For a first-time visit to Krabi, Ao Nang is the best area. It's the province's main resort town, offering the widest selection of hotels and restaurants, and boats for island excursions depart directly from the beach. Prefer a picture-perfect scene? Then Railay is the place for you: a pristine peninsula with emerald-green waters and limestone towers, accessible by longtail boat. A few resorts are nestled amidst this picturesque landscape.
Krabi Town is the ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and those who value good organization. This quintessential Thai river town is conveniently located near the airport, ferry terminal, and bus station, and is only about 25 minutes from the beach. Along the Klong Muang–Tubkaek coastal strip northwest of Ao Nang, five-star hotels are nestled on quiet, secluded beaches. Everything is within easy reach here. All of these destinations are about 45 minutes from the airport. So the real question is: what would you prefer to be at your doorstep at 6 pm? The Ao Nang beachfront, the cliffs of Railay, the Krabi Town night market, or the tranquil privacy of your resort? Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi also belong to Krabi province and are described in more detail below.
Where to stay in Krabi
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The best area to stay in Krabi for any type of trip
First trip to Krabi → Ao Nang
The perfect all-rounder. Hundreds of accommodations, from hostels starting at 400 baht to resorts with pools for 5,000 baht, restaurants with sunset views along the beachfront promenade, and longtail boats to Railay and the islands departing directly from the beach. Everything else in Krabi is easily accessible from here as a day trip.
The postcard → Railay
No roads, no cars. Four beaches, karst cliffs, and a handful of resorts in between – Phra Nang Beach is regularly ranked among the best beaches in Asia. Book early, as the limited accommodations fill up quickly during peak season.
Budget and overland travelers → Krabi Town
Guesthouses from 400 baht, an excellent weekend market in the pedestrian zone, and the province's transport hub with the airport, Klong Jilad Pier, and bus stops in the immediate vicinity. Tourism is based on beach access. Ao Nang can be reached in 25–30 minutes by songthaew.
Families and honeymooners → Klong Muang / Tubkaek
A tranquil, six-kilometer stretch of coastline dotted with exclusive resorts (Sofitel's lagoon pool, the romantic Tubkaak with its sand baths, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve) offering stunning sunset views over the Hong Islands. Calm waters, no promenade, no noise. After nightfall, you're completely alone here – and that's precisely what makes it so appealing.
Divers & Island Hoppers → Ao Nang, then one night on Phi Phi
Ao Nang has diving schools and speedboat departures. My tip: Combine three or four nights there with one or two nights on Koh Phi Phi (about two hours by ferry or under an hour by speedboat). This way you'll have explored the main sights of the Andaman Sea without having to repack every day.
My hotel selection in each area
For your desired travel dates, select a top accommodation in one of the regions listed below on Booking.com. The complete selection lists can be found further down under each region.
Krabi
Comparison of areas in Krabi
In the mid-price range, you can find a private double room in a well-rated 3- to 4-star hotel during the off-season. The price quoted for Koh Lanta is in line with our island average. During the high season (November to April), prices increase by 30–50%, and the limited room availability in Railay is booked up the fastest.
Ao Nang is the best place for a first stay in Krabi.
Ideal for first-time visitors, island hoppers and anyone who values choice.
Ao Nang is the tourist heart of Krabi: a beachfront promenade lined with restaurants, dive shops, and travel agencies, behind which hundreds of hotels climb the hillside. Logistics are its strength. From here, longtail boats depart for Railay and Phra Nang, speedboats head to the Hong and Phi Phi Islands, and all the province's tour operators launch their excursions from here. The sunset from the beachfront restaurants, with the silhouettes of the longtail boats against the karst backdrop, remains one of Thailand's most magnificent natural spectacles – and it's free.
The beach itself is the weak point. While it's fine for a walk, it's rather average for swimming. The nicest sandy beach is only accessible by boat, and everyone treats it accordingly. Accommodation is spread between the pedestrianized center, which is convenient and lively but can get a bit noisy near the promenade in the evenings, and the quieter Noppharat Thara west of the headland, where the beach is nicer and families tend to stay.
