A comprehensive guide to accommodation options in the Krabi region for every budget: from luxurious resorts to apartments, budget hotels, and hostels.
Krabi is not just an island, as many travel agencies define it. Krabi is an entire region and one of the most beautiful provinces in southern Thailand. It includes parts of Thailand’s mainland coast and numerous stunning islands.
The most famous beaches along Krabi’s coast include Railay Beach, adjacent to Phra Nang Beach, and Klong Muang Beach. The province’s renowned islands include Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands, which have long been independent destinations for travelers.
Railay Beach and the vistas of this peninsula are iconic, often seen on postcards from Thailand.
Beyond its many activities and beach relaxation opportunities, Krabi is celebrated for its classic attractions such as temples, caves, and natural beauty. From Krabi, it’s convenient to explore small tropical islands on day boat tours, available from any beach.
One of the best routes in southern Thailand is considered the itinerary from Krabi’s coast to Koh Lipe in the far south.
Why is Krabi one of the best places to vacation in Thailand?
Krabi is easily accessible from Bangkok, just a one-hour flight with the popular local airline Air Asia for a reasonable $25-50 USD. Krabi has its own airport, highlighting the resort’s significance.
If it’s your first time planning a beach vacation in Krabi, Ao Nang is considered the best place to stay. Here, there’s an endless array of accommodation options to suit any budget. Ao Nang is also an excellent base for day trips to the beautiful islands nearby, offering great opportunities for active recreation.
I’ve identified six top districts in Krabi province that are worth considering for your stay and travel adventures.
If you’re not keen on reading in detail, I’ll provide the best hotels and places in this tropical paradise below for easy booking and enjoyment.
Where to Stay in Krabi—Quick Answer
Personally, I find the abundance of accommodation options overwhelming, especially in new places. So, when it’s my first time, I listen to recommendations from those who have been there before.
We’ve been to Krabi several times, stayed in many places, so I can offer some advice.
Below are three options each for luxury, mid-range, and budget stays.
Luxury Accommodation Options in Krabi
Rayavadee 5*
Location: Railay Beach
Features: Private beach access, tropical gardens, spa salon, and multiple restaurants.
Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Location: Tubkaek, Klong Muang Beach
Features: Villas with pools and stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Top-notch service.
Pimalai Resort & Spa
Location: Koh Lanta
Features: Secluded beach villas, surrounded by greenery with a spa center. Perfect for peace and solitude.
Mid-Range Accommodation
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
Location: Ao Nang
Features: Beachfront resort with spacious villas, pools, and activities for children. Family-oriented.
Krabi Resort
Location: Ao Nang
Features: Great option for family holidays with a reasonable budget, beach access, and beautiful rooms.
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
Location: Ao Nang
Features: Also family-oriented, spacious rooms, and entertainment for children.
Budget Stays in Krabi
Pak-Up Hostel
Location: Krabi Town
Features: One of the most popular hostels in Krabi, clean and comfortable rooms, friendly atmosphere, lounge areas. Ideal for solo travelers and youth.
Slumber Party Hostel
Location: Ao Nang
Features: Hostel with a lively atmosphere and opportunities for active recreation. Perfect for youth and budget travelers. Very affordable.
Pop-in Aonang
Location: Ao Nang
Features: Modern and comfortable hostel, clean rooms, friendly staff, centrally located—best choice for budget travelers.
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Krabi Province, Thailand
I’ve highlighted 6 districts that are perfect for staying and traveling in Krabi. Choose according to your preferences and enjoy. Below is a brief description of each.
Ao Nang
A village with the best location and beautiful beaches nearby. Ideal for first-time visitors to Krabi. From Ao Nang, it’s easy to organize day trips to nearby islands, see all the main attractions, visit the night market, watch Muay Thai fights, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
The main advantage of Ao Nang is quick access to island tours and a variety of tourist and adventure activities.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Anana Ecological Resort — best 5* resort on the coast, positioned as an ecological hotel. Ideal in every aspect, from location and service to activities and local dining.
