If you have already passed the research stage on where to go in Thailand and Krabi is part of your itinerary, you have probably already seen the names of Ao Nang or Railay, two iconic beaches in the region.
Given that Krabi is a large region, which also includes islands like Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, there are many possible options. All are located in the same province, but the experience will vary considerably depending on the area chosen.
For my part, I would start with a fairly simple question: do you mainly want to enjoy your stay, or do you plan to explore the region a lot? The two can certainly be combined, but some locations make getting around much easier. Others make you want to stay put.
Ao Nang is convenient for alternating between beaches, island hopping, and sightseeing. Railay and Tonsai offer a more spectacular setting, accessible by boat. Further north, Klong Muang and Tubkaek provide tranquility. As for Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, they function more as stopovers in their own right.
I'm going to discuss the differences between the various areas where you can stay and the types of stays they offer. And before getting into the details, I'd like to suggest three places I recommend for a stay in Krabi.
Where to stay in Krabi: which area to choose?
To start, here are the main places to stay in Krabi, with a sentence summarizing the setting that awaits you depending on the type of stay you have in mind:
- Ao Nang : to enjoy the beach while easily organizing excursions to the islands and visits on land.
- Nopparat Thara : to stay close to Ao Nang, with a long beach for walking. The atmosphere and distance to the center vary depending on the hotel's location.
- Railay : to stay at the foot of the cliffs and reach the beaches on foot, while accepting to use the boat for travel to the mainland.
- Tonsai : for a more secluded setting, between cliffs and vegetation, with fewer restaurants and services than in Ao Nang.
- Klong muang : for a more peaceful beach holiday, while still having access to the hotel by road.
- Tubkaek : to enjoy above all a beautiful hotel, peace and quiet and views of the islands, with little activity in the surrounding area.
- Krabi town Ideal for a stopover in town, for markets, or on a tight budget. There is no beach on site.
- Ko Phi Phi : to spend a few nights in the archipelago, choosing between the lively village of Tonsai and the more secluded beaches.
- Koh Lanta : to dedicate several days to a large island, between beaches and walks, as a separate stage of the stay around Ao Nang.
- Ko Jum : to extend the trip to a quieter and less developed island, with a more limited range of services.
Ao Nang or Railay: which to choose for a first stay?
It is often between these two places that people hesitate because they are undoubtedly the two best "equipped" beaches in terms of accommodation, restaurants and local operators to gravitate around and take excursions.
Ao Nang has the advantage of ease : you can reach your hotel by road, go out to dinner without planning ahead and combine sea excursions with visits inland.
It's not for nothing that it has become the default "option"; sleeping in Ao Nang doesn't require taking a boat every morning, but its popularity might displease some who don't want to find themselves in the middle of a crowd.
Railay is chosen primarily for its setting and the lifestyle on the peninsula. The advantage of staying overnight is precisely that you can enjoy it before the arrival or after the departure of some of the day-trippers. You can also take excursions to the islands from Railay.
However, it's isolated; it's not an island but a landlocked peninsula, accessible only by boat. So, for Emerald Pool, the hot springs, or other land-based excursions, you'll need to add a boat trip to the road journey.
For a trip where you want to explore a lot, I would give the edge to Ao Nang. If beaches, relaxation, and a beautiful setting are your priority, I would look at Railay instead.
The choice clearly depends on what you want to do with your days.
Ao Nang: convenient for exploring Krabi and enjoying the beach
Ao Nang is the most obvious base for exploring this part of Krabi. The resort town offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, and travel agencies. You'll have plenty of options for organizing a trip to the Four Islands or Ko Hong.
It is often criticized for being too touristy. This is not wrong, but it is also what simplifies the stay: you can find something to eat, book an excursion or buy what you need without spending your time looking for transport.
The beach is bordered by a road, and the activity of longtail boats is part of the scenery. It doesn't have the same remote setting as Phra Nang, but it's still pleasant for relaxing and walking, with cliffs enclosing the bay. Therefore, I wouldn't reduce Ao Nang to simply a place to sleep between excursions.
However, like many beaches on this coast, it is not ideal for swimming, even less so at low tide, so if this is an important point, it should be taken into account (otherwise you have to compensate with a large swimming pool).
Where in Ao Nang should I look for my hotel?
I would first look at the actual walking distance to the beachfront and restaurants . A hotel advertised as being "in Ao Nang" might be quite far inland, or even actually on the neighboring Nopharat Thara beach. This might be fine if you have a car or shuttle, but much less so if you want to get around everywhere on foot.
Near the beach, it's easier to get out and about and reach the boats. In the quieter side streets, you can find a better compromise between comfort and peace and quiet. Also, check recent reviews about noise levels: the proximity of a bar might be more important than the extra few meters to the sea.
Two hotels to consider in Ao Nang
- Whalecome Aonang Resort : an option with a swimming pool to compare if you want to stay close to the beach and restaurants, in a less imposing establishment than a large resort.
- Panan Krabi Resort A hotel with a swimming pool in the heart of the tourist area, just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Worth considering for those seeking comfort and convenience.
Nopparat Thara: an alternative near Ao Nang
Just northwest of Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara extends the coastline with a long, tree-lined beach. It's a good option if you want to retain local amenities while staying a little further from the resort center.
However, you should check where the hotel is located on this long beach . The area near Ao Nang and the Landmark Night Market can be lively but convenient, while further away, the atmosphere becomes more peaceful.
In short, "Nopparat Thara" does not automatically mean that everything will be calm, nor that the center of Ao Nang will be a stone's throw away, but it is the best compromise between practicality and moderate crowds.
The beach is perfect for walks, but just like in Ao Nang, the sea recedes considerably at low tide. If your priority is to swim right in front of the hotel at any time, this is something to keep in mind.
Two addresses to check out:
- le Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort It is located near Nopparat Thara and offers swimming pools as well as family accommodations. Its name contains "Ao Nang", but it is in this area that it should be located on the map.
- le Krabi Aquamarine Resort, simpler and slightly set back from the beach behind the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market.
Railay: sleeping at the foot of the cliffs
Railay offers one of Krabi's most iconic settings. The peninsula is firmly connected to the mainland but surrounded by cliffs, which is part of its charm, but it is only accessible by boat. Once there, you can get around on foot between the three beaches that make up this area and the various hotels and restaurants.
Staying overnight is more conducive to relaxation. You can easily spend part of the day on Phra Nang, which is swimmable at high tide, and return to your hotel, then head out again without having to worry about your boat back to Ao Nang. For a beach-focused holiday with a wow factor, this is a real advantage.
Depending on your fitness level, Railay is also suitable for those who enjoy being active. Besides the three beaches – Railay West, Railay East, and Phra Nang – accessible via small paths winding between hotels and restaurants, there are several short walks you can take:
- A path runs along Railay East and leads to a small beach (only accessible at low tide), near the hotel. Railay Great View ResortThat's just over a kilometer from Railay Walking Street, the heart of the peninsula. The round trip is almost 2,5 km. You can also take a break at Tew Lay Bar, which also has an excellent massage parlor, all with a superb view of the peninsula.
- On the other side, there is another path along the cliff, which leads to Tonsai, the beach isolated from the rest of Railay at high tide. Marked by Tonsai Beach TrailheadIt's a narrow path, a bit treacherous in places, but you get a superb view of Railay West and it allows you to see an additional beach without taking a boat.
- For the more athletic, there's a viewpoint overlooking the bay accessible from the foot of the cliff on the Railay East sideAnd if you like a challenge, the ultimate destination is a hidden lagoon on the other side, nestled among the cliffs. But I must emphasize that it's not for everyone; it involves a bit of climbing, with some ropes to help, but it's no walk in the park. Forget about going after rain; it will be far too slippery.
You also have two caves, the most famous being at the end of Phra Nang Beach, called Princess Cave , of which you can only see a cavity without going into it, where there is a sanctuary.
The other is north of Railay East, Diamond Cave or Phra Nang Nai Cave, which allows you to explore 130 meters via a lit path. However, there is an entrance fee (200 baht per adult | 100 baht per child) as it is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
Railay West or Railay East?
Railay West is the large, open beach. This is the area to consider if you want to leave your hotel and quickly reach the sand. Location is usually reflected in the price of accommodation.
Railay East overlooks a mangrove area and the main boat arrival dock, so don't expect to swim there. Since there are only 350 meters between the two beaches, it's more a question of price and availability.
Conditions to be aware of before booking
Railay is isolated but not an empty beach either: many visitors come for the day. The usual excursions are available, just like in Ao Nang, so its only real drawback is the extra boat trip if you want to explore inland.
People mainly choose to stay there for its spectacular setting and to be able to enjoy it at different times of the day, when it's a bit quieter. In particular, there's a superb sunset at Phra Nang, which is well worth lingering there in the evening.
Two addresses to check out:
- le Railay Village Resort & Spa It is located directly on Railay West. Its main advantage in this selection is its location, directly on the beachfront and adjacent to the walking street.
- le Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas Railay, superb establishment on Railay East beach, for a higher budget but with great deals in the low season.
Tonsai: My experience in a more remote corner
Tonsai is one of the beaches I dreamed of. More remote than Ao Nang and away from Railay, it is surrounded by impressive cliffs (perfect for climbing) and retains a unique atmosphere, like a private beach, even if it is not suitable for swimming because it is rocky.
I ended up staying at the Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai Beach Krabi , which is right on the beach. I treated myself for the occasion, and the setting played a big part in the experience. The spectacled monkeys that wander around the bungalows also added to the atmosphere.
At Tinidee, the rooms and villas are close to the beach. An important point for families: the property states that it does not accept children under 12 years old . Please check this condition when booking.
Tonsai is made for relaxation. But even though it's isolated, it's not deserted either, because while Tinidee occupies a large part of the space, the area set back from the beach has several restaurants, with other accommodation options available if your budget is more limited.
Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, it's connected by a footpath to Railay Beach along the coast. Note that there's normally a "land-based" version of this walk, following a path extending from the Garden View Resort Tonsai , which leads to the back of the Railay Phutawan Resort . I say "normally" because I haven't tried it myself, so I don't know its current condition or how easy it is to navigate.
A small clarification : do not confuse this beach with Tonsai Bay on Ko Phi Phi: the name is the same, it is the same province, but they are two different places.
Klong Muang: a quieter beach
Heading slightly north of Ao Nang, about 10 km, you arrive in a less well-known area, but one that remains a possible choice, especially for those looking to get away from the crowds, while still being easily accessible since the main road runs along the coast.
Klong Muang may be suitable for a more tranquil beach holiday, and while it does not have as many amenities as Ao Nang, there are several resorts, but also more modest accommodations and enough restaurants around the inhabited area.
The compromise is quite simple: you gain peace and quiet, but you move away from the activity and services concentrated in Ao Nang . Consider what is actually within walking distance of the hotel, especially if you want to go out for dinner without needing a vehicle.
For excursions, several hotels will likely offer their own versions, but it's best to compare prices with local agencies and ask if pick-up in Klong Muang is included. Just because a tour departs "from Krabi" doesn't mean all hotels in the province are served under the same conditions.
Two agency suggestions:
- for French speakers, Krabi Dome often receives unanimous support
- Mr. Thorwhich will also suit English speakers
Two addresses to remember:
- le Dusit Thani Krabi Beach ResortLocated directly on Klong Muang, it offers large gardens and two beachfront swimming pools. It's an upscale option for those who also want to enjoy their hotel.
- By moving a little further from the beach, you have inexpensive options such as The Beach at Klong Muang Krabi.
Tubkaek: for peace and quiet and views of the islands
If you head a little further north, you'll find Tubkaek Beach, an area I'd consider for a few days of relaxation in a nice hotel. The beach faces the islands of Phang Nga Bay , and apart from the starting point of the hike called Dragon's Crest (or Ngon Nak Nature Trail), there isn't much else around.
The accommodations are therefore mainly geared towards stays in luxury resorts, since you have here for example the exorbitant Banyan Tree Krabi (whose version in Phuket we had the chance to test ).
Choosing a hotel is therefore important: the layout of its outdoor spaces and restaurants will likely be a factor in your day-to-day activities. Opportunities for getting around on foot remain extremely limited.
You can organize excursions through the hotels, but if you are looking for some evening entertainment, you will have to consider going to Ao Nang, so you should ask yourself if the distance really corresponds to what you are looking for or if having a vehicle is not a problem for you.
Three addresses to check out:
- The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, a veritable small village, with rooms and villas in a wooded setting.
- Tup Kaek Sunset Beach ResortAdjacent to the first building, you have rooms overlooking a communal pool and private villas. Very attractive rates in the low season.
- Amari Vogue Krabi, superb establishment of more modest size, with its own Starbucks.
Krabi Town: an urban alternative
Krabi Town is the main town in the province. It's a medium-sized town, but like any municipality in Thailand, it has enough markets and restaurants, a riverside promenade, and a few sights to keep you busy.
The atmosphere is clearly more local than in Ao Nang, and the accommodations can be budget-friendly.
This is clearly not the default choice for a four- or five-day beach and island holiday. You'll have to travel to reach the coast, and the savings on the room could be partially offset by the travel costs.
But it can make sense as a stopover before, for example, heading to the airport, if your itinerary focuses more on sightseeing or simply exploring the city. If you're staying overnight, I'd recommend a hotel near the markets and the promenade, so you can easily get around on foot.
Two addresses to check out:
- le Family Tree Hotel, in the center, just 5 minutes from Wat Kaew Korawaram and a stone's throw from Krabi Town Night Market.
- The 9th House, a small place with spacious and well-maintained rooms, well located in Krabi Town to reach the markets and the riverbank on foot.
Sleeping on an island: a different kind of stay
Classic destinations include the islands of Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, and the lesser-known Ko Jum. All are also part of the Krabi province.
They remain a possible option in your search for accommodation, but you should consider them as destinations where you'll spend several nights . You would then plan a stay around their beaches and surrounding areas, with transfers to or from the mainland to be arranged.
Ko Phi Phi: choosing between the lively village and more secluded beaches
The hotels are located on Phi Phi Don , the inhabited island. Phi Phi Leh, where Maya Bay is located, can be visited on excursions.
→ I dedicated an article to my private long-tail boat trip around Ko Phi Phi . It will give you an idea of what can be arranged once you are there.
Around Tonsai village, you're close to the boat arrival point, restaurants, and tour agencies. It's convenient for going out and arranging tours, but areas near the nightlife, especially towards Loh Dalum, can be noisy.
For more tranquility, you can look at Long Beach or more remote bays like Loh Ba Kao Bay and Laem Tong Point. It's important to check the exact access details: depending on the hotel, a boat transfer may be required upon arrival on the island, and excursions to the village will be less spontaneous.
A very good address, which retains the advantage of being close and accessible on foot from the main village: the Viking Nature Resort.
Ko Lanta: to dedicate several days to an island
Unlike Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta is more suited to the idea of a stay where you take your time between beaches and walks, if only because the island is large: the choice of beach and means of transport will therefore be important.
The three main beaches in the north of the island— Klong Dao, the neighboring Phra Ae Beach (also called Long Beach) , and Klong Khong Beach —offer the widest selection of restaurants and services. Further south, the beaches might be more suited to a more secluded stay, though this will require more travel.
As the island is further south of Krabi, the available excursions will not be the same as those in the Ao Nang/Railay area. However, you will have access to other islands such as Ko Ngai or Ko Kradan, to name just two.
Three addresses to check out:
- Sayang Beach Resort, a fairly simple hotel overlooking Phra Ae beach, with individual bungalows.
- Lanta Just Come BungalowLocated near Klong Khong Beach, it is the place to be for those who appreciate a French-speaking presence.
- Chalaroste Lanta The Private Resort, if you prefer intimate places without needing to be by the sea (the beach is only 350m away).
Ko Jum / Ko Pu: a tip for a more peaceful stay
Ko Jum is an island which has the peculiarity of having two names… although Ko Jum is more widely used, the north of the island is referred to as Ko Pu.
It could be a good option if you're looking for an "off-the-beaten-path" experience, as it's a more rural and less developed island. Accommodation and service options are more limited, although it has everything you need for a short break away from the crowds.
This is an option to consider for extending your trip, by checking the connections that match your dates.
Two addresses to check out:
- Little Rock Resort Kohjum, an address that is unanimously acclaimed in the south of the island, close to the ferry dock and two beaches.
- Horizon Beach Resort Koh Jum, located right on the edge of one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Golden Pearl Beach.
Should we change hotels during our stay?
For four or five days around Ao Nang and Railay, a single base can be perfectly sufficient. This allows time to enjoy your accommodation and then alternate between excursions on land and at sea.
Moving from one hotel to another quickly takes up part of the day between luggage, transfers and settling in (especially with check-in times to take into account).
Splitting your stay can be a good option if you have a specific plan: a few nights in Ao Nang for sightseeing, then one or two nights in Railay or Tonsai to enjoy the surroundings. I would do this for this trip, accepting the time spent changing hotels if your time there is sufficient (more than 5 days).
With a week or more, combining a base on the mainland with several nights on Phi Phi or Ko Lanta becomes a logical option. Don't make the mistake of trying to see everything; choose one island based on your interests rather than making multiple transfers to fit everything in.
To plan your days, check out my itinerary for visiting Krabi in 5 days.
Compare accommodations on the map
After choosing the area, the map allows you to compare hotels and check their location. Zoom in enough to see which side of the beach the establishment is on: "near the sea" can also mean on the other side of a road or facing the mangrove.
What I would check before booking
- Access to the hotel: by road or by boat, and the conditions of the last transfer if you arrive in the evening.
- Walking distance to the restaurants: particularly useful in Ao Nang, Klong Muang or Nopparat Thara, where addresses may be scattered.
- Excursion arrangements: the meeting place, any additional charges and the return to your area.
- The type of seaside: swimming beach, mangrove, road to cross, or simply a "distant" view from the room.
- The price for your dates: In Krabi, prices vary depending on the season and room category, which can significantly impact the appeal of a particular place. Compare the final price, cancellation policy, and included amenities.
For transport to the region and information on the travel period, you will find additional details on my page dedicated to Krabi.