The value for money is excellent in all categories. For 400 baht you can get a good hostel bed, for 1,500–3,000 baht a well-rated hotel with a pool, and from 4,000 baht you can enjoy true luxury on a hillside overlooking the Andaman Sea. If you can't decide where to stay in Krabi, Ao Nang is always a safe bet.
My recommendations are the Sea Seeker for a reliable pool resort near the beach (around 2,500 baht), the Anana for a design-oriented eco-hotel in the green hills behind the city, and the Holiday Style for families right on Ao Nang Beach, in the quieter area of Noppharat Thara. Families should also consider the Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort, located at the quieter end of the beach, which features two pools and water slides.
Noppharat Thara is the quieter part of Ao Nang.
Noppharat Thara is the long beach that stretches from Ao Nang to beyond the western headland, about 3 km from the center (see our map markers). The sand is soft and shaded by a long row of trees. There are significantly fewer bars, and the entire stretch of beach is quieter than the main coastline. Check the tide times before swimming, as the sea recedes far at low tide, and the shallow water becomes murky. The Ao Nang Princess ferry to Koh Phi Phi departs from the pier at the far end of the beach at 9:30 am. At low tide or in rough seas, longtail boats from Railay may also drift there. Noppharat Thara is ideal if you want quick access to Ao Nang's restaurants and quiet evenings at your hotel.
Top-rated accommodations in Ao Nang
Sea Seeker Krabi Resort
Anana Eco-Resort Krabi
Ao Nang Beach Resort in holiday style
Aonang Fiore Resort
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Railay is the most scenic place to stay in Krabi.
Ideal for scenic trips, climbers and romantic honeymoons.
Railay is a peninsula on the mainland that behaves like an island. Limestone cliffs encircle it; there are no roads or cars in its interior, and it's reached by boat, usually a longtail boat from Ao Nang beach. The journey takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs 100 baht (around 150 baht in the evening). Four beaches share the peninsula: Railay West with its resort-style sandy beach, Railay East with its mangroves where the boats dock, Phra Nang beach surrounded by caves (regularly ranked among the best beaches in Asia), and the small Tonsai beach, a climber's paradise. Add to that world-class climbing crags and the muddy hike to Princess Lagoon, and you have one of Thailand's most scenically intense experiences.
Accommodation options are limited. Upscale mid-range resorts line Railay West (Sand Sea is a reliable mid-range brand on the most beautiful stretch of beach), while more affordable rooms can be found beyond Railay East. Tonsai offers bungalows, and at the very top is the Rayavadee, pavilions nestled in a coconut palm grove at the foot of the Phra Nang peninsula – one of the finest hotels in Thailand. Given the limited supply, you'll pay more per star than in Ao Nang, and Railay books up quickly. Therefore, book months in advance for the high season. There are restaurants and a few bars, but the nights here are quiet and peaceful thanks to the dark, starry skies.
The most important aspect of planning is the boat trip. Everything, from arriving with luggage to dinner options and onward travel, depends on the longtail boats and the tides. With a large suitcase, I would take the speedboat from Ao Nam Mao, which runs year-round and docks at the floating pier in Railay East, rather than wading ashore in Railay West. Most travelers find two or three nights ideal, spending full days immersed in this breathtaking scenery before returning to a location with road access, before the remoteness loses its romantic appeal.
Tonsai is the climbing bay next door.
Tonsai is the next bay to the north, 15 to 20 minutes from Railay West, accessible via a jungle trail or, at low tide, along the cliffs. It offers the cheapest accommodation on the peninsula, cliffside properties right on the beach, with about ten options powered by generators. Expect daytime power outages, cold water, no air conditioning in most rooms, and no ATM. Tonsai is suitable for a rock climbing course or a few nights barefoot. For everyone else, Railay, with an afternoon stroll to the beach, is the better choice.
Should you stay overnight in Ao Nang or Railay?
