Krabi’s accommodation splits across five areas: Ao Nang for beach access and tour departures, Railay for car-free beach and climbing life, Krabi Town for budget transit stays, Klong Muang for mid-range resort seclusion, and Tubkaek for luxury isolation with Hong Island views. Where to stay in Krabi depends entirely on whether you’re here to climb, island-hop, or park yourself at a resort. This guide covers each area with suggested hotels in Krabi at three price points.
Where to Stay in Krabi: Ao Nang
Ao Nang is Krabi’s main resort hub with a 1.5-kilometre beach, 100-plus hotels, 50-plus restaurants, and the departure point for all island tours. The beach is functional rather than stunning, but the location can’t be beat: longtail boats to Railay leave from the south end every 15 minutes, and the 4-island and Hong Island tours depart from the same beach. The walking street behind the beach has ATMs, pharmacies, dive shops, and the Ao Nang Night Market (daily 17:00 to 22:00). Suits first-time visitors, island-hopping base campers, and families wanting walkable services. Not suited for travellers seeking a quiet, postcard-perfect beach.
Suggested Hotels in Ao Nang
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
Directly on Ao Nang Beach with two pools, a kids’ club, and family rooms. Best for families wanting international hotel standards on Ao Nang’s beachfront.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort and Spa
Mid-range resort at Ao Nang’s north end with two pools, a spa, and family rooms. A 5-minute walk to the main strip. Best for couples and families wanting resort facilities at a mid-range price.
Krabi Forest Homestay
Simple bungalows in a garden setting 200 metres from Ao Nang Beach with air conditioning and hot water from 800 THB per night. Best for budget travellers who want Ao Nang’s location at backpacker prices.
Where to Stay in Krabi: Railay Peninsula
Railay is Krabi’s car-free beach peninsula, accessible only by boat. It has four beaches (West, East, Phra Nang, and Tonsai), 15 resorts, a walking street with restaurants and bars, and the world-class climbing walls that define the area. Railay West is the main beach; Railay East is a mangrove-lined working boat pier with cheaper accommodation. Staying on Railay means you have Phra Nang Beach to yourself before 9:00 and after 16:00 when the day-trippers leave. The trade-off: everything arrives by boat, so restaurant prices run 20 to 40 percent higher than Ao Nang, and there are no convenience stores. Suits rock climbers, couples wanting a car-free beach escape, and anyone prioritising Phra Nang over convenience.
Suggested Hotels on Railay
Rayavadee
Krabi’s premier resort on 26 acres of coconut groves between Phra Nang, Railay West, and Nam Mao beaches. Best for honeymooners and milestone celebrations.
Railay Village Resort
Mid-range resort directly on Railay West Beach with pool villas and standard rooms. The beachfront restaurant serves Thai and Western food at moderate prices. Best for couples wanting beachfront Railay at a non-luxury price.
Rapala Rockwood Resort
Budget bungalows on Railay East (5-minute walk to Phra Nang) with simple rooms from 1,000 THB per night. Best for climbers and backpackers who want the Railay experience at the lowest prices on the peninsula.
