Are you considering where to stay in Krabi, Thailand? You’re in the right place! After a month exploring this beautiful province, I have many tips to share on the best hotels and places to stay in Krabi.
This guide will cover the best areas to stay in Krabi, from popular tourist destinations, beaches, and islands to more secluded beaches, hidden gems, and authentic Thai towns. I’ll also offer essential travel tips and recommend hotels to suit all budgets and types of travelers. I hope this blog helps you plan your trip to Krabi and that you love it as much as I did!
About Krabi
Krabi is a stunning province in southern Thailand known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. If you dream of tropical island hopping with iconic landscapes, Krabi is a must-visit. With over 150 islands and numerous beautiful beaches and resorts, choosing where to stay in Krabi can be challenging. That’s why I wrote this guide!
Krabi Town is the main city, and Ao Nang beach is one of the most popular places to stay. But there’s much more to explore, including Railay Beach, the Phi Phi islands, and Koh Lanta. Whether you seek an island retreat, a secluded beach, an authentic Thai town, or a lively resort with restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Krabi has the perfect place for you.
Where to Stay in Krabi – Best Areas
When deciding where to stay in Krabi, research is essential because each area offers different experiences, and your choice of location can make or break your trip. During my month-long visit, I stayed in various parts of Krabi to explore them all, and my recommendations are based on my experiences, reviews, and extensive research.
Quick Summary of Best Areas and Hotels in Krabi:
- Ao Nang Beach: Most popular for first-timers, with plenty of accommodations and dining options.
- Railay Beach: Most beautiful beach, accessible only by boat.
- Tonsai Bay: A secluded bay next to Railay, popular with backpackers.
- Klong Muang Beach: A laid-back beach perfect for families.
- Tubkaek Beach: A secluded beach with stunning views and luxury resorts, ideal for couples.
- Krabi Town: An authentic Thai town with a night market and great value hotels.
- Koh Phi Phi: Popular island with stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and expensive accommodations.
- Koh Lanta: A laid-back island with nature to explore and good value accommodations.
- Koh Jum/Koh Pu: A rustic, undeveloped island to escape crowds and get back to nature.
Ao Nang Beach:
Ao Nang is Krabi’s most popular tourist destination, with plenty of accommodation options, a lively night market, and great restaurants and bars. It’s a great base for day trips to nearby islands like Railay Beach or Koh Phi Phi and exploring Krabi’s jungles, temples, and natural wonders. However, it’s not the most beautiful beach in Krabi.
Best Hotels in Ao Nang:
- Luxury: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort – A 5-star resort and spa on Ao Nang beachfront with beautiful swimming pools, spa facilities, and lavish rooms.
- Mid Range (Family): Ananta Burin Resort – A resort with a water park, multiple pools, waterfalls, and tropical gardens, ideal for families.
- Mid Range (Couples): Ban Sainai Resort – A peaceful 4-star resort with stunning cliff views and spacious modern cottages, just north of the busy parts of Ao Nang.
- Budget: @Aonang Guesthouse – Air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable rooms in a quiet area, ideal for backpackers or budget travelers.
Railay Beach:
Railay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with towering limestone cliffs and colorful longtail boats. Accessible only by boat, Railay offers a relaxed, small island vibe with no vehicles and everything within walking distance. Railay West has the most beautiful beach and expensive resorts, while Railay East offers cheaper accommodations.
Best Hotels in Railay:
- Luxury: Rayavadee – A 5-star resort on Phra Nang Beach with exclusive luxury villas and the excellent Grotto restaurant.
- Mid-Range: Railay Bay Resort – Beachfront on West Railay with picture-perfect views, comfortable rooms, and private pool villas.
- Budget: The Sand Sea Resort – Clean and comfortable rooms close to the action at Railay Beach without breaking the bank.
Tonsai Bay:
Next to Railay, Tonsai Bay is less developed, offering fewer amenities but also fewer crowds and lower prices. It’s perfect for backpackers and budget travelers seeking a tropical paradise.
Best Hotels in Tonsai:
- Luxury: Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai – A stunning beachfront location surrounded by cliffs and palm trees, offering gorgeous rooms and a pool.
- Mid-Range: Tonsai Bay Resort – Beachfront restaurant, bar, and comfortable A/C bungalows.
