Where to Stay in Krabi, Thailand (2026): Best Areas + Top Hotels, Resorts & Hostels

Krabi Province covers a lot of ground—think jungle-covered limestone cliffs, postcard beaches, island-hopping piers, and a low-key local town that still feels “real Thailand.” If you don’t pick the right base, you can accidentally turn a dreamy beach trip into a daily logistics puzzle.

Good news: Krabi is easy once you understand the layout. Most travelers end up happiest in one of four areas:

Ao Nang (best all-around base: beach access, tours, restaurants, nightlife)
Railay (the iconic cliffs + beach vibe; access is by boat)
Krabi Town (local markets, cheaper stays, easy transport hub)
Tubkaek / Klong Muang (quiet luxury beaches—romantic, calm, scenic)

Below are updated, traveler-tested accommodations across budgets. As of late 2025, each option appears to be operating with active official/major booking presence—still, it’s always smart to confirm availability for your exact dates (monsoon season and renovations can affect some properties).

Quick pick: the best places to stay in Krabi

Best social hostel (Krabi Town): Pak-Up Hostel
Best “sleep well” hostel (Krabi Town): Hogwortz Hostel & Tour
Best party hostel (Ao Nang): Slumber Party Krabi
Best Railay location (mid-range resort): Sand Sea Resort
Best once-in-a-lifetime splurge: Rayavadee
Best ultra-luxury hideaway: Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Best serene beachfront luxury (value for the tier): Amari Vogue Krabi
Best romantic boutique resort: The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Best modern villa-style luxury: Banyan Tree Krabi
Best luxury-for-families beach resort: Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort

Best areas to stay in Krabi (so you book the right vibe)

Ao Nang: best “do-it-all” base

If you want to roll out of bed and be minutes from restaurants, tour desks, massage spots, and the beach promenade, Ao Nang is the easiest win. It’s also a quick hop to Railay by boat and a popular pickup area for island tours.

Railay: cliffs, beaches, and a “separate world” feeling

Railay is the famous postcard: towering limestone, warm water, and that magical “I can’t believe this is real” energy. You’ll arrive by boat, and once you’re there, you’ll mostly walk everywhere. Great for couples, climbers, and anyone who wants to slow down.

Krabi Town: local life + budget-friendly

Krabi Town isn’t a beach resort zone—and that’s the point. It’s excellent for night markets, local eats, and using the town as a launch pad for day trips. If you like a calmer evening and cheaper rooms, base here and day-trip to beaches.

Tubkaek / Klong Muang: quiet luxury and sunsets

This is where you go when you’re craving space, calm, and that “private beach” feeling. It’s ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries, and travelers who want to swap nightlife for sunset cocktails and ocean-view breakfasts.

The best hostels in Krabi (budget-friendly, fun, and actually clean)

Pak-Up Hostel (Krabi Town)

If “meet people fast” is a priority, Pak-Up has long been one of Krabi Town’s most social stays—think pool, on-site bar energy, and an easygoing backpacker community. It’s a great choice for solo travelers or friend groups who want daytime adventures and built-in evening vibes. (Friendly reminder: if you join drinking games, pace yourself—tomorrow’s island tour will thank you.) Pak Up Hostel

Hogwortz Hostel & Tour (Krabi Town)

With a playful wizard-inspired theme and a reputation for being tidy and well-kept, Hogwortz is a strong pick if you want hostel prices without sacrificing sleep. It’s also conveniently placed for markets and local wandering—perfect for early risers chasing temples, hikes, or longtail boats.

Slumber Party Krabi (Ao Nang)

If your group wants a hostel that leans into the nightlife (and makes it easy), Slumber Party in Ao Nang is the go-to. Being part of a known hostel brand typically means organized events, social areas, and the kind of “we’re all friends by tonight” atmosphere that makes Ao Nang such a popular base. Hostelworld

The best resorts and hotels in Krabi (from “treat yourself” to total splurge)

Sand Sea Resort (Railay Beach)

Want Railay’s scenery without going full five-star? Sand Sea Resort sits in a sweet spot for exploring both sides of Railay, and it’s a solid “bungalow-beach-life, but with comforts” option. If your dream day includes beach time, viewpoint walks, and boat trips, this is a very easy base. Sand Sea Resort

Rayavadee (Railay / Phranang Peninsula)

Rayavadee is the kind of place people describe with a slightly dazed look in their eyes afterward. It’s nestled in lush greenery near some of Krabi’s most iconic beaches, and it’s a true bucket-list resort: serene, dramatic, and deeply “Krabi.” If you’re celebrating something big, this is the move. rayavadee.com

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (near Tubkaek Beach)

For travelers craving quiet luxury—space, service, and an atmosphere that feels intentionally unhurried—Phulay Bay is a standout. Expect a peaceful beachfront setting and a more secluded, romantic mood than the Ao Nang scene. Ritz-Carlton+1

Amari Vogue Krabi (Tubkaek Beach)

Amari Vogue is a beautiful option for that “resort life, but relaxed” feeling—beachfront, scenic views, and the kind of calm that makes you forget what day it is (in a good way). It’s especially appealing if you want luxury, but not a super-formal vibe. Amari

The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort (Tubkaek)

If you’re after romance, privacy, and a boutique feel, The Tubkaak is an easy recommendation. It’s known for a tranquil beachfront setting and a more intimate scale than the mega-resort experience—ideal for couples and quiet-luxury travelers. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

Banyan Tree Krabi (Tubkaek)

For modern, villa-style luxury with strong “wow factor,” Banyan Tree Krabi is a gorgeous pick. It’s a great match for travelers who want high-end comfort, a spa-forward stay, and a resort experience that feels special from the moment you arrive. Banyan Tree

Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort (Klong Muang)

Klong Muang is quieter than Ao Nang, and Dusit Thani is a strong family-friendly luxury base there—beach, pools, and plenty of on-property amenities when you want a “stay in and relax” day between tours. Dusit Hotels & Resorts

Getting around Krabi (so your hotel location makes sense)

Krabi Airport (KBV) is the main arrival point for many travelers, with easy transfers to Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and the northern beaches. Ritz-Carlton
Longtail boats connect Ao Nang ↔ Railay frequently during the day (weather dependent).
For Tubkaek/Klong Muang luxury resorts, expect longer taxi transfers, but a quieter beach payoff.