Where to stay in Krabi?
Our guide, from our visit in January 2025
Where to stay in Krabi: Ao Nang, Railay, Nopparat Thara, Klong Muang, Tubkaek and Krabi Town - who each area suits, Ao Nang or Railay, and what to check before you book.
Read the full guideKrabi is one of the most beautiful areas in southern Thailand, but when you are working out where to stay in Krabi, it is important to understand that this is not a single resort town. The area has several very different places to stay: Ao Nang, Railay Beach, Krabi Town and quieter beaches north of Ao Nang.
The differences between them are significant. In one place you can walk out of the hotel to restaurants and shops, in another you arrive by boat only, and there are also resorts where much of the holiday happens inside the hotel.
We stayed in Railay, at Railay Phutawan Resort, and in Ao Nang we reviewed Panan Krabi Resort, a hotel in the centre of town. Both places helped us understand how much your choice of area shapes the holiday.
In this guide we compare the areas to stay in Krabi, explain who each one suits and what to check before you book.
Where to stay in Krabi - in short
| Area | Best for | Main advantage | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang | A first visit, families and island trips | Restaurants, markets, shops and easy access to boats | The real distance from the centre and the beach |
| Railay Beach | Couples, beaches and a relaxed holiday | Limestone cliffs, beaches and car-free paths | Arriving by boat and the way to the hotel |
| Nopparat Thara | Calmer surroundings near Ao Nang | A long beach close to Ao Nang | The distance to restaurants and the centre |
| Klong Muang | Couples and a quiet resort holiday | A calm beach and fewer crowds | Food options and transport |
| Tubkaek | Focusing on the hotel and the view | Resorts and a quiet beach | How much you depend on the hotel and on transfers |
| Krabi Town | Travellers on a tighter budget and those who prefer a local town | Markets, food and affordable places to stay | There is no swimming beach in the town centre |
Our recommendation: if this is your first time in Krabi and you are planning island trips, restaurants and evenings out, we would start looking in Ao Nang. If you want a more relaxed holiday among the beaches and cliffs, it is also worth looking at staying in Railay.
What to understand before booking a hotel in Krabi
In Krabi, not every hotel close to the sea offers the same holiday.
Ao Nang is a tourist centre with roads, restaurants, shops, tour agencies and boats leaving for the beaches and islands.
Railay, on the other hand, is on a peninsula you reach by boat. Within the area you get around on foot, between the beaches, the paths and the restaurants.
Klong Muang and Tubkaek are along the coast north of Ao Nang, and the atmosphere there is quieter. Krabi Town is a provincial town with markets, restaurants and local life, but it is not a beach holiday in the usual sense.
Before choosing a hotel, we would ask three questions:
- Are you planning to head out every day on trips and to the islands, or to spend most of your time at the hotel and on the beach?
- Is it important to be able to walk out in the evening to restaurants and markets?
- Do you prefer a central, convenient area, or quieter surroundings even if it means more travelling?
The answers will help you choose the right area before you start comparing hotels.
The areas to stay in Krabi
1. Ao Nang - the most convenient base for trips
We did not stay in Ao Nang. Panan Krabi Resort, which we have written a full review of, is in this area.
Ao Nang is the main tourist centre on the Krabi coast.
Along the main streets you will find hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, massage places, tour agencies and places to go out.
One of the area's big advantages is that you can use it as a base for day trips.
Longtail boats leave Ao Nang Beach for Railay and other beaches, and island tour operators also work in the area.
If you plan to go on a boat trip, come back to the hotel in the afternoon and head out to a restaurant in the evening, this is a convenient location.
What about Ao Nang beach?
Ao Nang Beach is an important part of the scenery and of how the area works, but it is also a departure point for boats.
So if you are looking for a holiday centred on a beautiful, quiet swimming beach right in front of the hotel, you may prefer another area.
In our view, Ao Nang's main advantage is not just the beach itself, but the combination of all the services and options nearby.
Where in Ao Nang should you choose a hotel?
Not every hotel advertised under the name Ao Nang is within an easy walk of the centre.
Some hotels are along the main streets, while others are on side roads or further from the beach.
