Where to stay in Krabi and Ao Nang

Krabi province, on Thailand's Andaman coast, is known for its towering limestone cliffs, mangrove rivers and the islands scattered offshore. Most visitors split their time between the beaches around Ao Nang and day trips by longtail boat to places such as Railay, the Hong islands and Phi Phi.

Krabi Town, the provincial capital, sits on the river about 20 kilometres inland from Ao Nang. It's a working town with markets and temples, a good-value base with easy transport, while the beach areas are better for sand and sea.

Airport
Krabi International (KBV), between Krabi Town and Ao Nang
Getting around
Songthaews between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, taxis, scooters and longtail boats
Railay
Reached only by boat, from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao
Wettest months
Usually around May to October

Places to stay in Krabi & Ao Nang

12 hotels

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Krabi, area by area

Stay by the beach at Ao Nang or one of the quieter bays either side, or in Krabi Town for markets, temples and lower prices.

Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara

Best for beaches and island trips

Ao Nang is Krabi's main beach resort, with a seafront lined with restaurants and the longtail boats that run to Railay and the islands. Noppharat Thara, just west, is a long, quieter beach backed by casuarina trees and part of a national park. Most hotels here are a short walk or songthaew ride from the sand.

Krabi Town

Best for markets and good value

The provincial capital sits on the Krabi River estuary, with a riverside walkway, a weekend night market and the white temple of Wat Kaew Korawaram. It's practical rather than beachy, with buses, songthaews to Ao Nang and boats to the islands, and rooms are generally cheaper than at the beach.

Klong Muang

Best for a quiet beach

A calm stretch of beach north-west of Ao Nang, with views of the islands and sunsets over the Andaman Sea. It's much quieter than Ao Nang, with fewer restaurants, so most people use taxis or hotel shuttles to go out.

Ao Nam Mao

Best for a peaceful base near Railay

A small, sheltered bay east of Ao Nang, from where longtail boats also cross to Railay. It's home to the Susan Hoi shell fossil cemetery, slabs of fossilised snail shells millions of years old, and it stays quiet and green.

Getting to and around Krabi

Krabi International Airport has frequent flights from Bangkok and several other Asian cities. Taxis and shared minivans run to Krabi Town and Ao Nang, and there are buses from Krabi Town to Bangkok, Phuket and the rest of the south. Ferries link Krabi with Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phuket.

Between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, white songthaews run through the day and are the cheapest option. Scooters and cars can be hired, and longtail boats are the only way to reach Railay and many of the nearby islands.

Things to do around Krabi

The classic day trips are the four-island tour from Ao Nang, kayaking through the mangroves and sea caves around Ao Thalane, and the climb of more than 1,200 steps to the hilltop shrine at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), with views across the province. Railay's limestone walls are one of Thailand's best-known rock-climbing areas.

Questions about staying in Krabi & Ao Nang

Should I stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?

Ao Nang if you want beaches, sea views and easy boat trips; Krabi Town if you prefer markets, local food and lower prices. Songthaews link the two through the day.

How do I get to Railay?

Only by boat. Longtail boats leave from Ao Nang and from Ao Nam Mao, and from Krabi Town's river pier; the crossing from Ao Nang is short.

How far is Krabi airport from Ao Nang?

Usually around 30 to 40 minutes by road, depending on traffic. Krabi Town is closer to the airport.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

The drier, calmer months are usually from around November to April. From about May to October there's more rain, and sea conditions can disrupt boat trips.

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