Krabi is a province in southern Thailand overlooking the Andaman Sea, known for its beautiful islands, tropical forests in the hinterland and the stacks that dominate the coast.
Krabi is the ideal starting point to reach some of the most beautiful Thai islands, such as the famous Phi Phi Island, but it is also the perfect destination for those who want to relax on its tropical beaches after a traveling tour of the country.
According to your needs and what you are looking for from a holiday in Krabi, it will be very important to understand which is the best area to stay.
In this definitive guide we will see in detail the various options, so as to guide you in the choice without having to go crazy in a thousand searches.
Ao Nang
Let's face it, everyone's dream would be to find an area with pristine beaches, spectacular sea and a good choice of restaurants and bars for the evening.
The one that comes closest to these characteristics is the area of Ao NangUnfortunately, here the beach and the sea are not among the best in Thailand.
So if you are looking for the beautiful and crystalline sea you will have to move during the day, to the islands or to other beaches. Fortunately, the boat trips all start from here.
It is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the area Railay beach reachable from Ao Nang with a few minutes by taxi boat.
If you are looking for a nice beach not too far, I recommend going to Pai Plong, near the Centara Resort.
Ao Nang is the liveliest area of Krabi, there are many clubs, bars, shops and restaurants, perfect for walking or having a drink listening to live music.
As for location and services offered Ao Nang is the best area to sleep in Krabi, perfect for day trips and to find some evening life without having to move.
Railay beach
A second option is to stay near Railay beach, where the beach and sea are much better than Ao Nang. Railay Beach is a beautiful place with a unique landscape and beautiful beaches, and is perfect for relaxing for a few days.
The problem is that Railay Beach can only be reached by sea, so it is too isolated and the excursions that start from here are more expensive. So every time you want to move you will have to go through Ao Nang.
But if you don't plan on hiking during the day then Railay Beach is perfect.
Tip: The best is to do 2/3 days in Railay Beach for some relaxation and 4 days in Ao Nang for hiking.
Nopparat Thara beach
If you want to stay close to Ao Nang but stay in a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle, Nopparat Thara Beach is the place to be.
The wide and long beach is popular with both tourists and Thais and is not overrun by taxi boats like that of Ao Nang. Here too the sea is not that great and is subject to the phenomenon of low tide.
Klong muang
A very quiet beach with clean waters and spectacular sunsets. There are several resorts and it is the perfect place for those looking for a relaxing holiday, ideal for couples and families. Obviously there is no nightlife but only a few restaurants on the beach.
Krabi town
Krabi Town is the main city, but it offers practically nothing of interest other than a few cheap guesthouses. I do not recommend Krabi Town, better choose to stay in Ao Nang.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is part of the province of Krabi, a small archipelago that became famous after hosting the set of the film The Beach with Leonardo Di Caprio. Phi Phi are located 40 km south of Krabi and can be reached in less than 2 hours by boat.
Phi Phi is one of Thailand's top tourist destinations, known worldwide for its heavenly beaches and crystal clear waters.
They can be reached with day trips but I recommend staying in this paradise for at least 3 days. Find all the information to explore Phi Phi in my previous article: Phi Phi Island Practical Guide.
Where to Stay in Krabi: Final Considerations
As we have seen, Krabi is an increasingly popular destination, perfect for exploring the wonders of the area. The strategic base where to stay overnight in my opinion is Ao Nang where the sea is not the best but it is convenient for excursions and in the evening it is lively and fun. For the beautiful sea and for a few days of relaxation choose instead Railay beach.
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