So you’re still having a tough time choosing the best place to stay Krabi Thailand. There’s no need to worry just yet. Here are some useful tips that will help you pick the most suitable accommodation option on your next vacation there.
What’s challenging about selecting the best place to stay Krabi Thailand is the fact that there are many awesome choices. Make sure you follow along to find out how to choose accommodations that will fit your budget and preferences.
The Best Place to Stay Krabi Thailand: What You Need to Know
The resort town of Krabi is renowned as a premier vacation destination in the Land of Smiles. Besides flaunting majestic beaches, this place also boasts various natural wonders like stretches of tropical rainforest and unique rock formations.
Covering an area of about 4,709 square kilometers, Krabi is practically packed with top-notch tourist attractions. It’s already becoming one of the most popular havens in Thailand for divers, swimmers, rock climbers, and nature buffs.
But the thing is, knowing the best place to stay Krabi Thailand is crucial when you visit the place. Besides ensuring that you will have all the amenities you need, you’ll also make the most out of your holiday.
The Awesome Picks You Need to Have in Your List for the Best Place to Stay Krabi Thailand
Ton Sai
Overview of the Place
Most tourists consider Ton Sai as a laid-back area where you don’t need to spend a lot of money. This place is a hub for backpackers and thrill seekers who’d like to take adventure to a higher level. If you don’t mind roughing it out a bit, Ton Sai is definitely a nice destination to check out.
Pros:
There aren’t as many people in Ton Sai compared to most of its counterparts in Krabi. The place doesn’t have the constant hustle and bustle of Chaweng or Ao Nang’s lively nightlife scene. You won’t find yourself competing with lots of other tourists when it comes to accommodation and dining choices.
Everything is much cheaper when you’re in Ton Sai. Compared to other vacation spots in the region, you can already have a comfortable stay here with minimal spending. Just a quick reminder, though. Being cheaper doesn’t mean lesser in quality. This is the biggest reason why this place is a favorite of backpackers and adventurers.
Unlike what many tourists mistakenly think, there are several small stores that can provide daily essentials in Ton Sai. Whether you’re looking for a toothbrush or bottled water, you simply have to step out on the main road to start shopping.
The food offerings in Ton Sai are not just affordable, but also very delicious. Besides traditional Thai delicacies, you can also grab burgers and pizzas in the area. The beers and cocktails are not that pricey, either.
The activities that you can get in on when you’re in Ton Sai are constantly updated. While the place began as a hidden swimming and snorkelling spot, it’s also being developed for kayaking and rock climbing.
Ton Sai has a distinctly laid-back and easygoing ambiance that makes you appreciate the place even more. Instead of focusing on which bar to check out next, you will find yourself admiring the surroundings during your stay.
Cons:
Getting to Ton Sai is not as easy and convenient compared to most tourist spots in Krabi. From Krabi’s town center, you need to ride in a taxi to get to the pier of Ao Nang. You’d have to wait until the long-tail boat headed to Ton Sai is completely filled up. Waiting times can range from a few minutes to an hour depending on the weather and month of the year.
Although most accommodations in Ton Sai offer a wireless Internet connection, unexpected weather changes can easily cause disruptions. This can be a hassle if you require a stable web connection to take care of online matters.
Railay Beach
Overview of the Place
Deemed as one of Krabi’s “hidden gems,” Railay Beach is a fusion of picturesque views and easygoing ambiance. It is the ideal destination for tourists wanting to add a bit of adventure to their vacation and avid backpackers.
Visitors who have already been to Railay Beach share that it gives you the feeling of stepping back in time with its pristine shorelines and towering rock cliffs.
Pros:
Railay Beach is the place to go if you’d like to experience the serenity Krabi is famous for without distractions. Unlike several of its counterparts that tend to get noisy in the middle of the day, it stays mostly quiet. It’s not uncommon to see many tourists lounging in the sand or snoozing on the shores of Railay.
The activities you can engage in are diverse and exciting. Apart from swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling, Railay Beach is also known for diving, rock climbing, and hiking. Moreover, the area’s coastline flaunts many rocky coves and outcrops you can explore to see some cool marine life.
There are a number of cheap yet more than decent dining places and entertainment establishments in and around Railay Beach. While they are not as upscale and lively compared to those in Klong Muang and Chaweng, you’re definitely in for good food and cocktails.
Railay Beach is not just about the sea and sand. It also has a long list of other natural wonders for you to check out. The limestone cliffs in Railay are so diverse, more and more rock-climbing enthusiasts flock to the area every year.
Cons:
Railay can be a bit crowded, especially during November to March, when the place is just packed with tourists. It is either you choose a different time to visit the place or just ignore the surge of holidaymakers.
There are no motor vehicles available in Railay Beach. Unlike most of the other beaches in Krabi, walking is the only mode of transportation in the area.
Getting to Railay Beach is not that easy and convenient, particularly for older travellers or vacationers with young kids. It can be only accessed by long-tail boats, which can be congested during the peak months.
