Where to stay in Krabi: Ao Nang, Railay or elsewhere?
Krabi province is spread out between a mainland coast of limestone cliffs, a provincial town and the car-free peninsula of Railay, reachable only by boat. Where you stay decides whether you wake up under the cliffs or have easy access to restaurants and island tours. Keep in mind that from May to October, seas can be rough and some longtail routes are reduced.
Ao Nang is the best base in Krabi for first-timers and families: plenty of hotels and restaurants, and longtails to Railay and the islands. Railay West is the most beautiful place to stay for couples, Tonsai suits climbers and backpackers, Krabi Town is the cheapest option, and Klong Muang is best for a quiet resort stay.
Areas compared
The best areas to stay in Krabi & Railay
1
Ao Nang
The practical base on the mainland
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Ao Nang is Krabi's main beach resort, a strip of hotels, restaurants, massage shops and tour agencies facing a beach framed by limestone cliffs. The beach itself is fine rather than exceptional, but the longtail station at its centre gets you to Railay in about 15 minutes and to the Four Islands or Hong Islands on day trips. Neighbouring Nopparat Thara beach, just north, is quieter and good for sunset walks. The airport is about 30 to 40 minutes away.
Best forFirst-timersFamiliesIsland hoppers
Why stay here
Widest choice of hotels and restaurants
Longtails to Railay and island tours
Easy transfers to the airport and Krabi Town
Watch out for
Main beach road is busy and touristy
Beach is less beautiful than Railay's
Getting around: Walk around the centre; white songthaews run to Krabi Town. Longtails to Railay leave when they have enough passengers.
Railay is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by cliffs, accessible only by longtail boat. Railay West has the beautiful beach and the most expensive resorts; Railay East, 5 to 10 minutes' walk away, has mangroves and mud flats instead of a swimming beach, but cheaper bungalows and a few bars. Phra Nang beach with its cave is a short walk from both. Once the day-trippers leave in the late afternoon, the atmosphere becomes very peaceful.
Best forCouplesClimbersNature lovers
Why stay here
Spectacular setting with no cars
Phra Nang and Railay West beaches on foot
World-class rock climbing
Watch out for
Higher prices for rooms and food
Arriving with luggage by longtail can be wet, especially at low tide
Getting around: Everything is on foot. Longtails run from Railay West to Ao Nang and from Railay East to Krabi Town; in rough weather the eastern route is usually the more reliable one.
Tonsai is the bay just north of Railay West, surrounded by cliffs and known as a base for rock climbers. Accommodation is mostly simple bungalows in the jungle, with a laid-back bar scene in the evening. The beach is rocky at low tide and not ideal for swimming. It is reached by longtail or on foot from Railay West via a rocky path at low tide or a jungle trail, roughly 15 to 30 minutes.
Best forClimbersBackpackersOff-grid fans
Why stay here
Cheapest rooms around Railay
Right at the foot of the climbing routes
Relaxed, sociable atmosphere
Watch out for
Basic facilities, sometimes limited electricity
Rocky beach, poor for swimming at low tide
Getting around: Longtail from Ao Nang, or walk to Railay West. Bring a torch if you return at night.
Krabi Town is a small provincial town on the Krabi River estuary, about 30 minutes from Ao Nang and 15 to 20 minutes from the airport. It has no beach, but the lowest prices, a lively weekend night market and good local food. It is also the hub for buses and ferries, making it convenient for one night before or after a transfer. Longtails to Railay East leave from the nearby pier.
Best forBudget travellersFoodiesTransit stops
Why stay here
Lowest accommodation prices
Authentic markets and local restaurants
Convenient for buses, ferries and the airport
Watch out for
No beach
Quiet evenings outside the markets
Getting around: White songthaews connect to Ao Nang; ferries and longtails leave from the town's piers.
Klong Muang and neighbouring Tubkaek, 20 to 30 minutes north of Ao Nang, are lined with resorts facing calm water and views of the islands. It is the place for a relaxing resort holiday rather than exploring. Independent restaurants and shops are few, so you will eat mostly at your hotel or take a taxi to Ao Nang. Sunsets over the islands are a highlight.
Best forCouplesFamilies wanting calmResort stays
Why stay here
Very quiet and uncrowded
Resorts directly on the beach
Island views and beautiful sunsets
Watch out for
Few restaurants outside the hotels
Taxi needed for everything
Getting around: Taxi or hotel shuttle to Ao Nang; many resorts organise island tours with pick-up.
Ao Nang is more practical, with more choice, lower prices and easy transfers. Railay is more beautiful and peaceful, but more expensive and dependent on boats. Many travellers split their stay between the two.
How do you get to Railay?
Only by longtail boat: about 15 minutes from Ao Nang to Railay West, or from the pier near Krabi Town to Railay East. Boats leave once they have enough passengers, and luggage often gets splashed.
How many nights should I spend in Krabi?
Four to five nights let you enjoy Ao Nang, spend time on Railay and take one or two island tours. A week allows you to add the Phi Phi islands or Koh Lanta.
Is Krabi Town worth staying in?
Only for one night on arrival or departure, or if you are on a tight budget. It has good markets and local food but no beach, and Ao Nang is 30 minutes away.
Where to stay in Krabi with kids?
Ao Nang is the most convenient, with large hotels and easy access to tours. Klong Muang suits families who want a quiet resort, while Railay can be tiring with young children because of the boat transfers and walking.
By Kylian Dev