Krabi may not be as popular as some of Thailand’s other beach destinations, but it definitely offers just as much – if not more – in terms of natural beauty, culture, and fun outdoor activities!

Krabi is a province located in southern Thailand, on the country’s west coast. The coastline here is absolutely dramatic, complete with prehistoric limestone cliffs, ancient caves and lagoons, thick forests, and soft white sand that melts when you step on it.

The region also has some of Thailand’s most famous islands. There’s Koh Phi Phi, which was made a household name by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach, as well as Railay Beach, which hosts parties as wild as its jungles. You’re never too far away from the ocean in Krabi – even the province’s capital, Krabi Town, is only a short taxi ride away from the water.

No matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll find so many things to do during your Krabi vacation. Go rock climbing, coral diving, island hopping, white water rafting, or jungle trekking. 

After that, get lost in one of Krabi’s crazy night markets as you munch, shop, and bargain your way through the evening. Want to see temples, old cafes, and traditional houses? Take a day trip into Krabi Town or climb the 1,000+ steps up to the spectacular Tiger Cave Temple.

If that’s not enough, Krabi boasts some of the finest places to stay in Thailand. We’re talking celebrity-status luxury resorts, chic boutique hotels, and ultra-exclusive villas right beside the ocean. So many, in fact, that it’s difficult to choose just one. So, we handpicked the 12 best hotels in Krabi to help you plan the perfect vacation to this beach paradise!

Where to Stay in Krabi

Ao Nang is probably the most popular beach destination in Krabi, and for good reason. It’s got everything you could want in a beach town: great restaurants, nightlife, shopping, spas, and of course, beaches! Ao Nang is also centrally located near all of Krabi’s major attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring the rest of the province.

Koh Phi Phi is where you’ll find some of the most high-end places to stay in Krabi. It’s also tucked between Krabi and Phuket, so you can easily island hop between the two destinations. It’s got a bit of everything, from adventure sports to a vibrant nightlife scene, tons of shopping and dining options, and of course, some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.

On the other hand, Koh Lanta is a large island located just off the coast of Krabi. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a more laid-back, chilled-out atmosphere. There are plenty of things to do here, from scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring the island’s many jungle trails. But most people come to Koh Lanta to simply relax on the beach and enjoy the incredible views.

Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, but it’s still one of the most in-demand places to stay in Krabi. You can stay here your entire vacation and never run out of things to do. Railay’s rock climbing scene is legendary, as are its dive spots, kayaking trips, and jungle treks. Despite being so secluded, Railay is packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, luxury resorts, and night markets galore.

If you want to live like a local during your Krabi getaway, station yourself in Krabi Town. Rustic, charming, and authentic, Krabi Town is where you’ll find some of the best Thai food in the province. While it doesn’t have a beach of its own, you can take a taxi or boat to most of Krabi’s other popular areas from here.

Finally, Klong Muang is a quiet beach town located just north of Krabi Town. It’s the perfect place to stay in Krabi if privacy and quiet are your top priorities. Klong Muang is home to some of the most luxurious beachfront resorts in all of Thailand, as well as a handful of smaller, more intimate hotels.

The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in Krabi

1. Nakamanda Resort and Spa

Located on the peaceful shores of Klong Muang, Nakamanda Resort and Spa is one of the best boutique hotels in Krabi for couples. The property only has 39 private villas scattered across its lush grounds, and you get views of the sea or the blooming gardens from each one.

During low tide, you can even walk from your villa to a small island offshore. High tide turns that area into a prime spot for kayaking and swimming! If you want to explore nearby islands and attractions, Nakamanda’s front desk will happily arrange excursions to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach, or wherever else you’d like to go.

If you want to stay in, the rooms at Nakamanda Resort and Spa feel like a vacation in themselves. Booking a Hydropool Villa gives you a private plunge pool, while the Jacuzzi Villas come with relaxing hot tubs perched on the terrace. You can order room service and sip a cocktail while admiring the ocean views, or book an in-room massage to really unwind! 

2. Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of the most lavish hotels in all of Thailand. The hotel faces the horizon of the Andaman Sea, with limestone karsts surrounding the property.

The Reserve Pool Villas are the crème de la crème of the hotel’s splendid room selections. These villas have their own terraces, private swimming pools, private gardens, indoor-outdoor bathrooms, and butler service – so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

This is a Ritz-Carlton hotel, so expect only the finest amenities and service. Among the many luxe amenities, you’ll love their infinity pool and the swim-up bar. 

There’s nothing like sipping a fruity mojito while watching the sun dip into the ocean. The hotel’s four restaurants are outstanding, too. After that, you can enjoy authentic Thai food on a beachfront deck at their Sri Trang restaurant.

Ready to explore Krabi? The amazing staff at Phulay Bay can arrange anything you desire, from a leisurely game of golf to an adrenaline-pumping rock climbing expedition in Railay Beach, a beach day at Phi Phi Islands, or a jungle trek complete with a Krabi Town market visit. If you don’t want to go too far, grab one of the hotel’s free paddleboards or kayaks and explore the nearby coastline! 

3. Amari Vogue Krabi

Sitting on the peaceful shores of Tubkaek Beach is Amari Vogue Krabi. We love how quiet and private this place is despite being on the outskirts of Krabi Town. It’s right on the shoreline, so you’re literally steps away from the waves!

Unlike other beaches in Krabi, the waters around Amari Vogue remain exceptionally calm throughout the year. That means you can go kayaking at sunset, paddleboarding during sunrise, or just float around in the ocean any time you want!

The rooms at Amari Vogue are just as lovely as the hotel’s beachfront location. They’re all decked out in teak furnishing, with balconies overlooking one of the hotel’s four swimming pools. 

The most premium ones have their own spa suites, ocean views, and even private whirlpool baths. No matter what kind of room you book, however, you’re guaranteed luxuriously deep tubs that are perfect for a post-beach soak.

Amari Vogue Krabi also has three restaurants and a wonderful spa on-site. If you get tired of the hotel’s food, though, no worries! They offer a free shuttle service to Ao Nang, Krabi’s vibrant beach district, where you’ll find endless dining and nightlife options. 

4. The Pavilions Anana Krabi

The Pavilions Anana Krabi is one of Thailand’s coolest ecological resorts and arguably the best place to stay in Krabi. Everything from the toiletries to the architecture has been designed with sustainability in mind. 

They even have their own farm, the Permaculture Art Farm, which you can tour and sample the produce from! Their farm-to-table dining concept means that the food you eat is as fresh as it gets!

Pavilions Anana Krabi’s amenities revolve around wellness. Soak in one of their natural volcanic water pools, detox in their Himalayan Salt Grotto, then let their expert masseuse work out all the kinks in your body. It’s one of the most rejuvenating experiences you can have in Thailand!

If you’re looking for a kid-free vacation, you’ll appreciate that this 59-room Pavilions hotel has 20 adults-only rooms with pool access. If you want to mingle, hang out at their swim-up bar or grab a bite at Streats, which serves both Thai and Western food.

Their Sky Lounge is a marvelous spot for sunset cocktails, too, especially since it’s the tallest building in the area. And since you’re only a 10-minute ride away from Ao Nang proper, you can easily enjoy Krabi’s nightlife after a relaxing day at the resort. 

5. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort

The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Krabi. You’re going to feel the ocean in every inch of this property, from the magnificent ocean views to the fresh mountain water tumbling all over the feature walls. If you’re looking for the best beach resorts in Krabi, this might just be the perfect pick!

Another cool thing about this resort is the bathrooms. They’re partly alfresco with sunken baths, stone walls, and rain showers, so you can hear birds chirping and leaves swaying in the wind as you soak in the tub.

If you want next-level privacy, we recommend booking the Premier Pool Villa. These luxurious rooms are surrounded by high fences so you’re totally secluded from the rest of the resort. You can also borrow one of the hotel’s free kayaks, bikes, and paddleboards for some solo exploration.

Hop onto the hotel’s daily shuttles, and you’ll be in Ao Nang in 20 minutes or Krabi Town in 30 minutes. Before you go, book ahead for a “cocoon” treatment at their brilliant spa. The handwoven treatment rooms are especially magical at sunset. 

6. Rayavadee

Rayavadee takes “tropical vacation” to the next level. It’s built like a rustic colonial villa, with gorgeous pavilions in the middle of Krabi Marine National Park. And when you look up, you can even see monkeys grooming each other in the trees!

As one of the best luxury hotels in Krabi, you’ll be spoiled by personal butlers and on-call buggies, and the staff goes above and beyond to make your stay perfect. For example, when they clean your room, they also replenish the freshly-baked cashew cookies. 

This hotel is near three fantastic beaches: Railay Beach, Nammao Beach, and Phra Nang Beach. That means you can go rock climbing in Railey in the morning, get a tan at Nammao Beach in the afternoon, get tipsy at a Phra Nang bar in the evening, then collapse into your plush king-size bed at night.

The buffet breakfast is incredible, with both Western and Thai dishes. The hotel’s Railay Terrace is both a bar and a restaurant, so you can order a cocktail or two while you wait for your pad thai! 

7. Banyan Tree Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi is luxury defined. The location is impeccable, with Phi Phi National Park on one side and Tubkaek Beach on the other. Plus, the rooms are flawless. Every single one has a jet pool, and some even have three-sided pools that wrap around the villa.

There’s a mini water park at the kids’ club, and you can row one of the hotel’s crystal kayaks to the hidden cove close by. Their hilltop restaurant Saffron features glass dining rooms, and if that’s not tropical enough for you, you can also sit in a rattan “bird’s nest” between the treetops! And did we mention you have to ride a cable car to get there?

Their breakfast buffet at Naga Kitchen is nothing short of spectacular. The French croissants are to die for, and during the weekends, they have free-flowing champagne and a DIY bloody Mary bar!

Finally, this hotel is managed by one of Thailand’s top wellness brands. So it’s no surprise that their spa is basically the size of a small village. The hydrotherapy complex has an ice fountain, a steam room, heated beds, a vitality pool, and a sauna.

You can even book their Wellness Suite for more goodies, like DIY herbal inhalers, plant-based snacks, daily fruit smoothies, and the bathtub with built-in speakers that play meditation music. If you’re looking for 5-star luxury, this is absolutely one of the most unforgettable places to stay in Krabi! 

8. Layana Resort & Spa

The Layana Resort & Spa is an adults-only retreat on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. We love how private their three-kilometer beach is. It’s for guests only, and security’s pretty tight! They also have an ocean-facing hot tub plus an infinity pool if you want to take a dip without all the sand.

Prepare to be pampered at the Layana Resort, from the VIP amenities down to the amazing pillow menu! You read that right – you can pick your pillow based on firmness, softness, and even stuffing. So whether you like to sleep on your stomach, back, or side, they’ve got you covered.

The resort has its own PADI dive center, and you can go on snorkeling trips to the Hin Daeng and Hin Muang reefs. If you miss your furry friend, grab one of their free bikes and ride to the nearby Lanta Animal Welfare center to play and help out with their rescues!

Their breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, and it’s a feast for the senses. Aside from a loaded Thai and international spread, there’s also a healthy shot bar with fresh-pressed juices, and Sundays mean free champagne!

Don’t miss the sensational Layana Signature Massage during your visit. You can choose between nine different scented oils, and like their pillow menu, you can also pick the firmness of your massage! 

9. Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort

Another one of the best beach resorts in Krabi is the Tup Kaek Sunset Beach Resort. It sits right beside the shore, and the hotel itself is set in an exclusive tropical garden. You’ll feel worlds away from everything, but the resort is actually less than half an hour’s drive from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and other key Krabi landmarks.

Reserve at least one day to just enjoy the hotel and its natural surroundings. There’s a nearby mountain stream you can bathe in, several nearby islands to kayak to, and an entire kilometer of white-sand beach to lounge on.

Their outdoor Thai steam room is a must-try! It’s a great way to detox and relax your muscles after a long day of exploring. If you like, you can also order a couple of cocktails or mocktails from their beachfront bar and enjoy the stunning Krabi horizon. When hunger strikes, we highly recommend the seafood options at their Sunset Restaurant, which you can have grilled right in front of you. 

10. BlueSotel SMART

This chic adults-only hotel is a prime spot for beach hopping. BlueSotel is only a three-minute walk from bustling Ao Nang and a quick drive to the calm waters of Nopparat Thara. It’s also near party central Phra Nang and the steep cliffs of Railay Beach, so you can rock climb by day and drink by night!

The rooms at BlueSotel are pretty no-frills, but they’re uber comfy and complete with all the amenities you need. We love the menu of treatments at their in-house spa. The facials that incorporate local Thai ingredients are especially refreshing.

After a day spent exploring, take a load off at their outdoor pool or chill at the swim-up bar. If you get peckish, they’ve got three restaurants on-site serving Thai, international, and even vegetarian fare. This is truly one of the most relaxing Krabi hotels around! 

11. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort

The Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is peak luxury, starting with its 7,000-meter pool. It’s the largest in Thailand, and it’s so deluxe, there’s even a massage pavilion in the middle!

Every detail here is premium, from the toiletries in the room (L’Occitane as standard, Hermes for upgraded rooms) to the nine-hole on-site golf course. If you want to go island hopping, step out of your room, head down to the hotel’s exclusive beach, and hop on one of their private boats to the Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta, Railay Beach, and other top Krabi beaches.

When you get back to the hotel, grab a scoop (or three!) from their ice cream bar. You can also jump into their gigantic pool, work up a sweat at the fitness center, or enjoy delicious meals at one of their three restaurants. Their Indian menu is mouthwateringly good!

End your perfect day with a treatment at their gorgeous spa. With 12 individual treatment rooms, each with its own outdoor whirlpool tub, you’ll be spoiled for choice! 

12. The ShellSea Krabi

Set against a backdrop of farmland and near Ao Nang beach, the ShellSea Krabi is a marine-inspired oasis and one of the best beach resorts in Krabi.

You’ll find shells and marine-themed designs throughout, such as the fish motifs on the doors. Adding to the ocean vibe are the three lovely pools, including an adults-only pool and one for the kiddos.

Adjacent to the main pool is a beachfront bar. Aside from cocktails, you’ll love how you can borrow kayaks and paddleboards anytime you like. If you’re not sure what to do for the day, join one of the hotel’s daily complimentary activities, which include beach volleyball, kayaking, Thai boxing classes, water aerobics, yoga, nature walks, and guided bike rides.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, get a table at the Cerulean, the hotel’s exceptional restaurant. Seafood lovers will be especially pleased with the fresh catches of the day. But don’t miss out on their Thai food either, especially the tom yum soup!

To complete the perfect day, head to their spa to detox in the steam room or relax in the whirlpool tubs before getting a massage. With its tranquil setting and expert therapists, you’ll be feeling zen in no time. 

That completes our list of the 12 best Krabi hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Krabi? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

Didn’t find the perfect Krabi hotel? Try searching here:

Planning a trip to Thailand? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST