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Where to stay in Krabi – Ao Nang, Railay, Ko Lanta and more
Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY 2.0
Southern Thailand

Where to stay in Krabi – Ao Nang, Railay, Ko Lanta and more

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Ao Nang, Railay, Klong Muang, Krabi Town, Ko Lanta and Ko Phi Phi compared. Where to base yourself in Krabi province and when to go.

Krabi province on the Andaman coast is known for limestone cliffs rising out of the sea, island-hopping and rock climbing. Unlike Phuket, it is not one island but a stretch of mainland coast plus well-known islands, including Ko Lanta and the Phi Phi islands. The right base depends on whether you want convenience, scenery or quiet.

Choosing a base

  • Ao Nang is the main beach town, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and boat departures. It is the most practical base for day trips to the islands.
  • Railay is a peninsula cut off from the mainland by cliffs and reached only by long-tail boat. It has spectacular scenery and climbing, but fewer services, and you carry your luggage across the beach.
  • Klong Muang and Tubkaek are quiet beaches north of Ao Nang with larger, more upscale resorts.
  • Krabi Town is the provincial capital, useful for budget stays, night markets and ferries, but it sits on a river estuary rather than a beach.
  • Ko Lanta is a long island with relaxed beaches on its west coast, popular with families and long-stay visitors. It is reached by road with two short car ferries, or by boat.
  • Ko Phi Phi Don is lively and crowded, with most accommodation around Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays. Neighbouring Ko Phi Phi Le, home of Maya Bay, has no accommodation.

When to go

The dry season from November to April brings calm seas and the best conditions for boat trips and snorkelling. From May to October the monsoon brings rain and swells; some boat routes to Ko Lanta and Phi Phi run less often, and some smaller resorts close. Maya Bay closes every year for a recovery period, usually around August and September, so check the national park’s announcements before you plan a visit.

Getting around

Krabi International Airport is about 30–40 minutes by road from Ao Nang. Long-tail boats connect Ao Nang with Railay, and in season ferries run from Krabi’s Klong Jilad pier and from Ao Nang to Phi Phi, Lanta and Phuket. Songthaews and taxis link Krabi Town and the beaches.

Where to stay

  • Ao Nang

    Krabi's main beach town and boat hub. What Ao Nang is like, how it compares with Railay and Klong Muang, and island-hopping tips.

  • Ko Lanta

    A long, laid-back island with west-coast beaches, an old town and a national park. Which part of Ko Lanta to choose and how to get there.

  • Ko Phi Phi

    Ko Phi Phi Don's busy village, quieter bays and Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le. Where to stay, how to get there and what to know about visiting.

  • Railay

    A cliff-ringed peninsula reached only by boat. What Railay East, West, Phra Nang and Tonsai are like, and what to know before you book.

Hotels

  • Rayavadee

    A pavilion resort on the Railay peninsula, between Phra Nang, Railay West and Railay East. Location, access by boat and who it suits.