Where to Stay in Krabi
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
Ao Nang is Krabi's most developed beach town and the main tourist hub, featuring a long beachfront promenade lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The area serves as the primary base for island-hopping tours and offers the widest selection of accommodation, from budget hostels to upscale resorts. It's well-connected with frequent songthaews (shared trucks) to other areas and has the most vibrant nightlife in Krabi.
- Widest selection of restaurants and entertainment options
- Easy access to tour operators and island-hopping boats
- Good public transport connections throughout Krabi
- Plenty of accommodation choices at all price points
- Walking distance to shops, massage parlors, and travel agencies
- Can feel crowded and touristy during peak season
- Beach quality is average compared to nearby islands
- Street noise and traffic can be disruptive
Accessible only by longtail boat, Railay is a stunning peninsula surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. This car-free paradise is famous for rock climbing, pristine beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere. Accommodation here ranges from backpacker bungalows to luxury resorts, with everything requiring a short boat ride from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
- Spectacularly beautiful natural setting with dramatic cliffs
- Four distinct beaches within walking distance
- World-class rock climbing opportunities
- Car-free environment creates peaceful atmosphere
- Excellent snorkeling and kayaking
- More expensive than mainland due to boat access
- Limited dining options compared to Ao Nang
- Can feel isolated for some travelers
The provincial capital offers an authentic Thai experience away from the beach resort atmosphere, with local markets, riverside dining, and significantly lower prices. While not directly on the beach, it's the transportation hub for the region and provides easy access to the airport, bus terminal, and boat piers. The town comes alive in the evenings with its famous weekend night market and riverside walking street.
- Most affordable accommodation and dining in Krabi
- Authentic local atmosphere with minimal tourist crowds
- Central location for exploring the entire province
- Excellent local food scene and night markets
- Easy access to all transportation hubs
- No beach access (30-40 minutes to nearest beaches)
- Limited English spoken compared to tourist areas
- Fewer tour operators and tourist services
Located about 20 minutes north of Ao Nang, Klong Muang is an upscale, peaceful beach area dominated by high-end resorts and luxury hotels. The long, wide beach offers soft sand and calm waters, with far fewer crowds than Ao Nang. This area is perfect for travelers who want a more refined, relaxed beach holiday without sacrificing proximity to Krabi's attractions.
- Beautiful, uncrowded beach with excellent swimming conditions
- High-quality resorts with excellent facilities
- More peaceful and private than Ao Nang
- Still accessible to tours and attractions
- Stunning sunset views
- Limited budget accommodation options
- Fewer restaurants and shops within walking distance
- Need transportation to reach Ao Nang's amenities
The most secluded and exclusive beach area in Krabi, Tubkaek (also spelled Tubkaak) offers pristine white sand beaches backed by casuarina trees and luxury boutique resorts. Located about 25 kilometers from Krabi Town, this area provides ultimate privacy and tranquility with stunning views of the nearby islands. It's the choice for travelers who prioritize seclusion and natural beauty over nightlife and convenience.
- Most pristine and uncrowded beach in Krabi
- Exclusive boutique resorts with exceptional service
- Perfect for complete relaxation and disconnection
- Beautiful natural surroundings and island views
- High-end spa and wellness facilities
- Very limited dining and entertainment options
- Remote location requires taxi or rental vehicle
- Significantly more expensive than other areas
Located just north of Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara offers a quieter alternative with a more local feel while still being within easy reach of Ao Nang's amenities. The beach is part of a national marine park and features casuarina trees providing natural shade along the shore. This area attracts families and travelers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere with better value accommodation than central Ao Nang.
- Less crowded and more peaceful than Ao Nang
- Better value accommodation with good facilities
- Beautiful beach with natural shade
- Walking distance to Ao Nang (20-25 minutes)
- Good selection of local restaurants
- Beach disappears at high tide in some sections
- Fewer entertainment options than Ao Nang
- Limited nightlife
A bohemian beach village accessible only by longtail boat or a challenging jungle trail from Railay, Tonsai has evolved into a laid-back climbers' haven with basic bungalows and a hippie atmosphere. The beach itself is rocky and not ideal for swimming, but the area's charm lies in its alternative vibe, affordable accommodation, and world-class climbing routes. It's significantly cheaper than neighboring Railay while offering a unique backpacker community experience.
- Most affordable accommodation in the Railay peninsula area
- Strong community atmosphere and social scene
- Direct access to excellent climbing routes
- Relaxed, unpretentious vibe
- Easy walk to Railay's better beaches
- Very basic facilities and accommodation
- Beach not suitable for swimming
- Can feel too rustic for some travelers
A quiet fishing village and beach area southeast of Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism. This authentic coastal community offers basic but clean accommodation, local seafood restaurants, and a genuine glimpse into traditional Thai fishing village life. It's ideal for travelers seeking to escape the tourist trail while still having access to Krabi's attractions via nearby transportation.
