11 of the Best
Places to Stay in Krabi

Tubkaek

Tubkaek Beach offers a holiday experience that will make you feel as though the rest of the world has simply disappeared, leaving you and your partner alone together in a romantic paradise. This part of Krabi is found north of Klong Muang and is a tiny town that focuses on luxury holiday experiences away from crowds of other tourists.

There are many luxurious hotels and resorts in Tubkaek and not much else, so it’s the place to go if you fancy an all-inclusive holiday and aren’t too bothered about travelling elsewhere during your stay. The beaches here are one of the reasons this is a top place for couples to stay; they remain quiet even during the peak tourist season and offer the ultimate spot for romantic time spent on the beach.

Koh Ngai

If your idea of a romantic break is living on a beautiful island in the middle of the ocean then Koh Ngai is the ideal place to stay for you and your partner. Couples who come to the island will feel like they have found a small slice of paradise as they take in the incredible pristine white beaches, miles of clear blue water, and beautiful natural scenery.

Koh Ngai is actually closer to Tang than Krabi, but is still part of the Krabi province. Whilst at the weekends it can get busy as boatloads of other tourists arrive, during the week the whole island feels very quiet and is usually only inhabited by the locals and other couples or small families. 

Snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the island’s most popular activities, as there is a brilliant nearby coral reef that is frequently visited on organised diving excursions. However, Koh Ngai is also a great place to stay if all you want to do is sit on the beach, soak up the sun and spend time with the person you love. 

Ao Nang

The town of Ao Nang is probably one of the most popular places to stay in Krabi, and an excellent part of the area to stay if you are travelling with children. Over the years the town has gotten very geared up for tourism, and you’ll find a brilliant range of hotels, bars and shops in the centre filled with locals who are used to foreign travellers and ready to help you with whatever you need.

Ao Nang’s central location makes it a great place to base your family for a holiday in Krabi if you’re planning on spending most of your time with day trips and other excursions. The town itself tends to be relatively quiet during the day however, and there is a decent beach that is a good spot for a quick paddle or half-hour of sunbathing.

The nightlife scene in Ao Nang does have a bit of a reputation, but it is actually very easy to avoid if you’re staying in accommodation that isn’t right in the centre of town. Many areas of shops and restaurants are family-friendly and away from the town’s bars and nightclubs, so you shouldn’t get disturbed if you are out later in the evening. 

Nopparat Thara

Nopparat Thara is a beach town found right next to Ao Nang, offering a quieter and less tourist-orientated experience of Krabi that is great for families who are looking for a very relaxed trip. The majority of the area is made up of a long stretch of beach that has a promenade made up of several shops, bars and restaurants. 

Facilities and attractions in Nopparat Thara are not as extensive as its nearby neighbour, but accommodation in the area tends to be much cheaper and you also won’t be bothered by lots of loud noise in the evenings. Its location still makes it a great base for families who are travelling around Krabi during the day but don’t want to keep switching hotels with their children.

Nopparat Thara beach is also a pretty quiet and safe spot, making it ideal if you’ve got children who want to spend a lot of time playing in the sand or swimming in shallow water.

Ton Sai Bay

Ton Sai Bay has recently become the new haven for backpackers in Krabi after other popular areas have gradually become overpriced and overrun with tourists. The bay is only reachable by boat which is one of the reasons why it’s such a quiet part of the area, although this does mean it’s pretty inaccessible during monsoon season. 

The main activity for backpackers visiting Ton Sai is climbing, so it’s a brilliant place to stay in Krabi if you’re a fan of fun and thrilling physical challenges. Accommodation options and hospitality in the area are quite basic, but if you’re after a very laid-back and authentic-feeling backpacking experience, there’s nowhere better. 

Koh Jum

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Krabi that is really off the beaten track, the island of Koh Jum should be top on your list of backpacking destinations. Found in the sea between Krabi Town and Koh Lanta, it remains a relatively underdeveloped part of Krabi that offers visitors the chance to enjoy an authentic Thai lifestyle during their stay, which is great for those who want a holiday with a bit of a difference.

There aren’t many accommodation options on Koh Jum, but the few hotels and resorts are very nice and there are a couple of good budget-friendly options. In terms of things to do, there are plenty of beaches that you’ll be able to enjoy all by yourself and lots of natural landscape to explore. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from modern life and spend quality time relaxing without any interruptions or distractions. 

