Located around 800 kilometres south-west from Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, the Krabi province is one of the biggest provinces in Thailand. Often referred to as an island destination, Krabi is actually on the mainland Thailand with around 130 offshore islands that fall under its jurisdiction. To give you an idea about the surrounding areas – to the North lies the province of Phang Nga (close to Phuket), Surat Thani bounds to the east, while Trang lies to the south and the Andaman Sea covers the west of Krabi.

Most of these 130 islands are un-inhabited but a handful of them are inhabited and accounts for most of the tourism activities from Krabi and Phuket. It can be quite intimidating to choose the right area amongst so many places to stay as a first-time visitor to Krabi. Choosing where to stay in Krabi Thailand is actually easy if a little research is done before embarking on your trip.

There are about eight major areas in Krabi where most of the tourists are concentrated. Most of them are along the coast of the mainland; however, there are a few offshore islands which cater to visitors and travellers, working out where to stay Krabi can be a little confusing.

The different areas and beaches are unique in their own right and have something for everyone. So, whether you are looking for adventure or nightlife and parties or just peace and tranquillity, Krabi has you covered. We will help you find the best place to stay in Krabi.

If you’re wondering what are to stay in Krabi, this article is for you. We will cover off all types of Krabi accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Krabi hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Krabi, the best Krabi hotels, best places in Krabi to visit, the best places to stay in Krabi Thailand, hotels near Krabi attractions, Krabi neighborhood guide and many more.

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Beach Parties & Nightlife

Ao Nang Krabi – Where to stay in Krabi for family

With a wide variety of attractions and activities, Ao Nang is no doubt the most popular destination in Krabi. The famous walking street of Ao Nang features ample international dining options apart from shopping, bars, cafes, nightclubs, street vendors and entertainment. The Lady Boy Cabaret show in Ao Nang is quite famous for its over-the-top entertainment. Accommodation options here are aplenty and quite reasonable to cater to everyone’s need and budget.

The public transportation system is well managed in Ao Nang which makes it an ideal spot for tourists to start their island journeys or towards the mainland. The beach parties over the years have polluted the beach and surrounding water bodies but even then the parties just don’t stop here. Conservation and clean up efforts are in place to get the beach back to its original look and feel. It is an ideal vacation spot for families with kids friendly accommodations available.

Best places to stay in Ao Nang

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Ao Nang:
iRest Ao Nang Seafront
Wake Up Aonang Hotel
Sea World Guesthouse
Balcony Party Hostel

Budget Hotels in Ao Nang:
Aonang Top View
Jinda Guest House
Zabava Guest House
Aonang Eco Inn

Mid range Hotels in Ao Nang:
Aonang Princeville Resort
Phu Pha Ao Nang Resort and Spa
Phra Nang Inn
The Palace Ao Nang

Family Friendly Hotels in Ao Nang:
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach Resort
Aonang Villa Resort
Krabi Tipa Resort

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Ao Nang:
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi
The Pano Hotel And Residence
Andakiri Pool Villa
Irawan House

Adventure & Party Islands

Phi Phi Islands – Where to stay in Krabi for nightlife

Comprising of seven islands, Phi Phi is comfortable tucked between two popular tourist destinations – Krabi and Phuket. From mainland Krabi or Phuket, it takes around a couple of hours to reach Phi Phi by boat or just under an hour by speedboat. With clear blue waters, powdery white beaches and jagged limestone cliffs, the islands have something for everyone, including some unique places to stay in Krabi. 

Adventure sports such as rock climbing, cliff jumping, scuba diving, free diving, etc are widely practiced here while more subtle activities such as lazing on the beach and swimming along with fishing is also quite popular with tourists. Out of the seven islands that make up Phi Phi only one of them Koh Phi Phi Don is inhabited.

Most tourists and locals are concentrated on this beautiful island where almost everything from accommodation to nightlife to shopping is available. With the huge amount of tourists visiting the island for day-trips from Krabi as well as Phuket, it can get quite busy and crowded.

The evenings and nightlife here is amazing as the crowd comprises of guests who are living on the island. Phi Phi Island is recommended for younger crowd that enjoys partying, adventure sports and everything in between. It should also be noted that luxury seekers can visit Phi Phi as there are a few secluded resorts that epitomizes luxury in all sense.

Best places to stay in Phi Phi Island

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Phi Phi Island:
Golden Hill Bungalows
October Hostel
Stones Bar Dorm Rooms and Restaurant

Budget Hotels in Phi Phi Island:
Phi Phi Good View
Phi Phi Beach Front Resort
Chongkhao Resort

Mid range Hotels in Phi Phi Island:
P.P. Maiyada Resort
Phi Phi Harbour View Hotel
Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel
PP Nice Beach Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Phi Phi Island:
Mama Beach Residence
Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort
Tonsai Place

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Phi Phi Island:
Villa 360 Resort
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
Zeavola Resort

Railay Beach- Where to stay in Krabi backpackers

Since it is only accessible by boat, Railay is a holiday destination that has been postmarked by tourists and travellers as an out-worldly experience. Being cut-off from the mainland by high and rickety limestone rocks and cliffs, it is nearly impossible to construct any sort of road connection. Railay has a central area with four spectacular beaches around for visitors to indulge.