Compared to other tourist attractions in Krabi that have a modern touch, Railay has a rustic and easygoing feel. While it does have a few bars and entertainment venues of its own, it isn’t as bustling as those in Chaweng and Krabi Town.
Koh Phi Phi
Overview of the Place
Koh Phi Phi is a cluster of islands nestled between the provinces of Krabi and Phuket.Many tourists describe the place as one of the most romantic places in the world for its views and ambiance. It is an ideal pick to go for if you prefer a fusion of great nightlife and striking natural wonders.
Pros:
Koh Phi Phi features captivating coral reefs, impressive rock cliffs, and a thriving marine ecosystem. If you’re a nature buff, then you are definitely going to fall in love with the place. The waters in the area are so clear, you can easily see the fishes and other sea creatures.
There are a number of upscale accommodation choices, dining places and entertainment venues in the vicinity of Koh Phi Phi. The area is generally well-developed and offers a lot more options compared to Railay Beach and Ton Sai.
Koh Phi Phi is considered by tourists as a great party place. The whole area typically comes alive with music and revelry in the late afternoon. Its bars and entertainment establishments have a diverse lineup of beverages that will quench your thirst.
There are many activities you can participate in during your stay in Koh Phi Phi. While its sapphire waters are ideal for snorkelling and swimming, it is also a hub for divers and rock-climbing aficionados. The place is so popular for rock-climbing that approximately 700 stations dedicated for the sport can be found in it.
Cons:
With the profusion of entertainment venues and bars in Koh Phi Phi, it can get a bit noisy during the afternoons and evenings. However, there are some hotels located in the far end of the island, which aren’t as rowdy.
Koh Phi Phi is only accessible by boat. Unlike most of the other vacation destinations in Krabi, you will need to spend extra time and effort to get to the place. The boats can also get crowded during the peak months from November to March.
While Koh Phi Phi offers a lot of fantastic views, it’s not the place to go if you want tranquility. The revelry in the area typically starts in the afternoon, which can distract you if you’re lounging on the beach.
Krabi Town
Overview of the Place
Krabi Town is the capital of the Krabi province. It has become popular among tourists as the go-to shopping place in the region. The area has an easygoing yet comfortable feel. It also features a weekend night market where you can buy everything from souvenirs to sumptuous Thai delicacies.
Pros:
Although Krabi Town is considered as the center of the province, it is actually very casual and laid-back. The place is quite peaceful and there is a feeling of comfort in the air when you get around.
You don’t have to spend a lot of cash in Krabi Town because everything in the area is budget-friendly. Whether you’re looking for accommodation options or a bite to eat, it’s not as costly compared to Chaweng and Klong Muang.
Shopping in Krabi Town is a dream. You’re going to be amazed with the assortment of things you can buy in the place. Besides souvenirs and traditional Thai delicacies, you can also get your hands on a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables while at it.
Krabi Town has a lot of stores and groceries to provide you with your needs. You don’t have to walk far or hop on a taxi to find what you’re looking for.
Cons:
The biggest downside of Krabi Town is it doesn’t have a swimmable beach like most vacation spots in the province. Sure it does have a river, but you can’t lounge on its banks or swim in it.
Krabi Town is not ideal for tourists looking to experience the calm and serenity that Krabi is well-known for. Being the town center, it’s not uncommon to hear the sound of motor vehicles almost all the time.
Ao Nang
Overview of the Place
Ao Nang is considered by vacationers as a must-visit place in Krabi for its combination of convenience, entertainment, and nature. Besides flaunting striking white sand beaches, it also offers a variety of options as regards to accommodation and gastronomic delights.
Pros:
Unlike other vacation spots in Krabi, Ao Nang has everything you need in a single place. There are hotels right on the shores of the beach and mini-marts are practically everywhere to provide your needs.
Ao Nang offers a very wide range of options in terms of accommodation options, restaurants, and entertainment hubs. Although there are upscale hotels and bars in the area, there’s also something in store for budget-conscious visitors.
Ao Nang is one of the destinations in Krabi that is family-friendly. It is ideal for parents with young kids. It is also a nice choice for older tourists looking to chill out and lounge around.
The diversity of activities that you can do in Ao Nang is impressive. It’s a haven for swimmers, divers, snorkelers, and sunbathers. You can also explore the coves and outcrops along the beach to see marine creatures in action.
Cons:
Given the popularity of Ao Nang, it is one of the most crowded vacation spots in the whole of Krabi. The beach is always full of people and it can be somewhat noisy throughout the day.
The traffic jams in Ao Nang are pretty serious. This is primarily attributed to the surge of tourists looking to experience its beauty and nightlife. Just be extra patient when you’re on the road and you’ll be fine.
The Bottom Line
Every vacation destination in Krabi has its advantages and disadvantages. And that simply makes picking the best place to stay Krabi Thailand a whole lot more trickier. But the great thing about it is that this just makes visiting the province even more exciting because you have to experience it for yourself.
So if you’re wondering what the best place to stay Krabi Thailand is, then it’s time to pack your bags and book a trip to this wonderful place. Click here to check out the most exciting things to do at Krabi Thailand.