So it is worth checking the walking route on a map to the restaurants, the shops and the boat departure point.
We would give priority to a hotel in a central location, especially if you are not planning to rent a car or a scooter.
Who is it for?
First-time visitors to Krabi, families, travellers who want to go on island trips and anyone who enjoys restaurants and markets in the evening.
What to check
The distance from the centre and the beach, the actual route and the noise level around the hotel.
2. Railay Beach - beaches, cliffs and a different pace
We stayed here, at Railay Phutawan Resort, in January 2025.
Railay is one of the places we loved most in the Krabi area.
It is a peninsula surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, which you reach by boat. Within Railay there is no regular car traffic between the tourist areas, and you get around mainly on foot.
The beaches, the greenery and the paths create an atmosphere quite different from Ao Nang.
What we especially loved was the mix of beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars and walking paths that link the main areas.
In the evening you can wander between the restaurants and stalls and walk back to the hotel.
Should you stay in Railay or come on a day trip?
You can reach Railay by longtail boat from Ao Nang, spend a few hours there and return the same day.
But we loved being able to stay the night.
During the day, visitors from outside also come to Railay. In the evening, after some of them leave, the area takes on a different atmosphere.
Staying in Railay lets you enjoy both the evenings and the mornings before some of the day visitors arrive.
If your time and budget allow, we recommend considering at least two nights there.
Where to stay within Railay
Railay itself also has several areas to stay in.
Railay West is the main swimming beach. The advantage is that you can step out of the hotel and be on the beach almost straight away.
Railay East is an area of mangroves, piers and restaurants. The beach itself is not suitable for ordinary swimming, but you can walk from it to the west beach.
Hotels on the hill can offer an impressive view of the sea and the cliffs, but it is important to check the way up to them and the climb.
Tonsai Beach, north of Railay, is better suited to anyone looking for a simple atmosphere and rock climbing. Access to it is less convenient.
We chose to stay at Railay Phutawan Resort, which is on the hill, and we were very happy with that choice.
The full guide: where to stay in Railay
Who is Railay for?
Couples, anyone who prefers a relaxed holiday, those who want to spend a lot of time on the beaches and travellers who love limestone cliffs and natural scenery.
What to check
The boat journey, the way from the landing point to the hotel and how easy it is to get around with suitcases.
If you choose a hotel on the hill, also check the climb and the transfer services.
3. Nopparat Thara - a calmer area near Ao Nang
General information - we did not stay in this area.
Nopparat Thara Beach continues on from the Ao Nang stretch of coast.
It suits anyone who wants to stay close to the tourist centre but prefers less crowded surroundings.
The beach is long, with hotels and places to stay around it.
The advantage is that you can enjoy a calmer area without moving very far from Ao Nang.
That said, not every hotel here is an easy walk from all the restaurants and shops in central Ao Nang.
Who is it for?
Families and couples looking for fairly calm surroundings who still want access to the tourist centre.
What to check
The distance on foot or by car to central Ao Nang, and the food options near the hotel.
4. Klong Muang - a quieter beach and a resort holiday
General information - we did not stay in this area.
Klong Muang is north of Ao Nang.
It is a calmer beach area, with hotels and resorts that suit anyone who prefers to spend most of their time by the sea and at the hotel.
The atmosphere is different from Ao Nang, which has a large concentration of restaurants, shops and places to go out.
Klong Muang is better suited to anyone looking for quiet, views and a holiday at a relaxed pace.
But that quiet also comes with fewer things to do outside the hotel.
If you like going out every evening and choosing a different restaurant, it is worth checking in advance what is near your accommodation.
Who is it for?
Couples, families and anyone looking for a hotel by a fairly quiet beach.
What to check
Whether there are restaurants within walking distance, whether there are transfer services and how far it is to central Ao Nang.
5. Tubkaek Beach - for those who want to focus on the hotel and the view
General information - we did not stay in this area.
Tubkaek is along the coast north of Klong Muang.
The area is known for its view of the sea and the islands offshore, and for resorts that offer a more relaxed holiday.
It suits anyone who mainly wants to rest, enjoy the beach and the hotel's facilities and spend less time in busy tourist areas.