BlueSotel SMART Krabi — best location on the coast, just minutes from the village center and city beach. Excellent value for money.
Tan Hostel x Café — budget-friendly place with excellent café food, a 10-minute walk from Ao Nang’s central beach.
Railay and Tonsai
These two areas are located on the Railay peninsula, accessible only by sea by boat or speedboat.
Ideal for those who prefer to relax amidst beautiful nature away from tourist hustle and bustle.
Available activities include beach relaxation, swimming, rock climbing, hiking trails, and kayaking.
Where to Stay in Railay:
Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus — private villas at a luxurious 5* resort right on Railay Beach, the most beautiful beach in Krabi. Nearby is the luxurious Phra Nang Beach.
Tinidee Hideaway — located near Tonsai Beach, surrounded by mountains right by the water. Nearby are Railay Beach and Princess Cave.
Blanco Hideout Railay – Youth Hostel 18 to 35 Only — budget hostel in a beautiful location on Railay Beach. Geared towards youth aged 18-35.
Krabi Town
The capital of Krabi province and the main city in the region. Located not far from the tourist coast of Ao Nang village.
If you’re interested in nightlife, immersing yourself in Thai culture, night markets, then this is the place for you. The downside is that there are no beaches nearby; you’ll need a car or a short stop to explore the city for a couple of nights.
Krabi Town is close to attractions such as the Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool.
Where to Stay in Krabi Town:
The Brown Hotel — located near Wat Kaew Korawaram, the large Buddhist temple, and Krabi Town’s main road. Comfortable, excellent reviews, and good prices.
The Fong Krabi Resort — many Thai restaurants nearby, with a pool and lots of greenery on-site. Great for immersing yourself in Thai culture, delicious food, and relaxing for a couple of days away from the sea.
Chanchalay Hip Hostel — best option for budget travelers, both solo and families. Comfortable rooms, a relaxation hall, clean and tidy.
Tubkaek
This village is further along the coast and is considered an ideal place for luxury vacations in Krabi, Thailand. Here, you’ll find a concentration of luxurious 5* resort hotels for a relaxed and peaceful stay.
The main feature of this place is its stunning beaches and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere.
Accommodation Recommendations in Tubkaek:
Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve 5*— luxury hotel in a beautiful location with stunning sea views.
Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort 5*—hammocks hung by the sea’s edge, sea views right from your bed, cozy bungalow-villas. A life well-lived experience; highly recommended—awesome hotel.
Baan Tubkaek Hotel — budget-friendly ($50 per night) but very comfortable hotel for those who don’t like overpaying. Lots of natural materials in the decor and finishes. Simpler than the previous options, but a very friendly price.
Koh Lanta
An island near Krabi’s coast where we spent several days; you can read my review with useful tips for those planning a vacation in Krabi on the islands.
Lanta is primarily for nature lovers. The island’s charm lies in its long beaches with beautiful sunsets, restaurants, and bars right by the sea along a wide strip of golden sand.
The island is quite large; you’ll need to rent either a scooter or a car. Taxis are available but slightly more expensive. Overall, all three methods are suitable for exploring the island.
Lanta offers many hiking trails, snorkeling and diving opportunities, quiet beaches with minimal tourists.
Plus, the island is much less popular than Phi Phi or Ao Nang. There are several times fewer tourists here in any season.
Where to Stay on Koh Lanta:
Layana Resort & Spa adult-only 5* — hotel with beautiful grounds, accommodations in bungalows and villas, many rooms with private Jacuzzis and other pleasant features.
Long Beach Chalet Resort — hotel immersed in greenery on the best beach in Koh Lanta. It feels like living in a tropical garden. Very beautiful.
Hub of Joys Hostel — modern clean rooms for budget travelers.