Stay in Ao Nang if you value restaurants, a wide selection of tours, and easy access. It's the ideal base for a comprehensive Krabi trip. If the scenery is particularly important to you and you're willing to take a boat for every excursion, then you should stay on Railay. Two or three nights there are the best way to experience it. For your first trip, I would combine both: two nights on Railay and the remaining nights in Ao Nang for exploring the islands.
On our 2023 trip, we stayed at the Railay Village Resort & Spa in western Railay and ate mainly in the restaurants along Railay Walking Street. It remains one of my most memorable trips to Thailand. The area is picturesque and peaceful at certain times. Railay is quietest early in the morning and after the shuttle boats stop running around 6:00 PM – these hours can only be truly enjoyed if you're asleep.
Comparison of Ao Nang and Railay
Room rates during the off-season are in the mid-range of the table above. Detailed information about boats, beaches, and evening entertainment can be found in our Railay Beach travel guide.
Krabi Town is the budget and transport hub.
Ideal for a tight budget, markets, and the first or last night.
Krabi Town is often sadly overlooked in guidebooks. Yet it's a vibrant riverside town with morning markets, a waterfront promenade guarded by giant crab statues, and some of the best and most affordable restaurants in the province. The market on Walking Street alone, open from Friday to Sunday, is worth a visit. Guesthouses cost between 400 and 800 baht, and decent hotels between 1,000 and 1,500 baht. The airport is only about 12 km away, and the ferry pier is also nearby. This makes Krabi ideal for a first or last night, for travelers with a car, and for anyone who prefers towns to busy roads. Tourism is evident. Ao Nang Beach can be reached by songthaew for 60 baht in 25 to 30 minutes each way.
Stay along the river, around the Chao Fah and Maharaj Roads. This way, you can easily walk to markets, restaurants, and the Railay longtail boats from Chao Fah Pier. My recommendation is the Krabi Seabass Hotel: large, modern rooms near the mud crab statue and a small pool for cooling off in the afternoon heat. The Royal Pineapple Hotel on Maharaj Road is another highly-rated option with spacious, quiet rooms. Backpackers should check out the Pak-Up Hostel – dormitories with curtains and free breakfast.
Choose this town if Krabi is just one part of a longer tour or island-hopping trip. You'll pay less than in the beach areas and also less than in comparable locations like Phuket – Krabi's understated bargain.
Klong Muang and Tubkaek represent quiet luxury
Ideal for honeymoons, families staying in one place, and holidays where the focus is on one resort.
The coastline between Klong Muang and Tubkaek is the complete opposite. Here, four- and five-star resorts line two tranquil beaches overlooking the islands, about 45 minutes from the airport and deliberately away from the crowds. Klong Muang is 15 to 20 minutes northwest of Ao Nang, and Tubkaek, the nearest beach to the north, is about 25 minutes away. Here you'll find Krabi's Sofitel, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the elegant Tubkaek beach, which offers peace and relaxation for adults. The sunsets here are more beautiful than on postcards, the beach is deserted, and apart from the restaurant of the neighboring resort, there's nothing within walking distance.
Klong Muang is ideal for families. The Sofitel offers a kids' club and a lagoon pool, but no private beach. There's a quiet public beach across the water. The Dusit Thani is right on the beach. Tubkaek is even quieter, with shallow, calm waters far out. It's my favorite for honeymoons because the Tubkaek Krabi Boutique Resort and the Banyan Tree Krabi are right on the beach, and the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is just south of it.
Choose this coastline if your resort stay is your main destination and you enjoy day trips to the theater. Island tours still depart from Ao Nang, so be sure to include a drive along the coast each time.
The best way to get around Krabi is by songthaew, Grab, and hotel shuttles. White songthaews connect Krabi Town and Ao Nang for 60 baht during the day and 80 baht after 6:00 PM. During peak season, they run until about 10:00 PM, while in the off-season, they only run during the day. After that, Grab or hotel shuttles are available. Staying in Klong Muang or Tubkaek? Check your resort's shuttle schedule in Ao Nang before planning your restaurant visits.
