Where to Stay in Krabi 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Krabi Province offers Thailand's most dramatic coastal scenery - towering limestone karsts erupting from emerald seas. The choice is between convenient Ao Nang (full services, easy boat access) and magical Railay (boat-only paradise). Krabi Town provides authentic Thailand at budget prices but no beach. Island hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Hong Islands is easy from all coastal areas.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Ao Nang
The practical base for exploring Krabi with the best balance of beach access, restaurants, and island-hopping convenience. Walk to the beach, catch longtails to Railay in 15 minutes, and book island tours on every corner. Not Thailand's prettiest beach town, but the most functional gateway to stunning scenery.
Ao Nang
Railay Beach
Krabi Town
Klong Muang
Ao Nammao
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Ao Nang beach itself is average - the beauty is in day trips to Railay and islands
- • Railay West has nicer beach but East side has mangroves and no swimming - book West
- • Very cheap guesthouses in Ao Nang can be noisy and run-down - spend a bit more
- • Monsoon season (May-October) sees rough seas and some islands unreachable
Understanding Krabi Geography
Krabi Province spreads along the Andaman coast. Krabi Town is the provincial capital, 30 minutes inland. Ao Nang is the main beach resort area with full tourist infrastructure. Railay peninsula juts south from Ao Nang, accessible only by longtail boat. Klong Muang lies north with luxury resorts. Islands (Phi Phi, Hong, Poda) are reached by tour boat.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Krabi
Ao Nang
Best for: Beach access, restaurants, island hopping boats, tourist infrastructure
"Main tourist hub with easy beach access and full amenities"
Pros
- Walk to beach
- Many restaurants
- Boat access to islands
Cons
- Touristy
- Beach not as nice as Railay
- Can feel developed
Railay Beach
Best for: Dramatic limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing, pristine beaches
"Secluded paradise peninsula accessible only by boat"
Pros
- Thailand's most stunning beach
- Climbing mecca
- Peaceful
Cons
- No road access
- Limited supplies
- Expensive by Thai standards
Krabi Town
Best for: Local markets, authentic Thai life, budget accommodation, temple tours
"Authentic Thai provincial town with riverside charm"
Pros
- Cheapest prices
- Real Thai life
- Great street food
Cons
- No beach
- 30 min to Ao Nang
- Less scenic
Klong Muang Beach
Best for: Quiet beaches, luxury resorts, families, sunset views
"Peaceful resort strip north of Ao Nang with pristine beaches"
Pros
- Quieter than Ao Nang
- Nicer beach
- Luxury resorts
Cons
- Isolated
- Limited restaurants outside resorts
- Need transport
Ao Nammao
Best for: Mid-range resorts, family beach, less crowded, local restaurants
"Quiet beach area between town and tourist strip"
Pros
- Good value
- Less crowded
- Local seafood
Cons
- Beach mediocre
- Far from boats
- Less happening
Accommodation Budget in Krabi
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Pak-Up Hostel
Krabi Town
A top-rated social hostel set in a former primary school, featuring a ground-floor pool, a lively bar called 'The Playground', and a functional rooftop gym with city views.
Railay Garden View Resort
Railay Beach
Simple bungalows tucked in the jungle between Railay East and West. Basic but unbeatable location for budget Railay experience.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort
Ao Nang
Sprawling resort with dramatic cliff-top infinity pools, multiple restaurants, and beach access. Best mid-range option in Ao Nang.
Railay Great View Resort & Spa
Railay Beach
Bungalows climbing the hillside with spectacular viewpoint and pool overlooking both beaches. Worth the stairs for the panorama.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Rayavadee
Railay Beach
Legendary Thai luxury resort in circular pavilions surrounded by coconut groves. Three beaches, world-class dining, and dramatic cliff backdrop.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Klong Muang
Ultra-exclusive Thai-style villas with private pools overlooking the Andaman Sea. One of Southeast Asia's finest resorts.
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort
Klong Muang
Refined Thai beach resort with excellent pool, spa, and quiet Klong Muang beach location. Great value luxury.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas Railay
Railay Beach
Expansive colonial-style resort on stunning Railay Beach with luxurious villas surrounded by lush tropical gardens, private plunge pools for many rooms, and easy access to pristine beaches and rock climbing.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Nong Thale
Chic boutique resort set directly on pristine Tubkaak Beach with stylish rooms, private pool villas, infinity pool, and personalized service in a serene, uncrowded location perfect for relaxation and kayaking.
Smart Booking Tips for Krabi
- 1 Book 1-2 months ahead for December-March high season
- 2 Shoulder season (April, November) offers good weather and lower prices
- 3 Monsoon (May-October) brings 30-50% discounts but check weather forecasts
- 4 Railay books up fast - reserve well ahead especially for beach-view rooms
- 5 Many Ao Nang hotels offer free kayaks and snorkeling gear - ask
- 6 Krabi Airport is 30 min from Ao Nang - arrange transfer in advance
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Krabi.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Krabi: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.