The main drawback is the distance from Ao Nang and its cluster of restaurants, shops and nightlife.
So here it is especially important to choose a hotel that suits your style of holiday.
Who is it for?
Couples looking for a quiet holiday, anyone who prefers a beachfront resort and travellers who plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel.
What to check
Food options, transport and transfers, and whether you plan to go on day trips often.
6. Krabi Town - a local town, not a beach holiday
General information - we did not stay in this area.
Krabi Town is the main town of the province.
Unlike Ao Nang and Railay, it is a town with markets, shops, restaurants and local services, but there is no swimming beach in the town centre.
You can find fairly simple places to stay here, and it can suit travellers on a tighter budget or anyone who needs somewhere to sleep before travelling on.
The advantage is that you get to enjoy more local, urban surroundings that are less focused on resorts.
The drawback is that to reach the beaches of Ao Nang or Railay you need transport, and then, in Railay's case, a boat as well.
Who is it for?
Anyone looking for budget-friendly accommodation, travellers passing through between destinations and those who prefer local food and markets to a beach holiday.
What to check
The distance from transport stops and trip departure points, and how you will get to the beaches.
The hotels we reviewed in Krabi
Panan Krabi Resort - Ao Nang
Panan Krabi Resort is in the centre of Ao Nang, on the main street that leads to the beach, within walking distance of the beach, the restaurants and the shops.
The hotel's family rooms are spacious, with two double beds and room for a cot as well. In the Deluxe Family Pool Access category you step straight from the balcony into the main pool.
The location is one of the hotel's big advantages: you can walk out to the restaurants, the shops and the boat departure point.
Bear in mind that not all the rooms in the hotel are the same. If you want a room with direct pool access, check the exact room category before you book.
Read the full review of Panan Krabi Resort
Railay Phutawan Resort - Railay Beach
We stayed here in January 2025.
In Railay we chose Railay Phutawan Resort, a hotel on the hill rather than right on the beach.
We especially loved the pool facing the view, the varied breakfast, the restaurant and the service. The rooms themselves were fairly simple, but for us the overall experience was excellent.
The main drawback is the climb up to the hotel, so it is worth checking how easy the access is before you book.
Ao Nang or Railay - where is it better to stay?
This is one of the main dilemmas when planning a holiday in Krabi.
Both places are in the same general area, but the experience in each is very different.
| Topic | Ao Nang | Railay |
|---|---|---|
| Character | A tourist centre with roads, shops and restaurants | A peninsula with paths, beaches and cliffs |
| Getting there | By car or transfer | By boat |
| Day trips | A convenient base for a wide range of trips | Better suited to enjoying Railay itself |
| Beaches | A town beach that is also used by departing boats | Swimming beaches and limestone cliff scenery |
| Evenings | A wider choice of restaurants and nightlife | Restaurants, bars and a laid-back atmosphere |
| Getting around | On foot and by transport | Mainly on foot |
| Best for | Anyone who wants convenience and flexibility | Anyone looking for a relaxed holiday among the beaches |
What would we choose?
If the aim is to go on island trips, eat at different restaurants every evening and use the area as a base for excursions, we would choose Ao Nang.
If the aim is to enjoy Railay's scenery, its beaches and the special atmosphere of the place, we would rather stay in Railay than come for just a few hours.
And if you have enough time, you can certainly combine the two areas.
It is also a way to enjoy two different experiences without having to pick just one.
Should you split your stay in Krabi?
You do not always need to move between several hotels during the same visit.
If you are coming to Krabi for three nights and want to go on trips every day, a single stay in Ao Nang can work well.
But if you are staying in the area longer and also want to enjoy Railay's atmosphere, you could consider splitting your stay.
For example, a few nights in Ao Nang and then a night or two in Railay to finish.
That way you can use Ao Nang as a base for trips and then move on to a more relaxed holiday.
That said, every move between hotels means packing, checking out and getting to the next place.
In Railay you also have the boat journey on top of that.
So we would only split our stay if there is enough time to enjoy each place, not just to change hotels every night.
How to choose a hotel in Krabi
When looking at hotels in Krabi, we recommend checking the location and the kind of holiday first, and only then comparing rooms and facilities.