First-class accommodation on Railay and along the Klong Muang–Tubkaek coast
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Rayavadee Resort
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Sand Sea Resort
Instead, stay on Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi
Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are both located in Krabi province, which is why they're mentioned in many answers about "accommodation in Krabi." They are separate destinations and not areas on the mainland. I would recommend including one of the islands in a Krabi stay rather than swapping them, unless you're traveling specifically for the islands.
Koh Lanta is the quieter of the islands, a long, stretched paradise with tranquil beaches and little nightlife beyond the beach bars. The north, around Khlong Dao and Long Beach, is a bit livelier, but the further south you travel, the more secluded it becomes. Minivans will take you from Krabi Airport to your hotel in 2 to 2.5 hours for about 400–540 baht. A mid-range room costs an average of around 2,200 baht per night. The Pimalai Resort & Spa on Kantiang Bay and the Layana Resort and Spa are two of the most popular hotels. Our Koh Lanta travel guide introduces you to the individual beaches.
Koh Phi Phi is the livelier, car-free island with snorkeling opportunities, viewpoints, and bars. Boats take 30 minutes to 2 hours from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town, and Railay East. Klong Jilad is 30 minutes from the airport. Spending two nights on Koh Phi Phi after three or four nights in Ao Nang offers the opportunity to explore the main attractions of the Andaman Sea. The Koh Phi Phi travel guide provides tips on accommodation on the island.
Where you should definitely not stay overnight in Krabi
The most common mistakes made in Krabi have to do with the right equipment, and here are six things I would advise against.
A cheap room high up on the hill behind Ao Nang
The low prices in the side streets above Ao Nang come at a price: you have to endure a steep walk for every meal and every boat trip. Unless the hotel offers a shuttle service, it's worth spending a little more and staying within walking distance of the beach promenade.
The apartment blocks right on the Ao Nang Strip, if you're a light sleeper
The center is conveniently located and lively until late at night. Light sleepers should stay a few minutes away from the Strip or towards the end, in the direction of Noppharat Thara.
Railay East, if you want to swim right from your front door
Railay East consists of mangroves and mudflats, and at low tide the water recedes far. You'll find the more affordable rooms and bars there, and the beach at Railay West is just a five-minute walk away. Keep this in mind when booking.
Tonsai, in case you need electricity and an ATM.
Tonsai relies on generators, experiences daytime power outages, has cold water, and no ATM. It's ideal for climbers but unsuitable for anyone who needs to work all day or charge their camera.
Krabi Town, for a beach holiday
Krabi Town has no beach, and the 25- to 30-minute songthaew ride each way quickly becomes tiresome during a week of beach days. Therefore, it's best to reserve it for one night at the beginning or end of your trip.
Klong Muang or Tubkaek if you want to eat out every evening.
This coastline has no promenade and hardly any nightlife, and public transport isn't very reliable. Anyone wanting to eat at a different restaurant every night should stay overnight in Ao Nang and spend their days visiting the quiet beaches.
Krabi Airport (KBV) → Ao Nang / Your Resort
Land and be on the beach in 40 minutes
The journey from KBV to Ao Nang takes 35 to 45 minutes. Shared taxis cost 150–200 baht per person, while an airport taxi costs approximately 700–1,000 baht. A car pre-booked through 12Go (around 700–800 baht for a sedan) has a fixed price and offers enough space for the whole family's luggage. For Railay, 12Go offers combination tickets for taxis and longtail boats, which also include the boat crossing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about accommodation in Krabi.
For most visitors, Ao Nang is the most popular choice, as it offers the widest selection of hotels and restaurants and is the departure point for boat trips to other islands. Railay boasts breathtaking scenery, provided you're willing to travel there by boat. Krabi Town offers affordable prices and good transport links, while the quieter, upscale resorts are located along the coast between Klong Muang and Tubkaek. Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, although also in Krabi province, are each considered separate island excursions.
Ao Nang. All tours start from there. The longtail boats to Railay and the islands depart directly from the beach, and you can easily walk to dinner. If your budget allows, it's best to plan two nights on Railay at the beginning or end of your trip.
Railay captivates with its scenery, Tubkaek with its understated luxury. I proposed to my wife on Phra Nang Beach in Railay in 2023, so Railay is my first choice. For a romantic honeymoon, Tubkaek offers the Tubkaek Krabi Boutique Resort, the Banyan Tree Krabi, and, just south of the beach, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Klong Muang, the quieter part of Ao Nang, offers a kids' club and a large lagoon pool. The Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort, also located at the quieter end of Ao Nang Beach, has two pools with waterslides. Tubkaek, with its shallow, calm water, is well-suited for young children, while Railay is the most difficult to reach with children, as it can only be accessed by boat.
Ao Nang. From there, longtail boats go to the Four Islands and Railay, speedboat tours to the Hong Islands and Phi Phi start from the hotels in Ao Nang, and the ferry to Phi Phi departs from the Nopparat Thara Pier at the end of the beach.
The Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort is located directly on the beach, the Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort at a quieter end, and the Sea Seeker Krabi Resort is just a short walk from the beachfront promenade. For a design-oriented stay in the green hills behind the town, the Anana Ecological Resort is recommended.
Ao Nang or the center of Krabi Town. In Ao Nang, the beach, restaurants, and boats are easily accessible on foot, while in Krabi Town, the riverbanks, markets, and the Railay longtail boats are within easy walking distance. White songthaews connect the two for 60 baht, or 80 baht after 6:00 PM. There is no reliable public transportation in Klong Muang and Tubkaek, so you will need to rely on resort shuttles and taxis.
No. Railay is cut off from the road by cliffs, so the only way to get there is by boat. The longtail boat ride from Ao Nang beach takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs 100 baht. From the pier in Ao Nam Mao, a speedboat departs every 30 minutes between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm for 150 baht.
Ao Nang is ideal for a beach holiday. Krabi Town doesn't have a beach, and the 25- to 30-minute songthaew (shared taxi) ride each way is considerably more complicated than you might expect. Krabi Town is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, market enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to stay near the airport, pier, or bus station. Here you'll experience an authentic Thai town at typical Thai prices.
For most trips, I would choose Ao Nang. There are significantly more hotels and restaurants, you can go island hopping directly from the beach, and the island is easily accessible by car for both arrival and day trips. While Railay offers a more immersive landscape experience for two to three nights, with some of Asia's most beautiful beaches and impressive limestone formations, you pay the price for being exclusively accessible by boat, the higher prices per star-rated hotel, and the limited dining options. Many travelers split their trip, visiting Railay first and then Ao Nang.
Yes, two or three nights are ideal. Day-trippers leave in the late afternoon, and the evenings (sunset over Railay West, starry nights under the cliffs) offer exactly what day visitors miss. Limited accommodation books up quickly during peak season, so early booking is recommended. Climbers and backpackers should also consider Tonsai, Railay's more affordable and slightly more rustic neighboring bay.
Four or five days are enough to comfortably experience the main sights. One day for the Four Islands or Hong Islands tour, one for Railay and Phra Nang, one for the Tiger Cave Temple or the Emerald Pool, and some time for a beach holiday. Allow more time if you plan to take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta.
Krabi captivates visitors with its scenery, good value for money, and more relaxed atmosphere. Its karst landscape is the most impressive on the Andaman coast, and hotel prices are lower than those of comparable hotels in Phuket. Phuket, on the other hand, scores points with its flight connections, a wider selection of resorts, a vibrant nightlife, and alternative activities for rainy days. Many travelers simply combine both destinations, as they are about three hours apart by car or one to two hours by speedboat. My comparison of Phuket and Krabi goes into detail on each of these categories.
The best time to travel is from November to April, when the sea is calm and boats run reliably to the islands. December to February is considered ideal. From May to October, monsoon-like rains occur, and boat cancellations can happen occasionally. However, hotel discounts of 30–50% are common, and the landscape is lush and green. If you want to avoid a particular month, September and October are the rainiest. Railay and Ao Nang are open and pleasantly quiet during this time.
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Best time to travel to Thailand
The best time to travel is from November to February; the rest of the year is best on the east coast.
I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.
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