- Budget: Garden View Resort Tonsai – Simple budget-friendly rooms surrounded by nature.
Klong Muang Beach:
A peaceful beach about 20 minutes from Ao Nang, Klong Muang is ideal for families or couples looking for a quiet holiday. It’s close enough to visit Ao Nang and Railay for the day and easy to take a boat to the Hong Islands.
Best Hotels in Klong Muang:
- Luxury: Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort – A 5-star luxury beach resort with spacious grounds, large pools, plush suites, and royal treatment.
- Mid-Range: The Nakamanda Resort – A charming resort with Thai-style villas and a beachfront pool.
- Budget: Isle Beach Resort – Simple AC rooms, breakfast, and a small pool just steps from the beach.
Tubkaek Beach:
A secluded beach with mesmerizing views of the Hong Islands, Tubkaek Beach is perfect for couples and honeymooners looking for solitude and luxury.
Best Hotels in Tubkaek Beach:
- Super Luxury: Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve and Banyan Tree Krabi – Unique design and personalized hospitality.
- Luxury: The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort – Cozy garden rooms to private pool villas.
- Mid-Range: Amari Vouge Krabi – A polished experience for couples without a hefty price tag.
- Budget: Tubkaek Sunset Beach Resort – Tropical cottage-style rooms with a pool.
Krabi Town:
An authentic Thai town on the riverside, Krabi Town offers great value accommodation and local culture. It doesn’t have a beach, but you can do day trips to all the beaches and islands.
Best Hotels in Krabi Town:
- Mid-Range: Krabi SeaBass Hotel – A popular 4-star hotel with a central location, modern amenities, and a pool.
- Budget: Pak-Up Hostel – Perfect for backpackers with free breakfast, trips, and activities.
Koh Phi Phi:
The Phi Phi islands are famous and beautiful, with stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. However, they are crowded and expensive.
Best Hotels in Koh Phi Phi:
- Luxury: Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort – Luxe beach bungalows with a swim-up pool bar and sea view massages.
- Mid-Range: Phi Phi Villa Resort – Air-conditioned bungalows and villas with a pool.
- Budget: Blue Flow Hostel – Clean dormitories with privacy curtains and 24-hour air conditioning in Ton Sai.
Koh Lanta:
A larger, less crowded island with long sandy beaches, a lush national park, and excellent scuba diving.
Best Hotels in Koh Lanta:
- Luxury: Pimalai Resort and Spa – A luxurious 5-star property with private pool villas overlooking Kantiang Bay.
- Mid-Range: Long Beach Chalet – Thai-style elevated cabins on the beachfront.
- Budget: Lanta Long Beach Hostel – Shared dormitories, private fan bungalows, and modern AC rooms.
Koh Jum/Koh Pu:
An off-the-beaten-track island escape with rustic beach bungalows and homestays, perfect for getting back to nature.
Best Hotels in Koh Jum:
- Luxury: Koh Jum Beach Villas – Spacious, luxury villas in an adults-only beachfront resort.
- Mid-Range: Koh Jum Delight Beach – A/C chalets in a peaceful jungly beachfront resort.
- Budget: Sunset Beach Bungalow Koh Pu – Rustic treehouses and wooden beach huts.
Krabi Travel Guide: Tips for Planning Your Trip
Best Time to Visit Krabi:
The dry season from December to March offers the best weather for beach days and water activities. April is also dry but hot, and November can be good with some rain. The rainy season from May to October offers fewer crowds and more affordable rates, but boat trips may be canceled due to weather conditions.
How Long to Spend in Krabi:
Spend at least 7 days in Krabi to explore its beauty. A week allows time to relax on beaches, explore jungles, and go island hopping without feeling rushed.
Things to Do in Krabi:
- Island Hopping: Visit Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and the 4 Island Tour.
- Rock Climbing: Railay Bay offers lessons and routes for all levels.
- Visiting Temples: Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Kaew Korawaramin.
- Jungle Adventures: Emerald Pool, Blue Lagoon, and Klong Thom hot springs.
- Visiting Elephant Sanctuaries: Ethical sanctuaries that do not allow riding.
How to Get to Krabi:
Fly into Krabi International Airport or Phuket
