Thailand is famed for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and lush tropical jungles and one place where you will find all this and more is Krabi!
Krabi’s dramatic limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, colorful coral reefs and tiny paradise islands make it one of the best places to visit in Thailand for beach and nature lovers.
In recent years this coastal paradise has become a hub for luxury travel. From secluded private pool villas to incredible beachfront suites, Krabi’s 5-star resorts offer unmatched indulgence and relaxation.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time exploring this beautiful province. So, in this blog, I’ll reveal the best places to stay and the best 5 star resorts and luxury hotels in Krabi to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
Where To Stay In Krabi
Krabi is a province in southern Thailand that offers a diverse range of stunning locations, from lively beach towns to secluded islands. So, choosing where to stay in Krabi depends on the type of experience you seek.
Here is a map of the most popular areas to stay in Krabi and what you can expect to find there:
- Ao Nang – Ao Nang is the central hub where you will find lively nightlife and an abundance of excellent hotels, restaurants and shops. Many island hopping boat trips leave from Ao Nang beach and the bustling atmosphere and convenience make this area ideal for young couples and families.
- Railay Beach – Railay is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beach, and colorful longtail boats. It’s a great place for rock climbing and is only accessible by boat, giving it the feel of a remote, laid back island.
- Klong Muang – This beautiful and peaceful beach area is a short drive from Ao Nang, yet it is far more tranquil and less developed. Klong Muang is perfect for older couples and anyone who wants a quiet, relaxed holiday.
- Tubkaek Beach – Tubkaek Beach, north of Klong Muang, is another tranquil and secluded area perfect for honeymooners looking for a romantic escape. It’s home to some of the most exclusive 5-star resorts in Krabi that boast beautiful sunset views of the Andaman Sea and the Hong islands in a peaceful setting.
- Krabi Town – If you want to explore the local culture and engage in authentic experiences, Krabi Town is undoubtedly the best area for you. There are several riverside 4 or 5-star hotels with stunning views at cheaper prices than the beach resorts.
- Phi Phi Islands – One of Thailand’s most famous destinations, the Phi Phi Islands are located in Krabi Marine National Park. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and secluded luxury resorts, the Phi Phi Islands offer a lavish and lively paradise experience.
- Koh Lanta – Koh Lanta is a laid back and less developed island with long stretches of sandy beaches two-hours drive from Krabi town. It’s popular with families and couples who prefer a relaxed island vibe over the party atmosphere of the Phi Phi islands.
For more detailed information on the different areas, beaches and islands check out my full guide to where to stay in Krabi.
The Best Luxury Hotels In Krabi
Now you’ve got a better idea of the best areas to stay in Krabi, here are my top 10 luxury hotels in Krabi:
- Best For Nature Lovers – Rayavadee Resort, Railay Beach
- Best For Relaxation – Nakamanda Resort and Spa, Klong Muang Beach
- Best For Older Couples – Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Resort, Klong Muang Beach
- Most Romantic Hotel – Centara Grand Beach Resort, Ao Nang Beach
- Best For Families – Ananta Burin Resort, Ao Nang Beach
- Best Hospitality – Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, Tubkaek Beach
- Best For Privacy – The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Tubkaek Beach
- Best For Beach Lovers – Islanda Hideaway Resort, Ko Klang, Krabi Town
- Most Unique Hotel – Zeavola Resort, Koh Phi Phi
- Best Spa Resort – Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
- Best For Active Couples – VARANA Hotel, Klong Muang Beach
Let’s take a closer look at each luxurious resort. As room rates differ throughout the year, click the links to check the prices and availability for your dates, read the reviews and book your stay.
Rayavadee Resort, Railay Beach
Highlights:
- Secluded location
- The resort is full of tropical greenery
- Excellent restaurants
The exclusive Rayavadee Resort is in a secluded part of Railay. This Krabi 5-star hotel has an incredible nature setting – surrounded by limestone cliffs with easy access to three beaches and enveloped by tropical gardens! Therefore, it’s ideal for nature lovers who want to be immersed in a natural environment without sacrificing comfort.
