Probably one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, Krabi does its fame justice! The surreal beaches towered by limestone cliffs and hidden caves, as well as paradisiac islands, emerald lagoons, and hot water springs, are just some of the wonders of this magical region.

Located just a few hours South of Phuket, Krabi is also one of the biggest provinces in Thailand, and being so, choosing a place to stay here can be quite the task! Whether you’re a budget traveler looking for a clean and cheap hostel or a luxury seeker, this comprehensive guide has the Best Areas & Hotels in Krabi, for all types of travelers.

Also read: Top 17 Most UNIQUE Things to Do in Krabi

Best Areas to Stay in Krabi in 2023

There are mainly 8 areas in Krabi where you can stay, and we highly suggest you include more than one in your itinerary! Here’s an overview of them:

Mainland Krabi

• ⭐ Ao Nang: popular tourist hub
• 🌈 Railay Beach: secluded hippie paradise
• ❤️ Klong Muang: perfect honeymoon luxury destination
• 😋 Krabi Town: small and laid-back budget town
• ☀️ Nopparat Thara: peaceful spot for a family holiday

Krabi Islands

• 🏝️ Phi Phi Islands: paradise with a bustling nightlife
• 🌊 Koh Lanta: relaxing atmosphere
• 🥥 Koh Ngai: real local experience

Also read: How to Spend 4 Days in Krabi – The Perfect Itinerary

Ao Nang

The most popular area to stay in Krabi, Ao Nang offers a laid-back relaxed atmosphere during the day and plenty of nightlife options. It is also the main departure point for boat trips to nearby areas, such as Railay & Tonsai Beach and Phi Phi Islands, making it a perfect base for exploring the region.

Railay Beach

Surrounded by high limestone cliffs and only accessible by boat, Railay Beach is a hippie paradise divided into four main beaches, each with its own unique atmosphere.

• 🌈 East Railay: popular spot for backpackers and budget travelers
• 💎 West Railay: high-end resorts and luxury accommodations
• ⛰️ Phra Nang Beach: famous for its cave temple and cliff-jumping opportunities
• 🧗 Tonsai Beach: rock climbers and adventurers haven

Overall, Railay is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty of southern Thailand in a secluded and peaceful setting!

Note: Have you ever seen this dreamy dining experience on Instagram? This is The Grotto – a famous restaurant located inside a cave right by the beach, at Phra Nang Beach. It’s part of the Rayavadee Resort, but it’s open for non-guests too!

Klong Muang

A favorite among honeymooners, this quieter region is known for its high-end resorts and luxury beachfront hotels. Located on the west side of Krabi, one of the most famous activities here is the boat tour to Hong Islands and the hiking trails at Khao Ngon Nak National Park.

Note: for honeymooners, we would also recommend the newly built Varana Hotel and the Nakamanda Resort & Spa.

Krabi Town

The provincial capital of Krabi, located on the banks of the Krabi River, Krabi Town is a charming town with a vibrant night market, local restaurants, and cafes. Very famous among budget travelers, it is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool, and the Krabi Hot Spring.

Unlike other destinations in the area, Krabi Town remains less touristy, making it an excellent destination for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful getaway! We opted to stay here during our time in Krabi and were able to save a lot of money while still enjoying the best Krabi has to offer.

Nopparat Thara Beach

While Ao Nang is definitely the most popular area, its beach is always busy with taxi boats and therefore not the best. A great alternative is the Nopparat Thara Beach, just 1.5 km to the west, which is a much quieter area and ideal to spend the day on the beach. With its shallow and calm waters, Nopparat Thara is also the perfect location for a family holiday!

Phi Phi Islands

You definitely can’t skip one of the most beautiful places in the world, right?! While we don’t recommend basing yourself here when exploring Krabi, we do recommend staying at least 2-3 nights on this island paradise. Nights here are lots of fun, but you may need to be selective with the location and the hotel as it can get quite noisy around the center of the island.

Also read: 9 BEST Things to Do on Phi Phi Islands

Pro tip: If you are looking for a very secluded luxury stay, we recommend the amazing SAii Phi Phi Island Village and the Zeavola Resort.

Koh Lanta

Located just off the coast of Krabi, Koh Lanta is still considered a bit of a hidden gem and you can still have deserted beaches all around the island just for yourself. With a very special mix of cultures – from Muslims to Chinese and even sea gypsies – this is the perfect destination for travelers who enjoy exploring less-known places and connecting with the local population.

As Koh Lanta is quite a big island, it’s easy to get yourself a hotel that’s actually far from everything. We would highly recommend the areas of Long Beach and Klong Khong Beach, but as a rule of thumb, the best hotels are located along the west coast and the further south you go, the quieter and more paradisiacal the beaches become.

Koh Ngai

Known as one of the high-end Thai Island, Koh Ngai is a very small island located right down South of Koh Lanta. Perfect for honeymooners, it’s a particularly hard island to visit on a budget, but if you are looking for a completely off-the-beaten-track destination, this is it!

Being a very small island, there are no roads, no cars, and no scooters! The activities here include walking down the main beach or hiking through the jungle to Paradise Beach and to the island’s viewpoint. You can also take boat tours to the islands of Koh Mook and Koh Kradan for some incredible snorkeling experiences.

Where to Stay in Krabi – FAQ

• 💸 Best budget-friendly destination in Krabi? Krabi Town and Ao Nang
• ❤️ Best honeymoon destinations in Krabi? Koh Ngai, Klong Muang, and Phi Phi Islands
• ☀️ Best destinations in Krabi for family vacations? Nopparat Thara and Koh Lanta
• 🥳 Best places in Krabi for exciting nightlife? Ao Nang and Phi Phi Islands
• 🧗 Best destination in Krabi for lots of adventure? Railay Beach
• 🤿 Best diving and snorkeling experiences in Krabi? Phi Phi Islands and Koh Ngai
• 🎒 Most popular backpacker destination in Krabi? Railay Beach, Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Lanta

Also read: Top 17 Most UNIQUE Things to Do in Krabi

Below are some of the top experiences you can’t miss here: