Krabi is one of the largest provinces of the “country of smiles,” with very different and very well differentiated areas, where you will find a variety of accommodation of different prices and categories. We share with you where to stay in Krabi.
Where to stay in Krabi? Best areas
We show you below the best places to sleep in Krabi. To give you an idea of where to look. Remember overall the most economical accommodation (or at least it has a better value for money) are in Nopparat Thara, in Krabi Town, in Ao Nang and Koh Lanta.
The most expensive accommodation is located in Phi Phi and Railay. In these, also, book in advance to find a place, since they immediately hang your poster full.
1. Krabi Town
Located on the estuary of the Krabi River, surrounded by mangroves and karstic mountain areas is Krabi Town. This small city is the capital of the province where its primary administrative services are located. It has a small night market and is well known for its excellent Thai restaurants.
It lacks the paradisiacal beaches that have other areas, but it is a good starting point to get to know other inland cities or to get closer to other more popular islands. It has a tranquil and very local atmosphere, away from mass tourism.
There are very few travelers who decide to stay in Krabi here. Instead, it is a passing area to reach other, more demanded destinations. The advantage is that the price of accommodation is very economical. If you are looking to save, you must take it into account.
2. Ao Nang
This town is nestled between karst cliffs and jungle nature, about half an hour from Krabi airport. It is one of the most developed, where there are many souvenirs or fashion stores, restaurants, some travel agencies, and even art galleries. The atmosphere is lively, but it is far from places like Phuket or Samui, where the hustle and bustle are incessant.
The main attraction is its beach, surrounded by mountains dressed in green and flanked by massive karstic cliffs that make up a picture postcard. It attracts the most sybaritic bathers, those who want to enjoy beautiful sunsets or lovers of maritime sports.
The nightlife is concentrated in Central Point, where you can listen to live music or have a relaxing drink in one of its bars or pubs.
It is a destination chosen to sleep in Krabi by families, couples, and travelers looking for idyllic enclaves, with an excellent offer of services but quiet. The offer of accommodation is extensive and varied, with prices much cheaper than in other areas of Krabi.
3. Nopparat Thara
Nopparat Thara Beach is located about 18 km west of Krabi, within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Koh Phi Phi National Park, about ten minutes walk from Ao Nang.
It extends over five kilometers and is split in two by the mouth of a river, creating two quite differentiated areas: the closest part to Ao Nang, more developed, and the furthest, which is more isolated and has access more difficult.
In the surroundings, you will find local restaurants and some bars, with prices quite compatible with any portfolio. Also, it is very close to the place from where the excursions to Phuket, Koh Lanta or Phi Phi.
If you are looking for a quiet destination, but with some glass and being well connected. It is a good option to stay in Krabi. Here you will find all kinds of hotels, especially mid-range, very suitable for smaller budgets.
4. Tup Kaek
This beach is in the northwest, practically isolated, a half hour’s drive from Ao Nang. It is quiet, relaxed, has little competition, and allows you to enjoy great privacy. It is a good location, if you plan to hike to the islands of Hong, the Phi Phi or the James Bond, or go trekking in the National Park Hat Nopparat-Mu Koh Phi Phi. It is dotted with hotel complexes and luxury resorts, many of them on the seafront.
5. Railay
Railay, located near Ao Nang, is considered one jewel of Thailand. It is a peninsula, joined to the earth by a narrow sand sleeve, full of closed mangroves and practically impenetrable forests. The boat can only access which.
The landscape that surrounds it is spectacular: gigantic limestone towers dressed in lush tropical vegetation and beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand, where fishermen, travelers, and locals seek refuge.
The main attraction of this peninsula is its four paradisiacal beaches: Tonsai, with a backpacker and youthful atmosphere and where the guest houses, Railay West, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Railay East, between mangroves and rocks, and Phra predominate. Nang, a small strip of sand surrounded by limestone cliffs.
The atmosphere in this spectacular peninsula is quite calm, although when the sun goes down, you can enjoy some nightlife. The offer of accommodation is wide and varied and is concentrated, mainly in East and West Railay. The prices are quite high, except in Tonsai, where the bungalows and mid-range hotels predominate.
West Beach flanks Railay in the west, and East in the east. They are far from each other, and most of the services and an excellent amalgam of restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops are concentrated in them.
Railay This extends between mangroves and is bathed by crystalline waters where typical local boat anchors create an authentic picture postcard. In the vicinity, you will find a good assortment of 4 and 5-star hotels. The prices are high, but if you book in advance, you will save a lot.
Railay West is the main beach. It is a quite extensive and lovely beach with a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It is bordered by numerous bungalows and 4 and 5-star hotels with higher prices than in other areas.
Ao Phra Nang is in the south of the bay. It has a very bohemian and peaceful atmosphere and all the ingredients to be considered a paradise. The disadvantage is that the offer of accommodation is quite small there is only one resort whose price is not suitable for all budgets.
6. Tonsai
Tonsai, which is also part of the Railay peninsula but is further away from the other beaches, has a very chill out and peaceful atmosphere. It attracts mainly backpackers and climbers with low budgets.
The offer of accommodation is reduced to bungalows with essential services to very cheap hotels and guest houses. If you are looking for a beautiful, affordable destination that allows you to enjoy the beach and climbing.
7. Klong Muang
It is located south of Tup Kaek, less than a kilometer. It is a long beach where you can enjoy a swim, a walk or maritime activities in a tranquil and relaxed environment.
In this area, you will find mainly luxury hotels. If you are looking for relaxation or treat yourself and enjoy exclusive accommodation services, it is a very desirable area to sleep in Krabi.
8. Koh Phi Phi
This archipelago, located about 40 km from Krabi and composed of six small islands of the postcard, has become one of the most demanded and appreciated destinations in Thailand. There is only accommodation on Phi Phi Don Island. In it, we locate most of the housing in Tonsai Bay, where you will find a lively atmosphere, and to a lesser extent in the rest of its beaches, where calm and tranquility reign.
Accommodation on these islands is very much in demand, so prices are high. If you want to stay at more affordable prices, book well in advance.
9. Koh Lanta
This island stretches for about 30 km and has two very different areas: the western part, where the best beaches are agglutinated. The east, which is dominated by fishing villages and impressive mangrove areas, perfect for walking Kayak
The atmosphere is quite calm, which makes it one of the most chosen destinations for families, middle-aged travelers, and couples to stay in Krabi. Here there are all kinds of accommodation and, what is better, at meager prices.
10. Koh Jum
This small island is nestled between Krabi Town and Koh Lanta. It is one of the most unknown and least visited paradises, which will allow you to delve into the purest essence of the country. It is dotted with excellent beaches, with a relaxed chill-out atmosphere, but without many services. If you feel like losing yourself, this is the ideal place to stay in Krabi.
The offer of accommodation is quite small and is limited to a few luxury resorts, hotels and simple bungalows with quite exciting prices.