Where to stay in Krabi and Ao Nang

Krabi province is the limestone heart of the Andaman coast: towering karst cliffs, mangrove rivers and dozens of islands just offshore. Most visitors choose between two bases, the beach resort of Ao Nang or the riverside provincial capital, Krabi Town, and use them as a launch pad for island-hopping and boat trips.

The places we list here include a city hotel and a guesthouse in Krabi Town, a resort near Ao Nang and a garden hotel at quiet Ao Nam Mao, close to the famous Railay peninsula. Compare them below or read the area guide first.

Nearest airport
Krabi International, about 20 minutes from Krabi Town and 30 to 40 minutes from Ao Nang
Island trips
Longtail boats from Ao Nang to Railay and the nearby islands; ferries from Krabi to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta
Getting around
Songthaews between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, taxis and scooter hire
Rainy season
Roughly May to October

Places to stay in Krabi & Ao Nang

4 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Krabi, area by area

Ao Nang and Krabi Town are about 20 to 30 minutes apart by road, with the quieter bay of Ao Nam Mao in between.

Ao Nang

Best for beaches and island-hopping

Ao Nang is Krabi's main beach town, with a seafront promenade, plenty of restaurants and longtail boats lined up on the sand ready to take you to Railay, Poda and the Hong islands. It's the easiest base if you want beach days and boat trips.

The beach itself is pleasant rather than spectacular, but the views of the limestone islands offshore are superb, especially at sunset. Hotels range from beachfront resorts to small places on the hillside roads behind the promenade, where you'll usually get more for your money.

Krabi Town

Best for local life and good-value stays

Krabi Town sits on the Krabi River, with mangroves, limestone outcrops and a busy riverside. It's a real provincial town, with night markets, local food and better-value hotels than the beaches. Tiger Cave Temple is a short drive away, and it's the closer base to the airport.

Longtail boats from the riverside run trips into the mangroves and to the Khao Khanab Nam cliffs that guard the river mouth. Ferries to Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta leave from the town's passenger pier, so it's a natural stop between islands.

Ao Nam Mao and Railay side

Best for peace near the famous cliffs

Between Ao Nang and Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao is a quiet bay with a small pier for boats to Railay, the cliff-ringed peninsula reachable only by sea. Nearby is the Shell Cemetery, a shoreline of fossilised shells millions of years old.

Questions about staying in Krabi & Ao Nang

Should I stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?

Ao Nang if you want the beach and easy boat trips; Krabi Town if you prefer local markets, lower prices and being close to the airport. Songthaews link the two.

How do I get to Railay Beach?

By longtail boat, usually from Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao. Railay has no road access because of the cliffs.

How far is Krabi Airport from Ao Nang?

Around 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or shuttle, depending on traffic.

What is the Tiger Cave Temple?

Wat Tham Suea, a temple near Krabi Town famous for a long staircase of more than 1,200 steps to a hilltop shrine with sweeping views.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

The dry season, from about November to April, brings calm seas for island trips. The monsoon months from May to October are wetter and some boat trips can be cancelled in rough weather.

Can I visit Koh Phi Phi from Krabi?

Yes. Ferries run from Krabi's passenger pier and, in high season, from Ao Nang. Speedboat day tours to Phi Phi and Maya Bay are also widely sold.

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