Krabi is a province in Thailand, comparable in size to Mumbai in India or Connecticut in the U.S. While it’s not massive, you’ll need more than a day to explore it fully. If you’re visiting for the first time and wondering where to stay in Krabi for first timers, this guide will help you choose the best area based on your preferences.
So let’s explore the areas of Krabi in this post…
where to stay in Krabi for first timers explore best areas
1. Krabi Town – The Most Convenient Option
Krabi Town is the main city center, offering easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals, and other facilities. It’s a great choice for budget travelers as accommodation here is usually cheaper. However, there’s no direct beach access. Popular attractions in this area include:
- Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua): A temple with 1,237 steep steps leading to a stunning view.
- Emerald Pool and Hot Springs: A beautiful jungle swimming spot with crystal-clear water.
- (affordable hotel) Chanchalay Hip Hostel SHA Extra Plus offers budget-friendly 2-star accommodation in Krabi Town, just 600 meters from Wat Kaew Korawaram. The hostel features a garden, shared lounge, restaurant, free WiFi, and a paid airport shuttle. Nearby attractions include Thara Park (1.3 km), Krabi Stadium (6.2 km), and Tiger Cave Temple (8.8 km). Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium and Gastropo Fossils Museum are 17-18 km away, while Krabi International Airport is 12 km away. Couples especially love the location, rating it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
- (mid-range)The Brown Hotel is a 3-star property in Krabi Town, just 300 meters from Wat Kaew Korawaram. It features a terrace, 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a shared lounge, and free WiFi. The air-conditioned rooms include a minibar, fridge, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom, with some offering balconies and city views. Guests can enjoy breakfast options ranging from Full English/Irish to Asian. Nearby attractions include Thara Park (1.8 km), Krabi Stadium (6 km), and Tiger Cave Temple (8.5 km). Krabi International Airport is 12 km away. Couples love the location, rating it 9.3 for a two-person trip.
- (luxury hotel)Amari Vogue Krabi is an exclusive beachfront resort on Tub Kaek Beach, offering personalized service with a welcome drink at check-in. The elegant rooms feature polished wooden floors, traditional Thai decor, free internet, satellite TV, a DVD player, and a minibar. The resort is a 20-minute drive from Aonang Beach, 30 minutes from Krabi Town, and 40 minutes from Krabi Airport. Guests can relax at Breeze Spa with massages, steam rooms, and beauty treatments or stay active in the fitness center. Dining options include international cuisine at Lotus Restaurant, Mediterranean and Asian dishes at Marcos Restaurant & Bar, and drinks at Voyager Lounge. Couples love the location, rating it 8.4 for a two-person trip.
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2. Nopharat Thara Beach A Quiet Beach Escape
If you prefer a peaceful beach with fewer crowds, Nopharat Thara Beach is ideal. It’s located next to Ao Nang Beach but is much quieter. This area is perfect for relaxation, but you’ll still be close to Ao Nang if you want to experience nightlife. Activities here include:
- Dragon Crest Mountain Hike: A scenic trail with panoramic views.
- Elephant Sanctuary Visit: A chance to interact with rescued elephants.
3. Ao Nang Beach – Best for Nightlife and Socializing
Ao Nang is the most popular area for tourists, with many bars, restaurants, and excursion vendors. It’s the best choice for those who enjoy nightlife and meeting fellow travelers. Key attractions include:
- Ao Nang Landmark Night Market: A great spot for local food and souvenirs.
- Monkey Trail Hike: A short and fun jungle walk leading to a scenic viewpoint.
Note: Food in Ao Nang tends to be more expensive than in other parts of Krabi due to the high number of tourists.
- (affordable hotel) At Thara Aonang offers cozy accommodations with a pool, garden, and on-site restaurant, just 1.2 km from Nopparat Thara Beach. Some units feature balconies, patios, or mountain views. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, parking, a snack bar, and a shared lounge. Car hire and a paid airport shuttle are available. Nearby attractions include Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium (1.6 km) and Gastropo Fossils Museum (12 km). Krabi Airport is 24 km away. Couples rate the location 8.0 for a two-person trip.
- (mid-range) Baan Phuvara Retreat offers romantic Jacuzzi villas with mountain views in Ao Nang Beach, just 5.4 km from Gastropo Fossils Museum and 5.8 km from Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium. Guests enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking, and airport transfers, with bicycle rentals available. Some villas feature a kitchenette, satellite TV, and a private bathroom with a bidet and bathrobes.
- (luxury hotel) Anana Ecological Resort Krabi-SHA Extra Plus is a 5-star eco-friendly retreat in Ao Nang Beach, just 3.3 km from Ao Nang Krabi Boxing Stadium and 9 km from Dragon Crest Mountain. The resort offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Rooms feature a seating area, minibar, flat-screen TV, and eco-friendly toiletries, with some including a terrace. Guests can enjoy a Tuk Tuk shuttle service upon request. Krabi International Airport is 17 km away. Couples love the location, rating it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
4. Railay Beach – Stunning Scenery and Adventure
Railay Beach is famous for its breathtaking limestone cliffs and beautiful sandy shores. It’s only accessible by boat, making it more private and peaceful. This area is perfect for adventure lovers and luxury seekers alike. Highlights include:
- Phra Nang Cave Beach: A must-visit attraction with unique rock formations.
- Rock Climbing: One of the best places in Thailand for climbing.
- Luxury Resorts: Some high-end resorts here offer private butlers and exclusive services.
- (affordable hostel) Blanco Hideout Railay – Youth Hostel (18 to 35 only) offers a vibrant stay with a pool, sun terrace, on-site restaurant, and two bars, boasting panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and dorms with personal lockers, reading lights, and towels. The hostel hosts pool and boat parties, while activities like snorkeling, rock climbing, and kayaking are available nearby. Access to Railay Beach requires a boat. Couples rate the location 8.4 for a two-person trip.
- (mid-range) Diamond Cave Resort, set in a tropical landscape near Railay Bay, offers stunning views and budget-friendly stays. Rooms and bungalows feature wooden furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, Thai massages, a sauna, and an internet corner. Phra Nang Beach is just a 10-minute walk away. The on-site restaurant serves Thai, European, and barbecue dishes by the bay. Couples rate the location 8.2 for a two-person trip.
- (luxury hotel) Rayavadee – SHA Extra Plus is a 5-star beachfront resort on Krabi’s Andaman Coast, next to Krabi Marine National Park. Surrounded by tropical gardens and beaches, it offers luxurious pavilions and beachfront pool villas with terraces, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Guests can relax at the full-service spa, swim in the outdoor pool, or explore nearby islands by speedboat. Dining options include fresh lobster at Raya Dining, Thai cuisine at Krua Phranang, and international dishes at Raitalay Terrace. Couples love the location, rating it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
Things to Do in Krabi
1. Ao Nang Beach & Nightlife
Ao Nang is a relaxed beach town with lots to do. The main Ao Nang Beach is great for swimming, relaxing, and watching the sunset, though it can be a bit busy with boats. If you want a quieter beach, walk 10 minutes northwest to find a more peaceful spot.
At night, Ao Nang comes alive with bars, restaurants, and street food markets. If you love nightlife, check out the Soi RCA Entertainment area for bars and clubs.
2. Island Hopping Tour
One of the best ways to explore Krabi is by joining an island-hopping tour. We took a longtail boat tour that covered four beautiful islands. The trip included snorkeling, swimming, and a stop at Railay Beach.
If you visit Koh Tub at low tide, you can walk across a sandbar connecting it to Koh Mor and Chicken Island.
3. Tiger Cave Temple
Just outside Krabi Town, the Tiger Cave Temple is a must-see. According to legend, a tiger once lived in the cave here. Most visitors come for the 1,260-step climb to the top, which offers amazing 360° views of the sea and mountains. It’s a tough hike but totally worth it!
4. Emerald Pool & Blue Pool
This natural park in southern Krabi is home to three beautiful pools.
- Crystal Pool – The first stop, with bright green water.
- Emerald Pool – A stunning swimming spot, but it can get crowded.
- Blue Pool – The most beautiful one, but swimming isn’t allowed.
The area is full of jungle trails and wildlife, making it a great nature escape.
5. Krabi Hot Springs
Not far from the Emerald Pool, the Krabi Hot Springs are natural thermal pools carved into rocks. The water comes from volcanic springs and is said to have healing properties.
Since it’s close to the Emerald Pool, you can easily visit both in one trip. We took a day tour that included these spots plus the Tiger Cave Temple.
6. Krabi Night Market
If you love street food and local shopping, don’t miss the Krabi Night Market. It runs Friday to Sunday from 4-10 PM near the Chao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.
Try delicious Thai foods like:
✔️ Durian – A strong-smelling fruit people either love or hate!
✔️ Steamed dumplings & skewers – Tasty and fresh.
✔️ Takoyaki – Japanese-style octopus balls.
✔️ Khao Tom Mat – A banana snack wrapped in banana leaves.
7. Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are Krabi’s most famous islands. A speedboat tour from Ao Nang takes you to this tropical paradise, where you’ll find:
- Maya Bay – Made famous by the movie The Beach.
- Phi Phi Don – The bigger island with hotels, restaurants, and activities.
- Phi Phi Ley – More remote and untouched, perfect for exploring.
If you love white sand, clear water, and amazing scenery, this trip is a must!
8. Koh Lanta
A 3-hour drive from Ao Nang, Koh Lanta is a quiet island with unspoiled beaches and a laid-back vibe. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
There are also diving schools where you can snorkel or dive at Koh Haa, home to beautiful corals and marine life. Koh Lanta is less crowded and cheaper than Phi Phi, making it a great alternative.
9. Railay Beach & Rock Climbing
Many say Railay Beach is the most beautiful beach in Krabi. It’s only accessible by boat due to the towering cliffs surrounding it.
Aside from relaxing on the white sand, you can explore:
Phra Nang & Diamond Cave – Stunning caves near the beach.
Rock Climbing – One of the world’s best spots for both beginners and pros.
We did a half-day rock climbing course and had an amazing time!
10. More Things to Do
There are plenty of other great things to do in Krabi, including:
- Hong Islands – Another great island-hopping spot.
- Klong Thom Hot Waterfall – A natural hot spring waterfall.
- Dragon Crest Mountain (Tab Kak Hang Nak) – One of the best viewpoints in Krabi.
If you liked this post, let me know in the comments! If you need info about any other hotel, just ask—we’re happy to help.