The beachfront accommodation options include lavish garden pavilions and private pool villas, all surrounded by lush tropical foliage. This epic resort also has three gourmet restaurants, a large outdoor pool, and a spa. It’s the place to stay in Railay if you’re looking for a serene and luxurious escape.
Nakamanda Resort and Spa, Klong Muang Beach
Highlights:
- Direct access to the beach
- Incredible on-site spa
- Lavish private villas
If you want to stay on Klong Muang Beach but prefer a more relaxing vibe, Nakamanda Resort is for you!
This exquisite spa resort is set on a quiet beach with a large beachfront outdoor swimming pool lined with comfy sun loungers, allowing you to spend the day with a good book and a cocktail in hand.
Nestled among tropical gardens, Nakamanda Resort gives a secluded feel, ideal for couples seeking to escape modern-day life’s demands. Think scenic strolls by the beach, soothing spa treatments, and cozy villas with private balconies!
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, Klong Muang Beach
Highlights:
- On-site golf course
- Tennis and volleyball court
- Five dining options to choose from
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is another of the best 5-star hotels in Krabi ideal for older couples.
The resort’s Victorian-style rooms, warm hospitality, and abundant recreational facilities make Sofitel popular among older couples.
There’s a golf course, tennis courts, volleyball court, jogging track, and 7000 m² outdoor swimming pool for leisure. Then, for relaxation, there’s a wellness center, a golden sand beach, and five restaurants!
The suites will make you feel like you’re in Paris with French colonial decor, an espresso machine, and L’Occitane amenities in the spa bathroom.
Centara Grand Beach Resort, Pai Plong Bay, Ao Nang
Highlights:
- Unbeatable secluded location
- Directly on the beach
- Romantic suites with outdoor hot tubs
Centara is undoubtedly one of the most lavish places to stay in Ao Nang. Oozing exclusivity, the hotel is located on the private Pai Plong Bay which lies between Ao Nang Beach and Railay, and is only accessible by boat.
Centara offers elegant rooms with both garden and ocean views. The ocean-view rooms are spectacular, but the garden rooms are unbeatable in terms of privacy, especially if you opt for the Deluxe Spa Room, which has a hot tub on the balcony!
The decor of the accommodation at Centara is a unique blend of upscale and homey, with wooden floors, large sliding doors, and huge ceiling fans above the beds.
The resort also has an excellent restaurant and an incredible beachfront pool with a dreamy view you’ll never get bored of!
Alternatively, if you prefer a more centrally located hotel, the Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort, offers unparalleled luxury and a unbeatable location right on Ao Nang beach itself.
Ananta Burin Resort, Ao Nang Beach
Highlights:
- Onsite waterpark
- Family and kids rooms
- Central location
At the Burin Resort, luxury and family-friendly go hand in hand, making this one of the best resorts in Krabi for families with young children.
Burin Resort has a huge outdoor swimming pool with a small water park, featuring 2 water slides, artificial mountains and waterfalls, which is bound to keep your little ones entertained.
Along with family rooms, Burin has pool access rooms and some select kids rooms with special kids decor.
The location is also ideal for families, situated a stone’s throw from Ao Nang beach and surrounded by restaurants, shops, and night markets. For extra convenience, the resort also offers shuttle service to Krabi international airport for an additional fee.
Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, Tubkaek Beach
Highlights:
- Butler services
- Endless dining options
- Unique private activities and tours available
If you want to be treated like royalty, head to Phulay Bay A Ritz Carlton Reserve on Tubkaek Beach. This incredible 5-star resort boasts 24-hour butler services, exquisite cuisine in its five restaurants, and an elegant spa with private treatment rooms.
With an emphasis on personalized experiences, you can tailor-make your vacation at Phulay Bay resort. Choose from numerous unforgettable activities, including a helicopter tour or a meditation class with local monks!
Accommodation options include, beach villas with a private plunge pool, large garden bungalows with a spa bathtub, and ocean suites with a private balcony.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort, Tubkaek Beach
Highlights:
- Secluded location
- Breathtaking views
- Stunning private pool villas
The Tubkaak Krabi boutique resort is a quaint and cozy hotel on the beautiful Tubkaek Beach.
What’s so unique about this beach resort is it’s hidden in a lush jungle, giving it a truly secluded and private feel. The location also means you will enjoy incredible views of Phang Nga Bay.
The privacy of Tubkaak Krabi boutique resort extends to the suites and spacious villas, making this luxury hotel ideal for couples or honeymooners seeking relaxation and alone time.
For example, the premier pool villa has a private swimming pool, outdoor bathtub, and shower. High walls surround the garden, giving you 100% privacy on your romantic getaway.
Islanda Hideaway Resort, Koh Klang, near Krabi Town
Highlights:
- Secluded and peaceful location
- Stay in a bungalow directly on the beach
- Plenty of activities and day trips available
While not directly in Krabi Town, Islanda Hideaway Resort is a short (10-minute) ferry ride away. The adventure starts with the ferry ride which takes you through a mangrove forest!
As the name suggests, Islanda Hideaway Resort feels like being at a peaceful hideaway where relaxation is encouraged. You can swim in the infinity pool, soak up the sun on the resorts private beach or simply watch the sunset from your balcony.
If you’re feeling more active and want to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle you can cycle around the neighborhood on one of the resort’s free bikes or take a class in batik painting or rice farming.
But what I like most about this resort is that you can sleep directly on the beach in one of the beach bungalows. So, if you dream of waking up and stepping directly onto the sand and taking a morning dip, Islanda Hideaway Resort will make it a reality!
Zeavola Resort, Koh Phi Phi
Highlights:
- Unique “glamping” experience
- Incredible jungle setting
- Authentic Thai decor
Do you like the idea of camping in the jungle but need your creature comforts? Then Zeavola Resort is your dream come true!
This unique luxury resort on Phi Phi Don boasts wooden villas built among the treetops. And these are no simple bungalows, but lavish ones with private pools and comfy beds!
On an island famed for its bustling party vibe, the secluded Zeavola Resort allows you see a quieter, more traditional side of the Koh Phi Phi. So, if you want to visit the Phi Phi islands but don’t like to party, Zeavola Resort will feel like a little slice of heaven.
Layana Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta
Highlights:
- Award-winning spa
- Directly on the beach
- Stylish and modern design
The adults-only Layana resort sits on one of Koh Lanta’s most beautiful beaches, with a large outdoor pool, cozy sun loungers, and stylish suites. It’s perfect for couples seeking a relaxing spa break.
The staff at Layana Resort go out of their way to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. The award-winning spa facilities are top-notch, so be sure to try one of their signature spa packages.
VARANA Hotel, Klong Muang Beach
Highlights:
- Olympic-size swimming pool
- Outdoor rock-climbing wall
- Many leisure activities available
The 5-star Varana Hotel Krabi is a top choice for active couples and families seeking an adventure-filled ‘wellcation.’
This lavish sport and wellness resort in Klong Muang offers fabulous outdoor activities like canoeing and cycling. Plus, Varana is the only resort in Krabi that offers an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Other facilities include a fully-equipped fitness center, onsen spa, herbal steam room, yoga classes, and even an outdoor rock-climbing wall!
Various room types are available, and you can choose between ocean or mountain views.
So which luxury Krabi resort will you choose?
Whether you’re a couple dreaming of a romantic getaway or a family looking for the right mix of adventure and comfort these luxury resorts in Krabi offer more than just a place to stay. At these 5-star hotels, every detail is designed to pamper and inspire and sets the stage for an unforgettable experience.
But while these 5 star resorts all have opulence in common, each one offers something unique. So whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or pure tranquillity, there’s a perfect Krabi luxury resort for you!
If you’re planning to see more of Thailand you might find my other blogs helpful. Check out:
