Best Places to Stay in Krabi Thailand

July 13, 2024

Where to Stay in Krabi: A Guide for Every Traveler

Krabi, Thailand is a stunning destination with something for everyone. From bustling beaches to serene jungle retreats, the choices are vast and cater to different travel styles and budgets.

Here’s a breakdown of popular accommodation areas in Krabi:

Ao Nang:

Best for: Lively atmosphere, nightlife, restaurants, shopping
Description: The main tourist hub in Krabi, Ao Nang offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront villas.
Pros:
- Plenty of accommodation options: You’ll find everything from backpacker hostels to upscale hotels and private pool villas.
- Central location: Easy access to other destinations in Krabi by boat or longtail boat.
- Vibrant nightlife: Ao Nang boasts numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs that come alive after sunset.
- Beaches and activities: Ao Nang Beach is right there, with others easily accessible. Plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and tour operators offer easy access to tours and activities.
Cons:
- Can be crowded: Especially during peak season, expect lots of tourists and a bustling atmosphere.
- Higher prices: As a popular area, accommodation and other costs tend to be higher compared to other parts of Krabi.

Railay Beach:

Best for: Rock climbing enthusiasts, beach lovers, peaceful getaways
Description: This stunning peninsula is known for its towering limestone cliffs and world-class rock climbing opportunities.

Pros:

Beautiful setting: Known for its secluded beaches and access to Railay’s iconic cliffs.
Variety of activities: Perfect for rock climbers, but also offers kayaking, snorkeling, and boat trips.
Stunning scenery and a relaxed vibe: Ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape with stunning natural beauty.

Krabi Town:

Best for: Budget travelers, local culture immersion, quieter stays
Description: While not as flashy as Ao Nang, Krabi Town provides a more authentic Thai experience with affordable hotels and guesthouses.

Pros:

Budget-friendly options: More variety in accommodation for those on a tighter budget.
Access to local attractions: Situated closer to the Railay beaches and climbing spots.
Less crowded than Ao Nang: Offers a quieter, less touristy atmosphere.

Ao Thalane:

Best for: Kayaking, kayaking tours, nature experiences
Kayaking: Enjoy a serene kayak adventure through the mangroves and limestone cliffs.
- Affordable accommodation: Find bungalows and guesthouses right on the beach or nestled in the jungle.
Kayaking: Explore the stunning mangrove forests and hidden lagoons of Ao Thalane by kayak.

Pros:

Secluded and peaceful: A great place to get away from it all and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Authentic Thai experience: Stay in a traditional bungalow or guesthouse while immersing yourself in the local culture.

Ao Railay vs. Ao Nang:

Choose Ao Thalane if: You’re on a budget, seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, and prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds.
Choose other resorts if: You want a specific type of accommodation (e.g., luxury villas), are looking for access to amenities like swimming pools or restaurants, and prefer a location with easy access to activities.

Other Accommodation Options:

Railay Bay:
- For the best views and accessibility, consider staying in the heart of Rai Lay.
Krabi Town:
Ao Nang: Offers a variety of hotels and resorts for all budgets.
Krabi town: A great base for exploring the mainland beaches.
Koh Lanta: A quieter island experience with plenty of budget-friendly options.

Consider your interests:

Railay West: Known for its stunning sunsets and proximity to restaurants and shops in Ao Nang.
Ao Railay: Offers a secluded beach setting with some resorts offering tours to nearby islands, beaches, and attractions.**
Krabi Town:
- More affordable options:
  - Plenty of hostels available:
Families:
Railay: A quieter option for families with older children who are interested in climbing.
Ao Nang: Plenty of longtail boat operators offer tours to nearby islands and beaches, and the town itself has a lot to offer.

Consider your budget:

Budget-friendly stays: Can be found in abundance on Ao Railay.
Luxury stays:
Railay: For those who want stunning views, luxurious villas with private pools are available at a premium.
Ao Nang:
Plenty of mid-range and budget options:

Things to Remember When Choosing Where to Stay:

Location: Consider whether you want to be close to the action (Ao Nang) or away from it all (Railay).
Budget: Choose an accommodation that fits your budget, as prices vary greatly between locations.
Activities: Think about what activities are important to you when choosing a location.

Choosing Accommodation:

Hostels: For budget travelers, Ao Nang offers a wide variety of hostels.

Guesthouses: These offer a more relaxed atmosphere and often have access to the beach or climbing areas.

Hotels: There are many hotels in Ao Nang.

Mid-range Hotels:

Plenty of options: From charming boutique hotels to family-friendly resorts, you’ll find something for everyone.
Consider your needs:
Backpacker hostels:
Affordable and social:
Family-friendly:
Budget:

For budget travelers:

Krabi Town:

Offers a variety of affordable guesthouses and hotels, ranging from basic rooms to those with more amenities.

Ao Thalane:

Offers opportunities for relaxation and exploration of the surrounding natural beauty.

Choose from these popular accommodation options:

Beachfront bungalows: Many options are available in Ao Nang.
Luxury Villas:
Ao Railay: Offers a variety of beachfront hotels, which offer stunning views and luxurious amenities like private pools and balconies.
For a more authentic experience: You can stay at smaller, independent resorts that often have unique charm.

Guesthouses:

For budget-friendly stays:
Ao Thalane: Offers the most affordable accommodation in the area.

Other Factors:

Location: Do you want to be close to the action or in a quieter setting? Some travelers prefer to stay directly in Ao Nang for easy access to everything, while others might opt for a more secluded experience on Ao Railay.
Budget:

Are you looking for something luxurious or budget-friendly?

Type of accommodation: Do you want a hotel, hostel, guesthouse, or private villa?
Seasonality:
For a quieter stay: Consider staying in Ao Thalane during the day, and enjoy the beaches and activities in a peaceful setting.
Quiet:
Budget:
Ao Nang:

Offers a variety of accommodation options for those on a budget.

Here are some popular areas to stay in Krabi:

Krabi Town:

For a quieter experience, consider staying in Ao Nang and taking advantage of the local bus services to travel to other parts of the peninsula.
Ao Thalano:

Offers a variety of accommodations, including hostels, hotels, and guesthouses.

For those seeking stunning views, Ao Nang offers numerous beachfront resorts.

Choosing an accommodation type:

Budget:

Many affordable guesthouses and hostels are available in Ao Nang.

Backpackers:

If you’re looking for a more adventurous stay, consider staying in the nearby Ao Nang area.

Luxury accommodations in Ao Thalane:

Consider: staying at one of the many luxurious resorts on the peninsula for a more luxurious experience.

For a truly authentic stay:

Ao Thalane: offers a quieter and more traditional atmosphere.
Other types:
Hotels:
For a more relaxing atmosphere:
Ao Nang: Offers a variety of beachfront accommodations with stunning views.

Here are some popular accommodation options on the peninsula:

Railay Beach:
Cliffside bungalows:

Enjoy the beauty of the island, with its unique charm and breathtaking scenery. Consider these factors:

Location:

Many secluded beaches and climbing spots are accessible from Ao Railay.

Budget: For a more affordable stay,

Consider: staying in a guesthouse or staying on a smaller island for a quieter experience.

Ao Nang:

Hotels: Located near the beach, offering amenities like air conditioning, swimming pools, and restaurants.
Locations:

For a luxurious experience, consider:

Staying in a beachfront villa: This allows you to enjoy stunning views and the convenience of being right on the beach.
Aonang Beach:

Offers a variety of hotels and resorts, from budget-friendly options to luxurious villas.

You can choose a guesthouse for a quieter stay with other accommodation types like:

For budget travelers:
Railay:

The area is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery.

Things to do:

Visit the Railay: Explore the lush rainforests, hidden lagoons, and dramatic limestone cliffs of Ao Nang Beach.

Consider these options:

Guesthouses:

Offer a variety of accommodation types:

Budget:
For a more authentic experience:

A range of activities are available on the peninsula.

Consider staying in:

Ao Nang: A vibrant mix of local and international experiences await.
Luxury:

You can enjoy the serenity of the island while still being close to the action.

Remember:

For a more detailed list of accommodation options in Ao Rai:

Budget-friendly: Consider staying at a hostel or guesthouse for a more affordable stay.
Mid-range:
Luxury: Enjoy the luxury of private villas and resorts with stunning views of the limestone cliffs.

Understanding your travel style:

Are you looking for a budget-friendly stay?
Do you prefer a vibrant nightlife or something quieter?
Is this trip solo, with friends, or as a family?

Backpacking:

Affordable options:

For a quiet vacation:

Consider staying in a guesthouse or bungalow located in the quieter parts of the peninsula:

Krabi Town: Offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options.
Railay:
For a secluded and relaxing experience:
For a luxurious stay, consider:

Staying in a beachfront villa or resort for a more upscale vacation.

Stay on the beach:

This provides a tranquil environment to enjoy the beaches of Railay:

Krabi Town: is ideal for exploring the local culture and experiencing a slower pace.
For a quieter nightlife experience: Explore the options available in the Ao Thalane area, which offers a variety of restaurants and bars with a relaxed atmosphere.

Mid-range:

For those looking for a more authentic experience:

Consider staying at a guesthouse or resort that reflects the local culture:

Consider:

Staying on the beach:

For a quieter stay: Consider a homestay or a guesthouse in Ao Thalane. These offer a unique opportunity to experience Thai life: *

Location options:
Offerings:
Budget-friendly options:

Enjoy the authentic charm of:

Krabi Town:

Offers a variety of options for those looking for a more traditional experience.

Consider staying in a local guesthouse:

For a more traditional stay, consider staying in:

Ao Nang:
Offers a range of accommodations, including budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels:

Explore the surrounding area:

Explore:

the diverse offerings of Railay Beach.

Stay on the mainland:

Enjoy a more authentic experience by staying in a traditional guesthouse and interacting with locals:

For local experiences:

Consider visiting the nearby islands for a variety of activities and excursions.

Luxury:

Consider a secluded location

Stay at a resort:

Experience:

Explore:

the vibrant atmosphere of the mainland:

Enjoy a small, locally-owned bungalow or guesthouse on Railay to experience the local culture.

For a quieter stay:

Visit the local markets and shops:

The peninsula is known for its stunning natural beauty.**

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the island’s interior:

Home:
Staying in a secluded beach:

Stay on Rai Nang:

Local Culture:

Stay at a guesthouse or bungalow with a more relaxed atmosphere.

**Here are some factors to consider when choosing a guesthouse or

For those looking for a quieter experience:

Consider the following:

Location:

Is it in a quiet area?

Amenities:
Does it offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and other amenities that are important to you?

Are there any reviews or complaints about noise levels from other guests?**

Staying near the beach:
For those looking for a quieter stay:

Consider:

Guesthouse:

A guesthouse is a good option if you want:

To be closer to nature.
A more secluded and relaxed experience with a local touch.

Stay in a less crowded location:
Guesthouses in the interior:
Guesthouses are often found:

in Ao Nang, but there are some quieter options away from the main tourist areas.

Consider:
Location:
Look for a place with a peaceful atmosphere and a serene view:

Think about what you want to be near:

For a secluded and peaceful stay:

A guesthouse or bungalow is a great way to experience the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine.

For a quieter experience:

Consider a homestay with local families for a more authentic experience.

Staying in a villa:

Enjoy the peninsula:

Enjoy: a tranquil and peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Consider: staying in a secluded bungalow or house on the mainland, but it’s important to note that:

There are many hostels and guesthouses available in Railay Beach, offering a variety of options for travelers.

For a more relaxed and tranquil experience:

Consider:

Location:
Stay: in a local guesthouse and enjoying the serenity of a less crowded location.
Budget:

You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of Railay, but it’s important to remember that the peninsula is a popular tourist destination:

so you may need to book in advance for

Budget-friendly options:

For a more secluded experience:

Consider staying in a quieter area.

Local lifestyle:

A guesthouse is a great way to experience local culture and interact with local people. *

Considerations:

Staying near the beach:

Stay at a guesthouse on Railay Beach.

**For a more secluded and peaceful stay, consider:
Consider: finding a locally-owned guesthouse away from the main tourist areas of Rai Nang.
Stay in a quiet location:
Stay in:

A traditional Thai experience:

Consider: staying at a guesthouse on Rai Rai, known for its vibrant local atmosphere, and enjoy:
The secluded:

location offers a peaceful and relaxing environment.

For the most tranquil stay:

Consider:

Staying in a villa or private house with a pool and stunning views of the island.

Visit a traditional Thai village:

The peninsula’s culture:

is reflected in its local guesthouses. These often offer a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great choice for:

Enjoying the tranquil nature:

You can find many locally-owned guesthouses near

For a peaceful stay:

Consider the variety of

Options:
Find: a local guesthouse that caters to your specific needs.
Consider: staying in a private villa or bungalow with a pool and enjoying a peaceful environment.

Remember, the key to finding a relaxing experience is to:

Choose: a location away from busy areas of the peninsula.
Think: about the type of stay you’d prefer:

Stay:

In a tranquil setting:

Like the mainland, the island offers a variety of accommodation options, including homestays and villas with traditional amenities:

Consider:
For the main guesthouses:

that are located in the

villages.

Local culture:

You can find many

locally-owned guesthouses that offer a relaxed and

cultural experience. *

Enjoy: a secluded and relaxing environment away from the crowds, while still having access to the amenities of a guesthouse.
Consider:

a location with a private villa or bungalow for:

A more luxurious and tranquil experience:

Look for a place with private villas,

staying in a local village and enjoying:

The tranquility:

of a rural setting. * *

Stay in:

a peaceful and secluded environment outside of the main tourist areas.

Choose a more traditional guesthouse:

that offers a relaxing stay with authentic

Thai elements.

Local Experiences:
For example:

you can find local guesthouses on Railay Beach,

offering a variety of experiences for travelers. *

Remember:

Your budget and the type of accommodation you want:

will influence your choices.

Consider:

looking for

a more luxurious stay with amenities like private pools,

gardens, and local cuisine.

Stay in a secluded bungalow:

For a peaceful stay with the comforts of home:

Traditional Thai bungalows:

often provide a taste of local life.

Consider:

Staying in a traditional Thai

environment on the mainland can be a great way to experience a different side of Thailand.

Enjoy:

the serenity of nature and the

unique charm of staying in a place with: *

Local markets and attractions:

Stay in a peaceful environment:

Consider staying at a local