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“I heard an airplane overhead. I wished I was on it.”
Charles Bukowski
If you’re planning a trip to Krabi, Thailand, one of the very first things you’re probably trying to figure out is where to stay in Krabi. Since Krabi covers quite a big area, choosing the perfect place to stay can be a bit tricky. While there are plenty of choices, it’s also important to decide what kind of holiday you want and what your budget is. That said, if it’s your first visit to this beautiful part of Thailand, staying in Ao Nang is highly encouraged. Read on to find out why Ao Nang is the perfect base and get my top suggestions on where to stay in Ao Nang, Thailand below!
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In this Ao Nang guide, you’ll find my top recommendations on where to stay in Ao Nang. However, before we dive into the best hotels, hostels, and resorts in Ao Nang, the very first thing you need to do is decide on an area.
Since this post includes lots of accommodation options, I’ve broken it up into bits. Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Ao Nang covered in this guide.
Under each of these sections, you’ll find my curated suggestions to suit different budgets and traveling styles. While I’ve stayed at several of these hotels during my Krabi travels, I also wanted to give you a bit more choice. For this reason, I’ve delved a bit deeper and did extensive research (combing through hundreds of listings and reviews on Agoda) to find the very best places to stay in Ao Nang.
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While there are many places to stay in Krabi, Ao Nang is the main tourist area and the gateway to some of Thailand’s best islands. If it’s your first visit to Krabi, and you’re looking for a dreamy beach getaway, Ao Nang is just the answer!
With beautiful white sandy beaches, spectacular islands nearby, and lots of adventure activities to keep you busy, Ao Nang is the perfect base to enjoy all of Krabi’s best bits. Moreover, the area is also revered as one of the best places to visit in Thailand.
Since Ao Nang is a firm favorite among beachgoers and thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of excellent hotels, hostels, and resorts. Subsequently, this also makes choosing exactly where to stay in Ao Nang a bit tricky. On the plus side, though, it does also mean finding the perfect hotel to suit your preferences and pocket is relatively easy.
To help you find the perfect place to stay in Ao Nang, I’ve done all the research for you. And hopefully, after reading this Ao Nang guide, you will have a pretty good idea of where to stay in Ao Nang.
Ready to dive right into the best places to stay in Ao Nang? Let’s go! Read on to get my top recommendations on where to stay in Ao Nang.
Best Place to Stay in Krabi for First-Timers.
With lots of shops, restaurants, a bustling nightlife scene, and easy access to the beach, Ao Nang’s vibrant village center has all the makings of a perfect Krabi getaway. Since you’ll be right in the heart of the village, it’s the ideal base for anyone looking for a hassle-free vacation.
During the day, Ao Nang village is a peaceful area and pretty much deserted as most visitors are out and about exploring the islands or lounging on the beach. Once the sun sets, the village comes alive, and the promenade is teeming with people. If it’s your first time in Ao Nang, staying in the central part of town is the perfect base as you’ll be right in the heart of all the action.
Here are my top recommendations on the best places to stay in Ao Nang center.
If you’re traveling on a shoestring, Pop in Hostel is the perfect base. The hostel is at an excellent location and a short 10-minute stroll from Ao Nang Beach. There are many shops and eateries nearby, so you won’t need to venture out too far to grab a bite to eat.
Besides its excellent location, the hostel also has a hip and modern interior. Similarly to other hostels, there are dorm rooms as well as a few private rooms available. (Ideal for anyone looking to make new friends while still having some privacy). Moreover, the lovely communal area is a great spot to mingle with the backpacker crowd.
Alisea Boutique Hotel is one of the best-rated hotels in Ao Nang. And, for a very good reason. With friendly staff and beautiful Moroccan and Thai decor, it’s perfect for travelers looking for something a bit more upscale.
With its vibrant aesthetically pleasing interior, spacious rooms, and sublime garden, Alisea guarantees a relaxing stay. The rooftop pool is yet another great add-on, and an excellent spot to catch an epic sunset!
The L Resort is perfect for couples and travelers looking for an upscale option with surprisingly reasonable rates. The hotel is mere steps from Ao Nang Beach and located right on the main promenade in town.
It’s a great place to stay in Ao Nang since there are many shops and restaurants within walking distance. What’s more, the Ao Nang boat service club is practically just around the corner! So, it’s really easy to catch a long–tail boat to neighboring Railay Bay or one of the gorgeous islands nearby.
Besides its excellent location, the hotel features spacious modern rooms and is equipped with all the amenities one would expect from a 4-star hotel – from 24-hour room service to in-room massages. There’s also a gorgeous swimming pool where you can cool off or enjoy a cocktail. Added to that, you can also grab delicious Thai-Swiss cuisine at the onsite restaurant, Wanna’s Place. Make sure to try their specialty dish – Hot Stone Steak!