Krabi Town

Krabi Town is the commercial hub of Krabi and not much of a destination in itself, but it is the perfect place to stay if you’re just stopping off on an island-hopping adventure. The town is very geared up for tourists and has a lot of budget-friendly accommodation options, as well as a good selection of shops and restaurants in its centre that are great for stocking up before travelling somewhere more remote.

If you’re planning a trip to one of Krabi’s nearby islands then this is the best place to stay, as transport links are excellent and it’s the hub of the whole area. It’s also very easy to get to other popular locations such as Ao Nang and Railay Beach from Krabi Town, so if you’re travelling on a budget it can be a good place to stay and day trip from.

Klong Muang

If you’re looking for a luxury honeymoon experience to spend with your new spouse, Klong Muang is a place in Krabi known for its luxury, and romance. The area is found to the north of Ao Nang and consists of a long, unspoiled beach that is lined with resorts and luxury holiday accommodation and a small town containing restaurants and cafes nearby.

The appeal of Klong Muang is that it is a very quiet part of Krabi that is mainly visited by other couples or individuals looking to relax and enjoy the range of premium hotel and resort options. The beach here is sensational and never gets particularly busy, so if you’re looking for a very relaxed honeymoon full of sun, sand and sea then this is the perfect spot. 

Koh Lanta

If you’re looking for a honeymoon with slightly more activities but are still after peace, quiet and romance, then the island of Koh Lanta should be top of your list. It may not be as beautiful as the Phi Phi archipelago, but it is frequented by far fewer tourists and has much more exciting wild scenery on offer, as well as a very chilled atmosphere.

Described as Krabi’s up-and-coming holiday destination, this is an ideal destination for couples who want the option of a variety of things to do on their honeymoon and are big fans of the great outdoors. The island’s large size means that it always feels quiet despite its popularity, and it’s easy to find beautiful patches of beach or forest to spend time alone together.

A highlight of Koh Lanta is the National Park on the south of the island, which is home to a brilliant range of wildlife. There are also fantastic snorkelling opportunities around the entire coast of Koh Lanta, and plenty of good hiking trails. 

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are found in the sea between Krabi and nearby Phuket, taking a couple of hours by boat to reach from either location. There are six islands in total that are home to some of the most stunning scenery in Krabi, as well as being the ultimate destination for nightlife if you’re coming to the area on holiday. 

The popularity of the Phi Phi Islands began after Leonardo DiCaprio’s famous film ‘The Beach’ was shot on Phi Phi Leh, after which the islands became incredibly busy holiday destinations. They’re a haven for watersports and thrill-seeking activities during the day, and you should be prepared to find crowds of other travellers wherever you go.

The nightlife on Koh Phi Phi Don offers the best partying experience in all of Krabi and is particularly popular with younger travellers and backpackers. Bear in mind that accommodation here quickly fills up, so you’ll need to plan a trip well in advance. 

Railay 

Railay is also often referred to as Rai Leh, and is a peninsula known for having the most beautiful beaches in Krabi. This popular bay can only be reached by boat and is just a 15-minute journey from the town of Ao Nang, providing travellers with a beach experience that feels very magical and remote.

The beach is cut off from the mainland by huge white limestone cliffs which contrast perfectly with the bright turquoise colour of the sea and provide the main reason why this beach is one of the most photographed in Thailand. The area has four different white sand beaches that still maintain quite a rustic, laid-back vibe despite it being quite a popular part of Krabi to stay, which makes the area ideal for very chilled days relaxing beside the ocean. 

Phra Nang Cave Beach is the best spot if you’re looking for a picturesque beach experience, although it can get very busy during the middle of the day.

Which beach is best to stay in Krabi?

There is a huge range of different beaches in Krabi, ranging from deserted stretches of sand on Koh Ngai to the busy bays of the Phi Phi Islands. Generally, Railay peninsula is considered to have the best beaches in all of Krabi, with four different stretches of sand to choose from and beautiful views all around. 

Is it better to stay in Krabi or Phuket?

Choosing between staying in Krabi or Phuket is a dilemma that plagues many travellers, but ultimately comes down to what kind of holiday experience you’re after. Those who want to visit a place that is more developed and better equipped for tourists everywhere should stay in Phuket, whereas Krabi is better suited to travellers who don’t mind roughing it a little in some places and getting more of a taste of local life.