It often generates the hippie era feeling among backpackers as they move from place to place on foot without any motorized vehicles in sight. Apart from the up-market resorts in the area, most of Railay still has the rustic and hippie vibe to it. Although there are several restaurants, bars, cafes, etc, people throng here to enjoy the un-inhibited party atmosphere after sun down.

During the day the popular activities include rock climbing, kayaking, diving, etc; there are some wonderful adventure sport schools to ensure safety and security.

Best places to stay in Railay

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Railay:
Chill Out Bar & Bungalow
Green View Village Resort
Pop-In Hostel
Glur Hostel

Budget Hotels in Railay:
Dream Valley Resort
Green View Village Resort
Railay Garden View Resort
Ao Nang Home Stay

Mid range Hotels in Railay:
Ban Sainai Resort
Aonang Cliff Beach Resort
Aonang Villa Resort

Family Friendly Hotels in Railay:
The Verandah
Aonang Phu Petra Resort
Peace Laguna Resort
Panan Krabi Resort

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Railay:
Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort Krabi
Rayavadee Resort

Peace & Tranquility

Krabi town – Best place to stay in Krabi for island hopping

An ideal stopover for travellers embarking on their journey on the province of Krabi, Krabi Town is probably the best choice. It is the capital of the province but in size it’s quite a small and laid back town. With a handful of Krabi town hostels, hotels and budget accommodations in the town centre area.

Krabi Town has an authentic Thai feel, although being small in size, the town has a life of its own with fresh produce markets, shopping areas, restaurants, etc. With lush green surroundings and less crowds, the town is quite peaceful and serene. The weekend walking street market of Krabi Town are quite famous among travellers as well as locals. It’s an off-beat place for budget travellers where transportation to all major Krabi attractions is available and reasonably priced.

Best places to stay in Krabi Town

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Krabi Town:
Chaofar De Hostel
Talardkao Balcony Krabi
Casa Blanca – Hostel

Budget Hotels in Krabi Town:
Boss & Benz House in Diamond Home
Crystal Hotel
JP’s Mansion
Tairada Boutique Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Krabi Town:
Tanya Place
Krabi Royal Hotel
The Fong Krabi Resort
A Little Villa Krabi

Family Friendly Hotels in Krabi Town:
Tairada Boutique Hotel
Doungta Anda Hotel
Rachada Place
Jingjit Hotel

Klong Muang – Where to stay in Krabi for honeymoon

The ultimate luxury destination in Krabi is Klong Muang beach which remains popular round the year. With expansive white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and no jagged cliffs and hills, it is no wonder that most popular accommodations here are up-market resorts and boutique hotels. Some of the best sunsets can be seen here as the area faces the West.

With innumerable infinity pools (most resorts have more than one) overlooking the horizon, these places are best equipped for that picture-perfect, breathtaking photographs. The area has a few restaurants and boutique shops to encourage tourists; it is not even close to being as developed as Ao Nang. Klong Muang is a honeymooner’s paradise as the area exudes luxury with relaxation and privacy. This place is also highly recommended for travellers seeking ultimate luxury with hospitality.

Best places to stay in Klong Muang

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Klong Muang:
Sairougn Seaview

Budget Hotels in Klong Muang:
iCheck inn Klong Muang
Z-Talay House
Klong Muang Inn
Krabi Bay House

Mid range Hotels in Klong Muang:
Krabi Holiday Sea Resort
Coco Nori @ Sea Resort
Bann Chom le
Beyond Resort Krabi

Family Friendly Hotels in Klong Muang:
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort
Elephants End Guesthouse
Nakamanda Resort & Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Klong Muang:
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
The Elements Krabi Resort
Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

Ton Sai – Where to stay in Krabi on a budget

With an ever increasing popularity and cost of the original backpacker’s area of Ao Nang and Railay, the bulk of backpackers are moving on to Ton Sai. Being located between Ao Nang and Railay, Ton Sai is not easily accessible which makes it an even lucrative area for backpackers.

Apart from relaxing on the beaches or getting high in the beach bars, the main activity revolves around rock climbing in Ton Sai beach. Past few years have seen a few dive schools open up in the area to promote the diving scene as well as other water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, etc.

An avid boatman can even row upto Railay with favourable tides and wind. There are a lot of eating joints in Ton Sai where everything from Thai cuisine to western cuisine is available along with cafes and bars which are aplenty. Backpackers with culinary skills visiting the area have opened up some nice pizzerias that encourage people to eat with mingling with others.

For provisions there are a couple of mini-marts in the area; however internet is available without disruptions depending on weather. Ton Sai is a true backpacker’s haven in every sense of the word.

Best places to stay in Ton Sai

Budget Hotels in Ton Sai:
Phi Phi Little Star Resort
Phi Phi Green Hill Resort
The White

Mid range Hotels in Ton Sai:
The Hip Resort @ Phi Phi
PP Red Tuna Hut

Other notable islands of Krabi:

Ko Jum

Koh Ngai

Koh Lanta

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