they’re done with resort buffets and want the good stuff. You’ll see the barbecue out front with whole fish and prawns on ice, a short menu of Thai classics, and a blender working overtime on fresh fruit shakes. Regulars go straight for the grilled snapper with garlic and herbs, or mix-and-match the BBQ seafood — squid, prawns, and whatever looked best at the market that day. If you’re keeping it simple, the fried rice (pineapple optional) and pad kra pao hit the spot, and the mango sticky rice is a sweet finish that actually lives up to the hype. Portions are honest, spice levels are real, and staff are friendly without the hard sell you’ll get elsewhere on the strip. Come early evening when the heat drops and the grills get going, or roll in for a late lunch after a climb — it’s about a 5-minute walk from Railay West, closer to the East pier end of the walking street. Prices are fair by Railay standards, and the tropical smoothies are a lifesaver after a day on the beach. Open daily 10am–10pm.