Where to stay in Krabi

Krabi province sits on the Andaman coast of southern Thailand, across Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. Its trademark is limestone: sheer karst cliffs rise straight out of the sea and the forest, and the offshore islands, from the Hong group to the Phi Phi archipelago, make it one of the country's best bases for boat trips, kayaking and rock climbing.

Most visitors don't stay in Krabi Town itself but on the coast about 20 km to the west, where Ao Nang has grown into the main beach resort. From there, longtail boats run to the Railay peninsula and to the islands, and quieter beaches stretch away to the north-west. Krabi Town, on the river, is the practical and local side of the province, with markets, temples and the main bus links.

The places listed here range from budget guesthouses and a social hostel to garden resorts and private pool villas. Most are in or near Ao Nang. Filter them by area, type and features below, or read the area guide first.

Nearest airport
Krabi International (KBV), east of Krabi Town
Airport to Ao Nang
Roughly 30 to 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic
Getting around
Songthaews, taxis, ride-hailing apps, scooter hire and longtail boats
Wettest months
Usually May to October

Places to stay in Krabi & Ao Nang

25 hotels

Hotel in Ao Nang

Zleepingpills

Ground-floor family rooms, a restaurant and a tour desk on Ao Nang's inland side

  • garden
  • terrace
  • air-conditioning
See today's offers

Resort in Nopparat Thara & Khlong Haeng

Sunda Resort

Two outdoor pools and balcony rooms in a leafy garden near Nopparat Thara

  • pool
  • garden
  • free Wi-Fi
See today's offers

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay in Krabi, area by area

The beach areas line up along the coast west of Krabi Town: Railay at the southern tip, then Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara and, further north-west, Klong Muang and Tubkaek. Krabi Town is inland on the estuary, a half-hour drive from Ao Nang.

Ao Nang

Best for first visits and island-hopping

Krabi's main resort town wraps around a bay framed by limestone headlands. The beach road is lined with restaurants, bars, massage shops and tour desks, and longtail boats leave from the sand for Railay and the nearby islands. Plenty of the cheaper places to stay are on the side roads running inland from the beach, usually a 10 to 20-minute walk from the water, and the Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium is in this inland part of town.

It's the easiest base for a first trip: you can book day tours on any corner and walk to dinner most nights.

Nopparat Thara & Khlong Haeng

Best for a quieter beach near Ao Nang

Just north-west of Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara is a long, casuarina-shaded beach that forms part of a national park. It has far fewer buildings than Ao Nang, and at low tide the sea pulls back to reveal wide sand flats. There's a pier at the far end used by boats to the islands.

The resorts here and in the villages behind the beach, such as Khlong Haeng, tend to be calmer and greener, while Ao Nang's restaurants are a short ride or a long walk away.

Railay

Best for climbers and dramatic scenery

Railay is on the mainland but cut off by cliffs, so it can only be reached by boat, usually a short longtail ride from Ao Nang or a longer one from the Krabi Town side. It is famous for its rock climbing and for Phra Nang beach, with its cave shrine at the foot of the cliffs.

With no road access and a small car-free village, it feels like an island. Evenings are low-key, and luggage goes on and off the boats by hand, so pack light.

Krabi Town

Best for local life and onward travel

The provincial capital sits on the Krabi River estuary, looking across to the twin limestone peaks of Khao Khanab Nam. It's a working town rather than a resort, with riverside promenades, Thara Park, the white temple of Wat Kaew Korawaram and busy evening food markets, including a weekend walking street.

Hotels here are usually cheaper than on the coast and handy for the airport and the bus terminal. Songthaews run out to Ao Nang during the day, and the Tiger Cave Temple is a short drive north.

Klong Muang, Tubkaek & Nong Thale

Best for secluded resorts and villa stays

North-west of Nopparat Thara, the coast road leads to Klong Muang and Tubkaek, two quiet beaches looking out to the Hong islands. Development is mostly resorts and villas spread along the shore, with few shops or bars in between. The inland villages of the Nong Thale area, among rubber trees and limestone hills, have a handful of pool villas.

Plan on taxis, a hire car or the resort's own transport; Ao Nang is roughly 20 to 30 minutes away by road.

Questions about staying in Krabi & Ao Nang

Is it better to stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?

Ao Nang, if the beach and boat trips are the point of your holiday: tours leave from the sand and restaurants are on every street. Krabi Town suits a short stopover, travellers on a tight budget and anyone who prefers markets and local food to a resort strip. Songthaews link the two during the day.

Can you stay on Railay?

Yes. Railay has its own small resorts and bungalows, but everything arrives by boat, including you and your luggage. It's a good choice for climbers and for anyone who wants quiet evenings, but less practical if you plan lots of day trips by road.

How do I get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?

Taxis, ride-hailing cars and shared minibuses run from the airport to Ao Nang, and some hotels arrange transfers. Allow roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Klong Muang and Tubkaek are a little further.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

The dry season, roughly November to April, brings the calmest seas and is the most popular time for island trips. From about May to October the south-west monsoon brings more rain and rougher water, and some boat routes run less often, though prices are usually lower.

Which part of Krabi is best for a quiet stay?

Nopparat Thara is calmer than Ao Nang but still close to it. For real seclusion, Klong Muang, Tubkaek and the villas around Nong Thale are the quietest, although you'll need transport to go out to eat.

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