Panan Krabi Resort offers beautiful 4-star accommodation and excellent value for money. The resort is ideal for families, business travelers, or couples looking for something a bit more upscale.
The hotel is conveniently located and offers easy access to all of Ao Nang’s must-see attractions. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, and the outdoor pool is an excellent place to kick back and relax.
If you’re visiting Krabi with kids, it’s yet another reason to check-in at Panan Krabi Resort. The hotel has a kids club and a kiddies pool, ensuring there’s plenty to keep the kids busy.
Best Place to Stay in Ao Nang Krabi for sunset-chasers and laid back vibes.
Noppharat Thara is a hip and upcoming neighborhood adjacent to Ao Nang’s main village. And, by far my favorite place to stay in Ao Nang.
Since it’s not in the center of town, it’s got a more laid-back vibe. Especially if you want to be close to the action but want to skip the crowds. Most of the accommodation in Noppharat Thara is strung out along the main road (4203). However, there are also a few gems hidden in the side streets jolting off from it.
What’s more, dreamy Noppharat Thara Beach is only a short stroll away. With less crowds, it’s much more laid-back than Ao Nang Beach. And, since the beach stretches out as far as the eye can see, finding a quiet spot to soak up the sun’s rays couldn’t be easier. Along the way, you’ll also find many little benches and pavilions where you can take a rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Alternatively, drop by one of the cute little beach bars for an ice-cold beer or coconut smoothie.
Besides the cute beach bars, there are also tons of restaurants and small shops selling popular Thai souvenirs here. Stopping by Ao Nang Night Market to sample the tasty street food is yet another huge must when in the area.
While there’s plenty to keep you busy in Noppharat Thara, Ao Nang’s main area is only a short 10-15 minute stroll away. So it’s still pretty easy to go shopping, dining, or clubbing if you are so inclined.
Areetara Resort is at a perfect location near some of Ao Nang’s best attractions. The hotel is located in a quiet street yet within walking distance from the beach and the lively main promenade. The Aonang Night Market is a 2-minute stroll away, and there are plenty of places to can grab a bite, do some shopping or get a massage nearby.
Areetara features spacious and well-furnished rooms. Each room also has a balcony, which is the perfect spot to enjoy the gentle breeze in the late afternoon. While the outdoor pool is a great place to relax and sip on boozy cocktails after a day of island hopping in Krabi. The onsite restaurant serves both Thai and western favorites – perfect for travelers who’d rather stay in for the night.
Aonang Buri is an exceptional choice for travelers looking for easy access to the beach. Situated across from Noppharat Thara Beach, Aonang Buri is a great mid-range option.
With its proximity to the beach, you could easily spend your day lounging on the beach, sipping cold beers at the beachside bars, or hopping on a long-tail boat to explore more of Krabi’s gems.
Aonang Buri features stylish, spacious rooms, and there’s a lovely pool to unwind next to should you feel like it.
Whether you’re a couple or a family, Krabi Resort is an excellent choice. The resort features beautiful gardens, and the private beach is the perfect place to kick back and sunbathe. There are lots of different rooms to choose from catering to all kinds of budgets. But, if you really want to enjoy a touch of luxury, book one of the poolside villas. They are gorgeous!
There are also several bars on site, most notably a pool bar where you can float on a lilo with a cocktail in hand. Besides these, you can easily book a day trip to Koh Phi Phi or some of the other gems near Krabi at the onsite tour desk.
Krabi Resort is a quick 5-minute stroll to Ao Nang’s central area where you’ll find lots of shops, eateries, and a bustling nightlife scene.
Travelers looking for an upscale hotel in Ao Nang don’t need to look much further than Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang. The hotel is in a quiet area away from Ao Nang’s main village, yet close enough to still enjoy all Ao Nang has to offer.
A stay at here affords a relaxing getaway with all the comforts one would expect from a 5-star hotel. With facilities like a fitness center, outdoor pool, and easy to organize day tours, Deevana is an excellent choice for an upcoming stay in Ao Nang.
Best hotels in Ao Nang for beachgoers.
Travelers looking for beachfront accommodation will find several excellent resorts and hotels along Ao Nang Beach. Although you’re likely to pay premium rates for a few nights’ stays, staying here does have its perks. You’ll not only have easy access to the beach, but also be within walking distance of the main village. What’s more, most of the resorts included below have private beaches, making it the perfect base for a beach holiday.
Golden Beach Resort is yet another exceptional beachfront resort to consider while in Ao Nang. It’s one of the more prominent resorts, and with 4 acres of lush gardens, there’s lots of space to find a quiet spot to relax.
Spend your time relaxing at the indoor and outdoor pools, or hit the beautiful beach. When the sun sets, get ready to feast on freshly caught seafood and other tasty treats at the lovely Thai Thai Restaurant.