1. Does the hotel fit your travel plan?
If you are planning lots of day trips, it is worth checking the departure points and the pick-up options.
If the aim is mainly to relax on the beach and by the pool, you can give priority to a quieter hotel.
2. Can you walk out in the evening?
In Ao Nang and in the central parts of Railay you can find restaurants and businesses within walking distance, depending on the location.
In Klong Muang and Tubkaek the options may be more limited, so it is worth checking the hotel's surroundings.
3. How do you get to the hotel?
In areas such as Ao Nang and Krabi Town you can arrive by car.
In Railay you arrive by boat, so it is important to think about your suitcases and the way from the landing point to the hotel as well.
4. What do you actually get at the hotel?
It is worth checking the exact room category, the room's location and the facilities included in your booking.
We learnt from our own experience that the room is not always the most impressive part of a hotel, and sometimes it is the pool, the restaurant or the view that makes the stay a success.
5. Does the location justify the price?
A hotel right on a popular beach may cost more than one set slightly back.
That does not necessarily make it a better choice.
In Railay, for example, we chose a hotel on the hill instead of a more expensive hotel on the beach, and we were very happy with that decision.
The important thing is to check what you get for the price and what it takes to reach the places where you want to spend your time.
How to get around between the areas in Krabi
In Krabi you need to distinguish between travelling by road and getting across by boat.
You can reach Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Klong Muang and Tubkaek by road.
You reach Railay by boat, because there is no regular road into the tourist area.
To get between Ao Nang and the areas further north, you can use taxis or transfers.
If you plan to move between areas during your trip, it is worth checking the transport options, the sea conditions and how you will reach the hotel with your suitcases in advance.
How many nights to stay in Krabi
Two nights - a short visit
Two nights can suit anyone fitting Krabi into a longer route through southern Thailand.
On a short visit we would choose one area and not split the stay between several hotels.
Three to four nights - beaches and island trips
Three to four nights let you combine day trips with time to rest and go out in the evening.
For first-time visitors to Krabi, Ao Nang can be a convenient base for a plan like this.
Five nights or more - you can combine areas
If you are staying in the area longer, you could consider combining Ao Nang and Railay.
That way you can spend part of your stay on trips and restaurants, and another part on the beaches and Railay's more relaxed atmosphere.
FAQ: staying in Krabi
Where is the best place to stay in Krabi for a first visit?
If you are planning island trips, restaurants and evenings out, we would start with Ao Nang. It is one of the most convenient bases if you want to combine different activities in the area.
Is it better to stay in Ao Nang or Railay?
Ao Nang is better suited to anyone looking for convenience and flexibility for trips. Railay is better suited to anyone who wants a beach holiday with limestone cliff views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Can you get to Railay by car?
No. You reach the tourist area of Railay by boat, and within the area you get around mainly on foot.
Is it worth staying in Krabi Town?
Krabi Town can suit anyone looking for more budget-friendly accommodation and local, urban surroundings. But if you want a beach holiday, you will need transport to reach the beaches.
Where to stay in Krabi for a quiet holiday?
It is worth looking at Klong Muang and Tubkaek, which offer a calmer atmosphere and beachside resorts.
Should you split your stay between Ao Nang and Railay?
If you have enough nights, yes. We see the advantage of combining the convenience of Ao Nang with the experience of staying in Railay, but on a short visit we would rather not change hotels.
Which hotel did we love in Railay?
We really loved Railay Phutawan Resort, mainly for the pool, the view, the restaurant and the breakfast. The main drawback is the climb up to the hotel.
Our bottom line
In Krabi there is no single area to stay that suits everyone.
Ao Nang is where we would start if you are looking for a convenient base for trips, restaurants and markets. Railay suits anyone who prefers a more relaxed holiday among the beaches and cliffs, while Klong Muang and Tubkaek are more for those who want to focus on the hotel and the sea.
Before booking a hotel, we would think about what you want to do during the day, where you want to go in the evening and how easy it is to get from your accommodation to the rest of the area.
In Krabi, choosing the area matters at least as much as choosing the hotel itself.