Where should you stay in Krabi? We asked ourselves that question when we planned our trip to Thailand, and now we are sharing all the information from our research and planning. Krabi is a province with several very different bases: the busy resort town of Ao Nang, the car-free peninsula of Railay, quiet beaches to the north and the town of Krabi itself. We explored Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town in January 2025 and stayed in Ao Nang ourselves.
In this guide we show you the best areas to stay in Krabi, how they compare, and the hotels we would book for every budget. We also tell you honestly where we stayed and why we would not go back. If you are also planning a beach stay on another island, take a look at our guide to the best things to do on Koh Phangan.
Last updated: November 2026
In a Rush? Our Favorite Hotels in Krabi
Luxury resort: Rayavadee on the Railay peninsula – Click here for rates & availability*
Beachfront Resort for families: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa – Click here for rates & availability*
Value hotel: Keereen Resort in Ao Nang – Click here for rates & availability*
Where We Stayed in Krabi
We spent two nights in Ao Nang at the Doo Dee Boutique Resort by Swiss Chalet, and we would not recommend it. We booked at very short notice and did not have much choice left, which is the main lesson of our stay: in the high season you should book your hotel in Krabi early. The rooms were rather dark and not very cozy, and everything felt quite dated.
We do not want to leave you with only a bad example, so below you find the hotels we would book instead. We also spent time in Railay and Krabi Town during the day, so we can tell you what those places are like.
Where to Stay in Krabi: The Best Areas Compared
Krabi is spread out along the coast, and the area you choose decides how you get to the beaches and boat trips. These are the areas that work best for visitors:
| Area | Best for | Vibe | After dark | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang | First-timers, families, boat trips, restaurants | Busy beach town with shops and a night market | Lively, plenty of restaurants and bars | $ to $$$ |
| Railay & Phra Nang | Beaches, limestone cliffs, climbing, couples | Car-free peninsula, reached by boat | Relaxed, a small walking street | $$ to $$$$ |
| Klong Muang & Nong Thale | Quiet beach days, resorts, families | Calm and spread out | Quiet, mostly in the resorts | $$ to $$$$ |
| Krabi Town | Budget, local life, short stays | Real Thai town with markets | Quiet | $ to $$ |
Price levels are rough indications. Hotel prices in Krabi change a lot with the season, and the high season runs roughly from November to April, with the clearest weather from December to February, so always compare current rates before you book.
Where to Stay in Ao Nang: Our Pick for Most Travelers
Ao Nang is the main base in Krabi and the best choice if you want everything in one place. The island tours start here and the longtail boats leave for Railay. Restaurants, shops and a night market are within walking distance. It is also where we stayed. Keep in mind that the beach is a busy town beach with boat traffic, not a quiet island beach, so choose a hotel with a good pool.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa (Best Beachfront Resort for Families)
The Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa sits directly on the beach in Ao Nang, with a pool area and a spa. It is a good choice if you want an easy, comfortable base for a family holiday.
The resort has direct beach access, a large pool, a spa and a varied breakfast, and the restaurants and the night market of Ao Nang are within walking distance. Families like it because the rooms are spacious and the hotel is set up for children.
Like the rest of the Ao Nang beach, the sea in front of the hotel is not the most idyllic in Krabi, so plan a boat trip or a day in Railay if you want a postcard beach. Prices are on the higher side in the high season.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa | Check Prices*
Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort (Best Pool Resort for Families)
Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort is a large family resort at the northern end of Ao Nang with big pools and swim-up rooms. It suits you if the kids should spend the whole day in the water.
The facilities are what stand out. There are several pools, a pool bar, swim-up rooms and a kids club. The beach and the night market as well as the departure points for the island tours are within walking distance. Breakfast gets a lot of praise.
The resort is large, so some rooms mean a long walk to the pool and the restaurants. Check-in is not until later in the afternoon. If you travel with small children, book a room close to the pool.
Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Keereen Resort (Best Value Hotel in Ao Nang)
Keereen Resort is a smaller hotel in Ao Nang with a pool and a view of the mountains. It is our pick if you want a comfortable room at a fair price and do not need to sleep right on the beach.
The rooms are spacious and clean, the breakfast is good and the staff is very friendly. The hotel is a short distance from the busiest part of Ao Nang, which is exactly why it is quiet in the evening.
It is not directly on the beach, so plan a short walk or a ride to get there. For a stay in the high season, book early, because small hotels with good reviews fill up first, as we learned ourselves.
Keereen Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Railay: Best for Beaches and Scenery
Railay is a peninsula surrounded by limestone cliffs that you can only reach by boat. We spent a day here and loved the scenery. There are no cars, so it is quiet in the evening once the day visitors have left. The boat ride from Ao Nang takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but you have to carry your luggage onto the boat, and the boats depend on the weather and the tide. It is a great choice for couples and for a splurge.
Rayavadee (Best Luxury Resort in Krabi)
Rayavadee is the most famous luxury resort in Krabi, set on the Phra Nang peninsula with access to three beaches. It is the place to book if you want a special stay and do not mind the price.
The setting speaks for itself. The resort has spread-out villas, a spa, several restaurants and a boat shuttle for guests. Because the peninsula is only reachable by boat, it feels private, and the guests can enjoy the beaches in the early morning before the day visitors arrive.
The price is the obvious catch. Because there are no roads, getting your luggage there takes a little planning.
Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas (Best Mid-Range Resort in Railay)
Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas sits on the east side of Railay, right next to the floating pier. It suits you if you want a comfortable resort on Railay without paying luxury prices.
The hotel is only a minute from the pier where the boats arrive and a few minutes’ walk from the walking street of Railay, which makes arrival easy. The rooms are spacious, the setting under the cliffs is beautiful, and breakfast has Thai and Western choices. Monkeys often walk through the grounds, so keep your food and your balcony door closed.
Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Klong Muang and Nong Thale: Best for Quiet Beach Days
The coast north-west of Ao Nang is calmer and more spread out, with big resorts and quieter beaches. It is a good choice if you want to relax at the hotel and do not need the nightlife of Ao Nang. The trade-off is the distance: you will need taxis or a rental car for the rest of Krabi.
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort (Best Quiet Beach Resort)
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is a large beachfront resort in Nong Thale, surrounded by gardens and mangroves. It is a good pick for a relaxing stay with several pools and a calm beach.
The resort stands out for its size and its garden setting. There are several pools, including pools for kids, and breakfast and service are well rated. The beach is calmer and less crowded than the town beach in Ao Nang.
The resort is a car ride from Ao Nang, so plan your transfers.
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Krabi Town
Krabi Town is the provincial capital and a real Thai town with markets and local restaurants. We spent some time here during the day. It is a good choice for a short stay on a budget or if you want to see everyday Thai life, but the beaches are far away, so most visitors prefer Ao Nang or Railay for a longer stay.
Which Area Is Right for You?
- First time in Krabi and you want everything nearby: Ao Nang.
- You travel with children: a beachfront or pool resort in Ao Nang.
- You want a special stay with scenery: Railay or Phra Nang.
- You want a quiet beach and relaxation: Klong Muang or Nong Thale.
- You are on a tight budget or only need a bed for a night: Krabi Town or a small hotel in Ao Nang.
Getting Around Krabi from Your Hotel
Most visitors arrive at Krabi International Airport and continue by taxi or minibus to Ao Nang. The distance is about 15 miles (25 km), so plan 30 to 45 minutes for the transfer, depending on your transport and the traffic. From Ao Nang, longtail boats go to Railay and the beaches around it, and the island tours leave from the same area. For general travel information, you can also check the official Tourism Authority of Thailand page for Krabi.
If you stay outside Ao Nang, for example in Klong Muang or Nong Thale, ask your hotel about transfers and check how often the shuttle runs, because some resorts only offer a few trips a day. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work in Ao Nang, but agree on the price before you get in.
Is It Safe to Stay in Krabi?
Yes, Krabi is generally a safe and relaxed destination for tourists. Normal precautions apply: keep an eye on your belongings in busy places, be careful when you rent a scooter, and check the weather before you take a boat, because the sea can be rough in the rainy season. In Railay, keep food away from the monkeys.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Krabi
What is the best area to stay in Krabi for first-timers?
For most visitors we recommend Ao Nang. It has the most hotels, restaurants and tour departures, and you can reach Railay by boat in a short time.
Should you stay in Ao Nang or Railay?
Stay in Ao Nang if you want choice, restaurants and an easy base for boat trips. Stay in Railay if you want scenery and quiet evenings and do not mind carrying your luggage onto a boat. Many travelers stay in Ao Nang and visit Railay for a day, like we did.
Where should you stay in Krabi with kids?
We would choose a beachfront or pool resort in Ao Nang, such as the Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa or the Holiday Ao Nang Beach Resort. Both are close to restaurants and the night market, so you do not need a car.
How many nights do you need in Krabi?
Three to four nights cover Ao Nang, a day in Railay and an island tour. With a week you can also add a quieter beach and some days at the hotel.
When should you book your hotel in Krabi?
Book early if you travel in the high season, which runs roughly from November to April. We booked at very short notice and were left with a hotel we would not recommend. For the rest of the year, a few weeks ahead is usually enough.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Krabi
Our honest advice: pick your area first and book early. For most travelers, Ao Nang is the easiest base, and Railay is the place for a special stay. We learned the hard way that a last-minute booking in the high season can leave you with a dark, dated room, so do not wait. And if you have been to Krabi yourself, tell us in the comments where you stayed and what we missed.
Planning more of Thailand? Here are our other travel guides:
- Where to Stay in Koh Phangan: Our 7 Favorite Hotels & Areas (2026)
- Things to Do in Koh Phangan: 20 Best Spots & Tips (2026)
- Where to Stay in Koh Chang: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
- Where to Stay in Koh Mak: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
- Koh Kood Hotels: Best Areas & Resorts by Budget (2026)