Koh Phi Phi (Ko Phi Phi)
Koh Phi Phi islands are the most famous destinations off the coast of Krabi, boasting white sandy beaches and a range of accommodations from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly backpacker hostels.
These islands are equidistant from the Krabi coast and another renowned island, Phuket. They are ideal if you want everything at once—beaches, nightlife, interesting island-hopping routes, jungle treks, cafes, and restaurants.
One unique aspect of Koh Phi Phi is the significant daytime influx of tourists due to day trips, making it advisable to stay here for several days to fully unwind.
Where to Stay on Koh Phi Phi
Zeavola Resort – A luxury resort located at the far end of the island, away from the main hustle and bustle. Ideal for those seeking solitude, comfort, a beachfront location, and opportunities to explore nearby coves by boat. Boat transfers to the resort can be arranged directly at the hotel’s beach.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village – This hotel sits on one of Koh Phi Phi Don’s finest beaches. It strikes a balance between the more remote resorts and the lively atmosphere. Suitable for those who value comfort and the option to enjoy both nightlife and a secluded, beautiful location.
Sweed Dee Hoste – True to its budget-friendly youth hostel nature, this hostel is situated near Ton Sai Pier amidst lively nightlife. If you appreciate this vibe, don’t hesitate to book; it’s among the best in its class.
Conclusions:
If you’re visiting for the first time and want to see as much as possible, choose Ao Nang—this central location allows easy exploration of all of Krabi Province’s highlights.
For a quality beach getaway, opt for Koh Phi Phi or Tubkaek Village.
For a secluded, budget-friendly family vacation, consider Lanta Island.
Krabi Town is perfect for a brief stay to immerse yourself in Thai daily life.
Railay Peninsula is ideal for connoisseurs who cherish tranquility and seclusion without venturing far.
I hope this sheds some light on your location choice dilemmas. If the hotel options aren’t suitable, consider nearby alternatives that fit your budget — use Booking.com and read reviews for guidance.
Useful Resources for Planning a Trip to Thailand:
- Flights: Find, book, and buy plane tickets to Thailand on the Aviasales website, which is more reliable than Skyscanner — I’ve checked. Use useful filters to find flights at the optimal price and airline, pay attention to layovers and arrival times.
- Hotels or Hostels: Use Booking.com or Agoda to search for accommodation, apply filters, and use the map search function to understand where the accommodation is located. Booking offers many options without prepayment and the possibility of free cancellation. Agoda specializes in Asia, with a slightly larger selection of budget hostels and small guesthouses.
- Travel Insurance: Many people hesitate or try to save money by not buying insurance. I recommend buying it; it’s not expensive, and in case of any issues, you won’t have problems with the clinic that provides assistance, and you’ll save a decent amount of money. Medical care in Thailand is excellent but expensive. In our 7 trips to this country, we used insurance only once, saving several hundred dollars plus the comfort of receiving assistance.
- Car Rental: Driving in Thailand is as easy as in Europe. The only difference is left-hand traffic, and it will take no more than 15 minutes to get used to driving on the right side. Rent a car on LocalRent-Thailand; they offer excellent conditions and fair prices, tested.
- Transportation in Thailand: Getting around with transportation in this country is very easy and straightforward—buses, ferries, trains, budget airlines. Buy tickets for all this in one place on the 12Go website.
- Internet and Mobile Communication: You can buy a local SIM card right at the airport. A more convenient option is to buy an eSIM from Airalo. You can download their app and be in touch immediately after the plane’s engines stop. You don’t need to buy a physical SIM card.
- Sightseeing Tour: There are attractions for which it is easier and cheaper to buy an organized tour; for this, there is the GetYourGuide platform. At least, check what tours are available from the place where you are staying.
Even with this short information, you have enough to organize everything yourself. Now, your main problem for the next couple of weeks will be choosing from hundreds of beautiful beaches and selecting a café where they make the tastiest Tom Yum.
Let’s go, it’s not difficult!