- Very affordable accommodation and food
- Authentic local experience with few tourists
- Excellent fresh seafood restaurants
- Close to Krabi Airport (15 minutes)
- Peaceful and safe environment
- Limited accommodation choices
- Beach is not as scenic as western areas
- Requires transportation to reach main attractions
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Krabi's beach resorts range from mid-range properties with pools and beach access to ultra-luxury establishments with private villas, spas, and multiple restaurants. Most are concentrated in Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach.
Best for: Couples, families, and luxury travelers seeking full-service beach holidays
Krabi has a growing hostel scene, particularly in Ao Nang and Krabi Town, offering dorm beds and private rooms with shared facilities. Many feature social areas, tour booking services, and organized activities.
Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious young travelers
Traditional Thai-style bungalows are common in Railay, Tonsai, and quieter beach areas, ranging from basic fan-cooled bamboo structures to more comfortable air-conditioned units with modern amenities.
Best for: Travelers seeking authentic beach accommodation and laid-back atmosphere
Krabi's boutique hotels offer personalized service and unique design, often incorporating local materials and Thai architectural elements. These properties typically have 20-50 rooms and emphasize quality over quantity.
Best for: Couples, design-conscious travelers, and those seeking intimate properties
Family-run guesthouses are prevalent in Krabi Town and Ao Nang, offering simple, clean rooms with basic amenities. Owners often provide local insights and can arrange tours at competitive prices.
Best for: Budget travelers, long-term visitors, and those seeking local interaction
Private villas with pools are increasingly available through booking platforms, particularly in hillside locations with sea views. These range from simple two-bedroom homes to luxury properties with staff.
Best for: Families, groups, and travelers seeking privacy and self-catering options
Sustainable accommodation options have emerged in Krabi, focusing on minimal environmental impact, local materials, and community involvement. These properties often feature organic gardens and nature-based activities.
Best for: Eco-conscious travelers, nature lovers, and wellness seekers
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
Accommodation in Railay and Tubkaek Beach fills up quickly during high season due to limited inventory. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for December-February travel, especially for beachfront properties. Last-minute availability is rare and significantly more expensive in these areas.
Staying in Krabi Town can save 40-60% on accommodation costs compared to Ao Nang, with the trade-off being a 30-40 minute commute to beaches. If you plan to take daily tours, this difference matters less since most tours include hotel pickup. Budget travelers should seriously consider this option.
Many Krabi hotels include breakfast, airport transfers, and even boat transfers to Railay in their rates, while others charge separately. Always compare the total cost including these extras rather than just the room rate. Properties offering free longtail boat transfers to Railay can save 200-400 THB per trip.
Not all 'beachfront' properties have direct beach access during high tide, particularly in Nopparat Thara and parts of Ao Nang. Check recent photos and reviews to confirm actual beach proximity and conditions. Some properties marketed as beachfront are actually across a road from the beach.
Many resorts offer packages that include tours, spa treatments, or dining credits at better value than booking separately. These are especially common during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) and can provide 20-30% savings on total holiday costs.
Krabi's accommodation scene changes rapidly, with properties changing management or declining in maintenance. Always read reviews from the last 3-6 months, paying particular attention to cleanliness, noise levels, and staff responsiveness. Photos can be outdated, so recent guest photos are more reliable.
Weather can be unpredictable during shoulder and low seasons. Book properties with flexible cancellation policies if traveling May-October, as heavy rain or rough seas can significantly impact your experience. Many properties offer free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
Book 2-3 months in advance for November-March travel, especially for Christmas and New Year (book 4-6 months ahead). Prices are at their peak but availability is limited. Last-minute bookings will face premium rates and limited choice, particularly in Railay and luxury properties.
April-May and September-October offer excellent value with 30-40% discounts. Book 3-4 weeks in advance for best selection. Weather can be unpredictable but many days are still sunny. This is the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind occasional rain.
June-August (monsoon season) sees the deepest discounts (up to 50% off) and last-minute deals are common. Some properties close for renovations, and boat services to islands may be limited due to rough seas. Book 1-2 weeks ahead or even walk-in for best rates, but verify that tours and activities will be operating.
For the best balance of price and availability, book 6-8 weeks before travel during high season, and 2-3 weeks ahead during other periods. Mid-week stays are often cheaper than weekends, and longer stays (5+ nights) frequently qualify for discounts of 10-15%.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.