Sunday, October 27, 2024
HomeAsia TravelBest Areas & Hotels (2024)

Best Areas & Hotels (2024)


Are you wondering where to stay in Krabi, Thailand? Well you’re in the right place because I’ve just spent a dreamy month exploring all over this beautiful Thai province so I have plenty of tips to share on all the best hotels and places to stay in Krabi.

In this detailed guide I’ll tell you about all the best areas to stay in Krabi, from the popular tourist destinations, beaches and islands to the more secluded beaches, hidden gems, and authentic Thai towns.

I’ll also share some essential travel tips and recommend the best hotels in Krabi – there’s something to suit all budgets and types of travellers so I hope this blog helps you plan your trip to Krabi and that you love it as much as did!

Pin this to save for later 

Where to stay in Krabi, Thailand - a comprehensive guide to all the best areas and accommodation options

About Krabi

Railay bay and krabi's dramatic limestones cliffs as seen from the sea
Iconic Krabi scenery

Krabi is a mesmerizing province in southern Thailand famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning white sand beaches and the clear turquoise waters of the dreamy Andaman Sea.

If you’re dreaming of tropical island hopping adventures with iconic landscapes then Krabi is one of the must visit places in Thailand – I’d even say that Krabi’s beaches and islands rank among the best in the whole world!

However, as Krabi province is home to over 150 islands and thousands of beautiful beaches and resorts choosing where to stay in Krabi is no easy matter – that’s why I wrote this guide!

me anna in krabi thailand
Hello from Krabi!

Krabi Town is the main city of the province and Ao Nang beach is one of the most popular places to stay in Krabi, but there’s so much more to this slice of paradise.

There are hundreds of jaw droppingly beautiful islands, beaches and resorts to explore including Railay Beach, The Phi Phi islands, and Koh Lanta.

Whether you’re looking for an island retreat, a secluded beach, an authentic Thai town, or a lively resort bustling with restaurants, shops and nightlife – you’ll be able to find the perfect place to stay in Krabi.

I’ll describe all the different areas to stay in this guide to Krabi so you can choose the perfect one for you – check out my map of Krabi to see where they are located.

Map of Krabi

map of best areas to stay in krabi thailand

Where to Stay in Krabi – Best Areas

When choosing where to stay in Krabi it’s important to do your research because each area offers different experiences so your choice of location can make or break your trip.

I stayed in many different areas of Krabi during my month long recent visit (April 2024) so that I could fully explore them all, and my recommendations are based on my own experiences, reviews, and extensive research.

If you’re in a hurry check out my quick summary of the best areas and hotels in Krabi below – If you prefer more detail carry on reading as I’ll describe each area and recommend accommodation options for all budgets.

  • Ao Nang Beach – The most popular area to stay in Krabi for first timers with plenty of accommodation and eating options.
  • Railay Beach – The most beautiful beach in Krabi accessible only by boat
  • Tonsai Bay – A secluded bay next to Railay beach popular with backpackers
  • Klong Muang Beach – A beautifully laid back beach perfect for families
  • Tubkaek Beach – A secluded beach with stunning views and luxury resorts perfect for couples.
  • Krabi Town – A small and authentic Thai town on the riverside with a lovely night market and great value hotels.
  • Koh Phi Phi – A popular island with stunning beaches, lively nightlife and expensive accommodation
  • Koh Lanta – A laid back island with plenty of nature to explore and good value accommodation
  • Koh Jum – A rustic, authentic, undeveloped island to escape the crowds and get back to nature

(Koh Yao Yai is actually in Phang Nga province so that’s for another post)

longtail boats and limestone rocks at Railay beach west, krabi, thailand
Railay Bay, Krabi

Krabi Accommodation Options

There is plenty of choice of accommodation in Krabi to suit all budgets and types of travellers. From 5 star luxury hotels perfect for couples or honeymooners to fun family friendly resorts, budget friendly guesthouses, and sociable backpacker hostels – there’s something for everyone in Krabi.

Even if you are on a budget it won’t break the bank to visit Krabi. I found Krabi hotels a little cheaper compared to similar hotels in Phuket. If you are thinking of visiting both places it’s easy to do so – check out my Phuket and Krabi itinerary to know how.

I normally use Booking.com to book my hotels but I also sometimes find that Agoda has good deals too, especially in Asia. Agoda often seems cheaper at first but be aware that their prices don’t include tax.

Best Hotels in Krabi – Quick Picks

If you’re in a hurry here’s a quick rundown of the best hotels in Krabi…

phulay bay ritz carlton tubkaek beach krabi luxury hotel with seaview hot tub
The incredible Phulay Bay on secluded Tubkaek beach is one of the best luxury resorts in Krabi
anna on a longtail boat in krabi thailand
Going island hopping on a longtail boat

The Best Places to Stay in Krabi

Now let’s look at the best areas to stay in Krabi in more detail. I’ll also give you my recommendations for the best hotels in each area to help you decide where to stay in Krabi.

As prices change depending on season and demand click on the links provided to check the prices for your dates, read the reviews and book your stay.

Ao Nang Beach

Ao nang beach krabi thailand
Ao Nang beach

Ao Nang is Krabi’s most popular tourist destination because it is the most convenient place to stay in Krabi with the most choice and everything is within walking distance from Ao Nang beach.

There’s plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets, a lively night market and great restaurants and bars offering both Thai food and international cuisine.

ao nang beach statue
A statue on Ao Nang beach

It’s also a great base for day trips both to nearby islands like Railay beach or Koh Phi Phi and for adventures to explore the jungles, temples and natural wonders in Krabi.

Ao Nang town is a busy strip made for tourists and it’s not the most beautiful beach in Krabi, but you can easily visit the pristine Noppharat Thara beach nearby (which is part of a national park) or hop on a long tail boat and reach Railay Beach in only 10 minutes.

nopharat thara beach near ao nang krabi
The beautiful and uncrowded Noppharat Thara beach near Ao Nang

If you want to be in the heart of the action with easy access to everything then Ao Nang is the best place to stay in Krabi – but it’s not for everyone. If you dream of a quiet rustic island escape you’ll probably prefer Railay or Koh Lanta.

Top Tip: By the way, you can enjoy island hopping trips from all the main resort areas in Krabi so don’t worry too much about being close to a pier. You can book boat trips on Viator and Get your Guide – they will usually include transportation from any of the popular areas to stay in Krabi – so you can find your ideal vibe and not have to worry about missing out on this must do activity if you decide Ao Nang isn’t for you.

Best Hotels in Ao Nang

the centara resort ao nang beach is one of the best hotels in krabi
The Centara Resort Ao Nang Beach Resort is one of the best hotels in Krabi

Luxury: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort – a luxury 5 star resort and spa located right on Ao Nang beachfront with beautiful swimming pools, spa facilities, and lavish rooms – some with a sea view. This is the best option if your looking for a luxury stay with direct beach access and also want to be close to all the action in Ao Nang.

Mid Range (Family): Ananta Burin Resort – with it’s own water park with slides, multiple swimming pools, waterfalls and tropical gardens this is the best place to stay in Krabi for families with children or any young at heart water babies.

Mid Range (Couples): Ban Sainai Resort – a dreamy and peaceful 4 star tropical resort with stunning cliff views and spacious modern cottages around a lake located. It’s located just north of the busy parts of Ao Nang with a free shuttle service so you get the best of both worlds.

Budget: @Aonang Guesthouse – run by lovely owners and offers air conditioned, clean and comfortable rooms (shared dorms and private rooms) situated in a quiet area back from Ao Nang’s main strip. There’s even a jacuzzi plunge pool along with cosy common areas to relax, it’s ideal for backpackers or anyone on a budget looking for a convenient location.

Railay Beach

longtail boats on railay beach west krabi
Longtail boats on Railay beach west, Krabi

Railay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, any maybe even the whole world! This is where you’ll see those dreamy, iconic scenes of colourful longtail boats against karst limestone cliffs – and it’s even more beautiful in real life!

These towering cliffs means that Railay is cut off from the mainland and only accessible by boat. There’s no vehicles in Railay and everything is within walking distance giving you those relaxed, small island vibes.

Railay is popular with rock climbers and also offers a caves, viewpoints and a lagoon to explore. Make sure you visit the stunning Phra Nang beach where you’ll find a cave with a unique phallic shrine!

princess cave penis cave railay krabi
The princess cave or penis shrine on Phra Nang beach, Railay
me anna on phra nang beach railay krabi thailand
At Phra Nang beach, Railay, Krabi

If you get the ferry to Railay then you’ll get dropped off at the pier on the east side, or if you take a longtail boat from Ao Nang you’ll arrive on the west side. There’s a walking street that goes from east to west with plenty of laid back restaurants, cute cafes and rasta bars and it’s only 10 minutes walk between the two.

railay walking street
Railay walking street

It’s worth noting that Railay West is the most beautiful beach with the more expensive beachfront resorts, while Railay East is more mudflats and mangroves and not really suitable for swimming or sunbathing but offers cheaper hotels and resorts.

Railay gets busy with day trippers so for the best experience stay a few nights to witness the sunset and explore the beaches without the crowds.

I really loved Railay and, even though I found it to be a little more expensive than Ao Nang for both food and accommodation, it’s one of my favorite places to stay in Krabi – just watch out for the cheeky monkeys!

Best Hotels in Railay

railay bay resort railay beach krabi
View from the pool at the Railay Bay Resort on Railay beach, Krabi

Luxury: Rayavadee – undoubtedly the best luxury resort in Railay if you want a serene stay – situated in a secluded spot on Phra Nang beach this 5 star hotel offers exclusive luxury private villas surrounded by lush tropical foliage. It’s also home to the excellent Grotto restaurant which is now exclusively for hotel guests.

Mid-Range: Railay Bay Resort – on the beachfront of beautiful West Railay offers picture perfect views from the two swimming pools, comfortable air conditioned rooms, and private pool villas.

Also consider, the flower filled Railay Village Resort next door – most of the spacious rooms have pool and limestone cliff views and some villas also have private jacuzzi baths. Hotels on Railay East are cheaper so more modest budgets should consider the sleek, modern, Bhu Nga Thani Resort and Spa.

Budget: The Sand Sea Resort – offers clean comfortable rooms and puts you close to the action at Railay Beach without breaking the bank. The Rapala Rock Resort offers a variety of rooms, including backpacker budget friendly fan bungalows with shared bathrooms, a views that make the hike up worth it.

Tonsai Bay

tinidee hideaway tonsai bay krabi
The Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai Bay

Tonsai Bay is located next to Railay and is also surrounded by limestone cliffs and only accessible by boat or by walking from Railay at low tide. It’s much less developed than Railay which means fewer amenities but also less crowds and lower prices.

Tonsai Bay is perfect for backpackers and budget travellers who want to go rock climbing or get away from it all and experience this slice of tropical paradise without breaking the bank, but look elsewhere if you want a large variety of eating options and quick and easy access to other places.

Best Hotels in Tonsai

Luxury: Tinidee Hideaway Tonsai – is the best and only luxury choice here with a stunning beachfront location, surrounded by cliffs and palm trees and offering gorgeous rooms and a refreshing pool.

Mid-Range: Tonsai Bay Resort – the best mid range option complete with a beachfront restaurant, bar and comfortable A/C bungalows with private bathrooms.

Budget: Garden View Resort Tonsai – offers simple budget friendly rooms nestled between the cliffs surrounded by nature.

Klong Muang Beach

klong muang beach near ao nang in krabi thailand
Peaceful Klong Muang Beach in Krabi

If you’re looking for a peaceful stay on stunning, uncrowded beaches consider staying at Klong Muang Beach, about 20 minutes drive from Ao Nang. Klong Muang beach is home to a handful of luxury and mid range resorts and a few restaurants and massage parlours but not much shopping or nightlife.

It’s ideal for families or couples looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday away from the crowds while still being close enough to check out Ao Nang and Railay for the day. It’s also super easy to take a boat to the dreamy Hong Islands from here.

This is where we ended up spending most of our time in Krabi as it offered the best balance between convenience and relaxation and the beaches are so beautiful.

Best Hotels in Klong Muang

the nakamanda resort in klong muang is one of the best places to stay in Krabi for couples
The serene Nakamanda Resort on Klong Muang beach, Krabi

Luxury: Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort – Peaceful 5 star luxury beach resort with spacious landscaped grounds, large swimming pool, plush suites and royal treatment.

