Located on the west coast of southern Thailand, the province of Krabi is a must-see stop on any Thai road trip. Picture-postcard scenery, beautiful cliffs, white sand beaches, turquoise waters… It’s easy to see why this province is a popular getaway destination. But it’s not always easy to decide where to stay in Krabi.
We’ve put together a little guide to help you make the most of your trip and find the perfect spot. Read on to discover the various areas in Krabi, their location, points of interest, budget requirements and recommended accommodation.
Essentials to stay in Krabi
Areas where to stay in Krabi
Let’s get into it with a review of the main areas to stay in Krabi.
Ao Nang: staying in the tourist centre of Krabi
Ao Nang, one of Krabi’s most famous areas, is at the heart of local tourist life. Between beaches, restaurants and nightlife, it offers everything visitors need to soak up the atmosphere and unwind.
Most excursions to neighbouring islands and inland also leave from its small port. If you want to be at the heart of Krabi’s hustle and bustle, this is the place to stay!
The perks of staying in Ao Nang:
- The beach: although not the most beautiful beach in Krabi, it is a nice place to go for a walk and enjoy the restaurants.
- It is the departure point for most excursions inland or offshore. You can get a boat from here to islands such as Koh Phi Phi or Koh Poda.
Ao Nang is a fairly central area with a wide range of affordable accommodation at the heart of local life. It is also a great place to enjoy Krabi’s lively nightlife without breaking the bank.
Our accommodation recommendations in Ao Nang
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Located on the main street of Ao Nang, this hotel offers comfortable, value-for-money rooms.
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This hotel offers loft-style bedrooms at affordable prices. It is a great place to stay in Krabi on a budget.
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This 4-star hotel has a wide range of spacious family rooms. With its outdoor pool, it is an ideal place to stay in Krabi when travelling with kids.
Railay Beach: accommodation on the lively peninsula
Railey Beach, a remote peninsula only accessible by boat, is the heart of nightlife. You can reach its white sandy beaches by taking a ‘longboat’ from the coast of Ao Nang.
Despite its out-of-the-way location, Railay Beach is one of the liveliest areas in Krabi. It is ideal for anyone looking to stay as close as possible to Thai nightlife.
Phra Nang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. Crystal-clear waters, white sand, a rock formation in the middle of the sea... Picture-perfect!
From a higher vantage point, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the peninsula. Although short, the hike to the top is fairly demanding. Railay is also renowned for rock climbing.
But the area is best known for its lively nightlife. Railay is a firm favourite with party-goers, boasting plenty of places to go out, such as restaurants and a few clubs, where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere.
This popular spot offers many places to stay, often at a higher price point than the surrounding areas. Railay Beach is quite lively, so it’s not the best place to stay if you’re looking for peace and quiet. But if you want to enjoy the nightlife, look no further!
Our top accommodation picks in Railay Beach
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This hotel offers comfortable bedrooms close to local entertainment. With an outdoor swimming pool and panoramic views of the cliffs and the sea, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
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Right on the beach, this luxury hotel features rooms and villas as close as possible to the hustle and bustle of Railay Beach while providing a calm and peaceful atmosphere. With its outdoor pool, this is the ideal place to stay for visitors seeking comfort.
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This 5-star hotel, nestled in a gorgeous setting at the heart of the peninsula, boasts luxury villas and outdoor pools with extraordinary panoramic cliff and sea views. The perfect place to experience ultimate comfort in Krabi...
Nopparat Thara: for a family gateway
Nopparat Thara is an area in the town of Ao Nang, known for its calm and welcoming vibes. Far from the hustle and bustle of the centre, yet close to all the main attractions (restaurants, excursions, etc.), it is ideal for families staying in Krabi.
This area is best known for:
- Nopparat Thara Beach: a relaxing and clean 3 km-long white sand beach. The perfect place to unwind while remaining close to the hotels and lively areas.
- Nopparat Thara Pier: a jetty to the west and the starting point for many excursions and transport to nearby islands.
Nopparat Thara is a sought-after area for its geographical location. There is a wide range of accommodation to choose from, to suit all budgets.
Recommended places to stay in Nopparat Thara
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This hotel offers bedrooms and bungalows with a brick and wood décor reminiscent of Swiss chalets.
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This 5-star resort, a few steps from Nopparat Thara Beach, offers a wide range of spacious rooms and suites, an outdoor pool and slides. Perfect for a family holiday!
Krabi Town: staying in the heart of the province
Located further inland, Krabi Town is the province’s cultural hub. Although further away from the idyllic beaches, Krabi Town has plenty to offer travellers seeking to explore the surrounding areas.
Krabi Town’s must-see attractions include:
- Wat Kaew Ko Wararam: located in the centre of town, this Buddhist temple is popular with tourists for its white colour and calm and tranquil setting.
- Wat Tham Suea: a 15-minute drive north, this Buddhist temple, otherwise known as the ‘Tiger Cave Temple’, is a must-see. Climb over 1,200 steps to the summit and admire stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area!
- The night market: every weekend evening (from Friday to Sunday), the town comes to life with more than 50 stalls selling clothes, various objects and street food. An immersion into the heart of local culture.
Travellers don’t only flock to Krabi Town for its geographical location. It also boasts a wide range of affordable accommodation options. The town is less touristy than the coastal areas and quite calm. There are many hotels to choose from, most offering good value for money.
Recommended accommodation in Krabi Town
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This hotel, located in the southern part of the town, offers a range of comfortable and affordable rooms. Ideal for staying in Krabi on a budget.
Map of the places where to stay in Krabi
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
As you can see, Krabi is quite a large province. You can choose from various areas to stay depending on your budget, the length of your trip and the experience you’re looking for. Finding the right accommodation in Krabi is all about priorities:
- If you want to enjoy local entertainment, Ao Nang and Railay Beach are ideal. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and a lively nightlife.
- If you’re on a tighter budget or want to stay in a calmer area, Nopparat Thara and Krabi Town are the best places to stay, with a range of affordable accommodation. Although quieter than Ao Nang and Railay Beach, the livelier areas are still within reach.
One last word of advice: whatever you’re looking for and wherever you decide to stay in Krabi, make sure to book early.