Phra Nang Inn is located on Ao Nang beach and offers fantastic views of the beach and sea. Since the hotel is right on the beach, spend your days sunbathing or cooling off in the gentle waters of the Andaman Sea. You’ll also have easy access to the pier, making it really easy to go island hopping.
The hotel offers beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms with all the modern facilities you need for a perfect stay. After a day at the beach, head to the outdoor pool for a quick dip before enjoying a tasty dinner at the onsite restaurant.
Aonang Princeville is technically not on Ao Nang Beach, but it’s close enough to warrant a feature on this list. It’s an exceptional 4-star resort hidden in the trees, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.
The resort features classic interiors and lots of facilities to guarantee a posh stay. The lovely outdoor pool is the perfect spot to chill and perhaps even get a massage if you fancy. At the Orchid restaurant, you can enjoy authentic Thai dishes that will surely leave you wanting more.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi is an ideal spot from which to discover Ao Nang and the rest of Krabi Province. The hotel boasts beautifully decorated and spacious rooms with all the creature comforts one would expect from a high-end resort. Besides the first-class facilities and amenities on offer at Centara, the private beach is by far the resort’s best attribute!
Best place to stay in Ao Nang for nature lovers.
If you prefer to stay somewhere inland and don’t mind catching a tuk-tuk to the beach, there are several excellent accommodation options further afield.
Since these hotel options are a bit further away from town, it’s probably not a good idea to stay here if you’re traveling solo. Instead, these options are more suitable for families or couples looking for a quiet getaway.
If you do decide to base yourself here, make sure to also explore Krabi’s beautiful green interior! Here are my top recommendations.
Ibis Styles is a popular choice for budget travelers and families. The rooms feature clean, modern designs, but it’s important to know that the rooms aren’t as spacious as other accommodation options on this list. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a comfortable stay within a reasonable price range, this is an excellent choice.
The hotel is completely kid-friendly and features a great children’s playground. Yet another unique feature here is wheelchair accessibility, making it an excellent option for travelers with mobility issues. There’s also a lovely pool where you can while away the time. And, if you get bored, simply hop in the hotel’s shuttle bus to transport you to the beach.
Sea Seeker is one of the newer hotels in Ao Nang and is an excellent choice for travelers looking for something a bit more upscale but at affordable rates. The resort offers a broad range of amenities, catering to all kinds of travelers, from solo travelers to couples and families.
The hotel is a bit far from the main area and Ao Nang Beach, but the free shuttle service allows easy access to all of Ao Nang’s best bits.
Aonang Fiore Resort is located within proximity from Ao Nang Village center, yet not too close to be right in the hustle and bustle. If you’re looking for a relaxing stay surrounded by lush greenery, Aonang Fiore Resort is just the place for you.
The resort houses 36 beautiful rooms, exuding a relaxing atmosphere. Throughout the day you can relax by the pool, stroll through the beautiful gardens or discover more of Krabi further afield.
Need more accommodation options? Search the best hotels in Krabi on Agoda to compare prices and read reviews.
While it is possible to reach Ao Nang by land, most travelers fly into Krabi International Airport from elsewhere. Flights from Bangkok to Krabi are cheap, short, and frequent. For international travelers, there are dozens of daily flights from major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other Asian cities.
Situated roughly 9km from Krabi Town and 27km from Ao Nang, Krabi Airport is the main gateway to Krabi Province. Although it is a relatively small airport, it is well laid out, and getting to Ao Nang from here is easy. If you haven’t already booked a private transfer with your hotel, here are the best transport options.
The cheapest way to get to Ao Nang from the airport is by bus. The Krabi Airport Bus costs 150 Baht and departs several times a day from the airport between 8 am – 8 pm. You can buy tickets at any of the stalls in the arrival hall.
The downside of taking the bus, is that there is no official route. You’ll need to tell the driver where you’re headed, and he’ll drop you in front or near your accommodation. Although it’s a great budget option, it’s worthwhile to know that journey times can be quite long.
A great alternative and undoubtedly the fastest way to get directly to your hotel is by taxi. Taxis cost 600 Baht per vehicle and the rates are fixed. Within the arrivals hall, you’ll find several counters where you can book a ride.
There might also be a few metered taxis outside the airport offering slightly lower prices to Ao Nang. However, it’s best to negotiate a flat rate first to avoid any scams.
Like to have your trip all planned out? Skip the lines and grab a discounted private transfer here for a stress-free trip!
Read my detailed guide on the best islands near Krabi while this first timer’s guide on what to do and where to stay in Railay Beach will surely come in handy too.
That wraps up this Ao Nang guide on where to stay in Ao Nang. What is your favorite place to stay in Ao Nang? If you have any suggestions to add to this list, let me know in the comments below.
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