Mid-Range: The Nakamanda Resort – a charming resort and spa with unique Thai style villas and a lovely beachfront pool and restaurant overlooking a tiny islet.

Budget: Isle Beach Resort – the best option for budget accommodation in this upmarket area offering simple AC rooms, breakfast and a small pool just steps from the beach.

Tubkaek Beach

sunset at tubkaek beach krabi thailand
Sunset at Tubkaek Beach, Krabi

Another 10 minutes further from Klong Muang you’ll find blissful and romantic Tubkaek Beach (also spelt Tup Kaek, Tab Kaek and Tubkaak). This secluded and uncrowded beach boasts mesmerizing views of the Hong Islands and some of the best luxury resorts in Krabi.

Tubkaek beach is ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for solitude, spectacular sunsets and a luxurious experience. It’s also really close to the Dragon Crest mountain nature trail , a literally breathtaking hike, but has limited nightlife and other amenities.

Best Hotels in Tubkaek Beach

Phulay Bay resort on Tubkaek beach, krabi
The dreamy Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve on Tubkaek beach, krabi

Super Luxury: The Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve and The Banyan Tree Krabi take luxury to the next level with unique design and personalised hospitality perfect for an unforgettable honeymoon or special occasion.

Luxury: The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort is another great 5 star beach front resort offering a range of accommodation from cosy garden rooms to private pool villas with a sea view without the huge price tag.

Mid-Range: The Amari Vouge Krabi offers a polished and personalised experience for couples without the hefty price tag while the 4 star Anyavee Tubkaek Beach Resort is the best family friendly mid range option here.

Budget: The Tubkaek Sunset Beach Resort offers tropical cottage style rooms with a pool and is the best value option if you want to stay in this upscale area on a budget.

Krabi Town

krabi town waterfront crab statue
Krabi Town’s waterfront

If you’d like to stay somewhere that you can soak up authentic small town Thai vibes then consider Krabi Town – the main city of Krabi province.

It’s a small but authentic Thai town situated on the riverside amongst the mangroves with a lovely riverside promenade and park, a beautiful Buddhist temple, lively local markets offering authentic Thai cuisine, and plenty of budget friendly hostels and boutique guesthouses.

Krabi Town is the best place to stay if you are looking for great value accommodation and would like an insight into local Thai culture. It’s important to note that Krabi Town does not have a beach – but you will be able to do day trips to all the beaches and islands in Krabi from here so you don’t need to miss out if you stay in Krabi town.

Best Hotels in Krabi Town

Mid-Range: Krabi SeaBass Hotel– this new 4 star hotel is a popular pick due to it’s central location on the waterfront of Krabi Town, modern amenities and pool. Also consider Krabi River Hotel for modern rooms with great views over the riverside and Thara Park.

Budget: The lively Pak-Up Hostel is perfect for backpackers and budget travellers looking for a fun, sociable, and affordable stay in a central location. The hostel offers free breakfast for both dorms and private rooms and organises trips and activities making it one of the best backpacker hostels in Krabi.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi island
Views over Koh Phi Phi

The iconic, beautiful and famous Phi Phi islands are also part of Krabi province and are easily accessible by ferry or speedboat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Phuket.

Koh Phi Phi became an incredibly popular destination after the filming of the movie “The Beach.” The Phi Phi islands are undeniably one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand but also one of the most crowded and expensive – so adjust your expectations accordingly.

This is where you’ll see the dreamy limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Maya Bay and Phi Leh Bay, swim and snorkel with (harmless) reef sharks, see monkeys on the beach, and feel like a castaway on the tiny Bamboo island.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi islands, Thailand.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi islands

Where to Stay on Koh Phi Phi

There are 6 islands here but they are mostly uninhabited. The only place you can stay in the Phi Phi islands is on Phi Phi Don – but chose wisely.

The area around Ton Sai Pier, the main area of Phi Phi Don, and Loh Dalum beach has a lively nightlife scene and plenty of hostels and is popular with partying backpackers. However it can feel noisy and overdeveloped so, unless you want to party, it might not be what you envisage of tropical paradise.

If you’d prefer to get some sleep then stay elsewhere – Laem Hin Beach or Long Beach are ideal as they are within walking distance to the nightlife but far enough away for a good nights sleep.

Or, if you are looking for a castaway paradise island escape then head to one of the luxury resorts in the secluded bays at the north end of the island.

Just be aware that as the island doesn’t have any roads if you stay away from Ton Sai you’ll need to factor in boat transfers which can add up. Most resorts include one transfer but if you want to go back into ‘town’ you’ll have to take a longtail boat.

Best Hotels in Koh Phi Phi

unique tropical rooms at the Phi Phi Coco beach resort on Koh Phi Phi, Krabi
Unique tropical rooms at the Phi Phi Coco beach resort on Koh Phi Phi, Krabi

Luxury: Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort – a beautiful and uniquely styled tropical 4 star resort with luxe beach bungalows and a swim up pool bar and sea view massages located on the beach of Loh Dalum Bay.

Or, for a secluded escape consider the Zeavola Resort – an award-winning Thai style tranquil retreat with lavish private pool villas nestled in the lush Laem Tong Bay on the north east coast – only accessible by boat.

Mid-Range: Phi Phi Villa Resort offers air conditioned bungalows and villas with a pool and free breakfast. It’s located on the beach within walking distance of the nightlife in Ton Sai but far enough away for a peaceful nights sleep so you get the best of both worlds.

Budget: Blue Flow Hostel is one of the best backpacker hostels on Koh Phi Phi as it offers clean dormitories complete with privacy curtains and 24 hour air conditioning in a really central location in Ton Sai just steps from the beach but not too near the noisy bars. It’s run by a really friendly helpful Thai family too.

Koh Lanta

kantiang bay is one of the best places to stay in koh lanta, krabi
Kantiang Bay, Koh Lanta

If you’re looking for a less crowded, more authentic, laid back, and affordable island getaway consider Koh Lanta, a much larger island than Phi Phi with something for everyone.

Koh Lanta offers long sandy beaches and a lush national park as well as excellent scuba diving, beautiful sunsets, and an adorable old town to explore.

It’s ideal for couples, families, backpackers and digital nomads seeking a less crowded and less expensive Thai island experience which makes it one of the best places to stay in Krabi.

Where to Stay in Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is quite a large island with numerous beaches, villages and a national park. As the best beaches are on the west coast that’s the most popular side to stay on but it’s easy to explore by road by renting a motorbike or tuk tuk.

Sala Dan is the main village on the island where the pier is and has plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes and hostels, but also make sure to check out cute Lanta Old Town too.

The most popular beach in Koh Lanta to stay on is Khlong Dao or Phrae Ae (Long Beach), which have a wide variety of accommodation options for all budgets. For somewhere more laid back then Klong Khong beach, Khlong Nin beach and Klong Dao Beach are good options, or consider Kantiang Bay for a secluded, romantic getaway.

Best Hotels in Koh Lanta

Layana Resort, Koh Lanta
A seaview room at the Layana Resort, Koh Lanta

Luxury: Pimalai Resort and Spa is a luxurious 5-star property perched on a hill overlooking secluded Kantiang Bay that boasts unique architecture and private pool villas with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. Or, if you prefer to be close to all the action, then check out the spectacular Layana Resort on popular Long Beach.

Mid-Range: Long Beach Chalet is a wonderful mid range resort situated on the beachfront of long beach with Thai style elevated cabins that offer the perfect blend of back to nature vibes, comfort and a convenient location.

Budget: Lanta Long Beach Hostel offers shared dormitory rooms, private old school fan bamboo beach bungalows and modern AC rooms with a pool and sociable atmosphere in a convenient location just steps from Long Beach.

Koh Jum/ Koh Pu

sun smile beach huts in koh jum, krabi
Sun Smile beach huts, Koh Jum

If you’re looking for an off the beaten track island escape then consider Koh Jum (also known as Koh Pu) – a less developed island located between Krabi Town and Koh Lanta.

Confusingly, Koh Jum and Koh Pu are different parts of the same island – Ko Pu is the northern end while Ko Jum is the southern end.

There are a couple of rustic beach bungalows, homestays and a few more upscale options, but don’t expect much nightlife – this is a place to get back to nature, experience more authentic Thai island life, escape the crowds, and just relax.

This island is not so easy to reach as the others and has less amenities but if you want to get away from it all, experience rustic Thai island living of 20 years ago and enjoy almost deserted beaches then it’s worth the effort.

Best Hotels in Koh Jum

sunset beach treehouse koh jum OP
Sunset Beach treehouse, Koh Jum

Luxury: Koh Jum Beach Villas – new, spacious, luxury villas with either sea views or a private pool in an intimate adults only beach front resort. They offer private transfers to ensure a smooth journey.

Mid-Range: Koh Jum Delight Beach – Nice A/C chalets in a peaceful jungly beachfront resort with a Thai restaurant and one of the few swimming pools on the island

Budget: Sunset Beach Bungalow Koh Pu – Live out your Robinson Crusoe dreams in these rustic treehouses and wooden beach huts run by a friendly family with delicious homecooked food – 2 night minimum stay.

Krabi Travel Guide: Tips for Planning your Trip to Krabi

views over the mountains and jungle near krabi town
Views over the mountains and jungle near Krabi Town

Before you book your hotel here’s a mini Krabi Travel Guide with some essential travel tips that you need to know when planning your trip to Krabi.

Best Time To Visit Krabi

The ideal time to visit Krabi is during the dry season from December to March when the weather is dry, sunny and warm (but not too hot and humid) perfect weather for beach days and water activities.

However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season so expect higher prices and crowds at popular places. April is also still dry but can get unbearably hot and November can be a good time to visit but there’s still a chance of rain.

If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind a bit of rain and more humidity, visiting during the rainy season from May to October can offer more affordable rates and a quieter experience. Be aware that ferries run less frequently and sometimes boat trips may be cancelled due to the weather conditions.

two longtail boats on klong muang beach krabi thailand
Traditional longtail boats on Klong Muang Beach. Krabi

How Long to Spend in Krabi

There’s so many beautiful places in Krabi to explore that I recommend spending at least 7 days or 1 week in Krabi for the best experience – ideally splitting your stay between a couple of different beaches and islands.

You could base yourself in Ao Nang or nearby and take day trips to explore, or you could spend a couple of days on Railay, a few on Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, and day in Krabi Town to see the best of Krabi province.

If you have less time then you could see the most famous Krabi places, like Railay Beach and Koh Phi Phi, on a day trip from Phuket. But Krabi has so much more to offer and staying here will allow you to escape the day trip crowds and enjoy this slice of paradise more.

If you spend a week in Krabi you’ll have time to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the jungles and soak in the natural beauty, enjoy the activities and do some island hopping without feeling rushed.

hammock on tubkaek beach krabi thailand
Hammock life at the Tubkaek Krabi Boutique Resort

Things To Do In Krabi

Whilst many tourists visit Krabi to simply enjoy the beautiful beaches, delicious local Thai cuisine and relax with a traditional Thai massage, there’s plenty more things to do in Krabi if you’re feeling more adventurous.

With so much natural beauty to explore, adventurous outdoor activities to try, cultural sights and delicious local cuisine to try make sure you allow time to explore this beautiful part of Thailand too.

Some of the best things to do in Krabi include:

Island Hopping

island hopping in krabi thailand on a long tail boat
Island hopping on a traditional long tail boat

Island hopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Krabi – don’t miss it! Either join a group boat trip or hire a private longtail boat and explore the stunning islands and beaches surrounding Krabi.

Popular destinations include Railay Beach, the Phi Phi Islands and the 4 Island Tour which visits tiny Chicken island, Tup island, Poda island and Phra Nang beach.

If 4 islands isn’t enough for you, there’s also a 7 islands trip which includes snorkelling and a BBQ dinner at sunset. The dreamy Hong Islands are also well worth a trip.

If you want to see as much as possible in one day and avoid the crowds I recommend this Early Bird Koh Phi Phi and 4 Islands TripYou’ll have morning coffee on Tup Island, experience Maya Bay without the crowds, relax with lunch on Bamboo island, see Poda and Chicken island on the way back, and much more – it’s the ultimate island hopping adventure.

Many island hopping trips include snorkelling so you can explore the underwater world with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. There’s also plenty of scuba diving on offer from PADI courses to exciting shipwreck dives.

Rock Climbing

Krabi’s unique and dramatic limestone cliffs make it a popular destination for rock climbing with lessons and routes for everyone from beginners to experienced climbers. Railay Bay is the best place to stay for rock climbers. Read this blog about learning to rock climb in Krabi for more tips.

tiger cave temple krabi
Views from the Tiger Cave Temple near Krabi Town

Visiting Temples

For a dose of culture and spirituality, Krabi has several beautiful Buddhist temples to explore. One of the most famous is the Tiger Cave Temple ( Wat Tham Suea) which is perched on top of a hill near Krabi Town and offers stunning views. There’s also a lovely temple called Wat Kaew Korawaramin near the waterfront in Krabi Town.

Jungle Adventures

Krabi is not just about beaches – make sure to explore the lush jungles inland too! One of the best places to visit is the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon where you can have a refreshing dip in the clear emerald waters, and soaking in the healing waters of the natural hot springs at Klong Thom nearby.

These places are a little far from the tourist areas and beaches so the best way to do it is by joining a Tiger Cave Temple and Jungle Adventure Day Trip which combines the Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool and the Hot Springs for a fun and easy day out in the jungle.

the emerald pool and tropical jungle in krabi thailand
The Emerald Pool in Krabi

Another good experience for nature lovers is going kayaking through the mangroves, visiting waterfalls and hiking up the Dragon’s Crest Mountain. You can also rent a scooter, get off the beaten track and just explore this beautiful area and you’ll find cute cafes with sunrise or sunset viewpoints and plenty of adventure.

Visiting Elephant Sanctuaries

As with most tourist destinations in Thailand, Krabi is home to numerous elephant camps and sanctuaries. Make sure you only visit ethical elephant sanctuaries that do not allow riding if you want to have an ethical elephant encounter that doesn’t harm these majestic gentle giants.

Elephants in Thailand
Elephant Sanctuary

How to Get to Krabi

Flying into Krabi International Airport is the quickest way to get to Krabi. The airport receives both domestic flights from Bangkok and international flights from Asian hubs like Kuala Lumpur. Flights from Bangkok to Krabi only take about 1 hour.

Alternatively, if you are coming from further afield, you can fly into the larger Phuket international airport and easily get to Krabi by road or ferry from there.

Buses from Phuket to Krabi take about 3 hours, you can also get a bus from Bangkok to Krabi but it takes about 12 hours.

The ferry from Phuket to Krabi takes about 2.5 hours and goes to Nopparat Thara Pier (close to Ao Nang) and Railay. There are also ferries to and from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi Town Pier. The best way to book buses and ferries in Thailand is on 12Go Asia.

Entering Thailand is easy as most nationalities do not need a visa for stays of 30 days. This can be extended by another 30 days by visiting the immigration office in Krabi Town.

From Krabi airport or pier, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Ao Nang from Krabi airport or 5 mins from Nopparat Thara Pier.

krabi tuk tuk and pink flowers
Local tuk tuk taxi in Krabi

Getting Around Krabi

The easiest way to reach your hotel in Krabi is by taking a taxi, mini van shuttle, or organising an airport transfer from the airport or pier.

If you want to explore more of Krabi the best way is to rent a motorbike or car. You can also take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or hop in a songthaews (shared taxis). The Grab App (like Uber) works in the major towns like Krabi Town and Ao Nang, but not everywhere.

If you’re going island hopping there are several ways to travel to the islands, from traditional long tail boats to speedboats and larger (but slower) ferries. You can choose to take a group tour or hire a private longtail boat for the day.

sunset over krabi's rocks and jungle
Sunset over Krabi’s unique landscape

So now you the best places to stay in Krabi!

I hope this blog has helped you to see that there are so many beautiful places and plenty of options for accommodation in Krabi, Thailand!

Whether you are looking for a romantic barefoot luxury castaway island escape, a fun filled family holiday resort, or a sociable budget friendly hostel in the heart of all the action, there’s something for everyone in this jaw droppingly beautiful part of Thailand.

And while Ao Nang is the most convenient and popular place to stay in Krabi I really recommend exploring further – either by taking day trips or even better by staying in other places as there are plenty of hidden gems, natural beauty spots, uncrowded beaches, and local culture to explore beyond the famous tourist spots.

I hope you found this guide useful, if you are planning a longer trip around the Land of Smiles you might find my other Thailand blogs and travel guides helpful too.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments