Where to Stay in Ao Nang, Krabi: First-Timer’s Guide

Ao Nang, found in Krabi Thailand is an easy beach base for families and friends. But it’s not just the beautiful beaches that make this place special, it’s also the unique attractions like the Monkey Trail & night markets.

The streets of Ao Nang are lined with restaurants and cafes serving cheap, excellent Thai food, and the beachfront strip has plenty of bars that stay busy well after dark.

Ao Nang is also an easy place to stay for day trips to Phi Phi and the Hong Islands. Below I have handpicked the best hotels close to Ao Nang Beach, resorts in the town center, and budget picks inland.

Best Places to Stay In Ao Nang (Neighborhood Guide)

Below are my four recommended areas to base your stay in Ao Nang, Krabi.

• Ao Nang Beach: This area is popular for its restaurants, cafes, and bars. Convenient for those visiting Railay Beach for the day via longtail boats from the beach.
• Noppharat Thara: Known for its incredible night market, perfect for those wanting to enjoy delicious food and finish the day watching the sunset over Noppharat Thara beach.
• Ao Nang Village: The main area of Ao Nang for restaurants and cafes. The main meeting point for those meeting for boat trips to the surrounding islands and Railay Beach.
• Ao Nang Inland: A short drive from Ao Nang this area offers a laid-back natural atmosphere and is away from the hustle of the main town.

As you can see from the map above, all the areas and neighborhoods of Ao Nang are quite close by. As a result, getting around is quite easy on foot, by motorbike, or public transport like taxis or songthaew.

My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Ao Nang

With so many incredible hotels and resorts in Krabi, I have suggested my top picks for Ao Nang below.

Keep reading for recommendations for the top hotels and accommodation picks for varying budgets within each neighborhood.

1. Anana Ecological Resort Luxury

An eco-friendly resort with a volcanic-rock pool facing the limestone cliffs, organic bath products, the Asana Spa and a free eco-shuttle to the beach, about 8 minutes away.

2. Poonsiri Varich Villa

Great for larger groups wanting to relax away from the hustle of the main streets of Ao Nang. With private pools and loft-styled rooms.

3. TAN Hostel Budget

The best backpacker hostel in Krabi is an adults-only (18+) hostel about a 14-minute walk from Ao Nang Beach & near many restaurants, shops, & bars. It has chilled vibes, neat co-work areas & an excellent onsite cafe.

Ao Nang Beach: Best Place to Stay for Relaxing Beach Vibes

	Hotel	Price
	The L Resort Krabi	$$$
	BlueSotel SMART Krabi	$$
	COSI Krabi	$

1. The L Resort Krabi

• Area: Ao Nang Beach
• Best for: Families and groups wanting beachfront access and large rooms

The L Resort sits right on the Ao Nang Beach promenade and has large rooms. The Two Bedroom L Suite is the pick for groups, and you'll find various amenities such as a TV, air conditioning, and free wi-fi.

The two outdoor pools, with a Jacuzzi and pool bar, are perfect for cooling down under the Krabi heat. The hotel makes the list for its easy access to Ao Nang Beach, making it more than ideal for beach lovers! It's also just a short stroll from the night markets and Padthai Noodle Soy Sauce, which has some deliciously cheap Pad Thai!

Boats depart from Ao Nang to Railay Beach across from the hotel daily.

2. BlueSotel SMART Krabi

• Area: Ao Nang Beach
• Best for: Couples and friends wanting an adults-only (16+) hotel with a rooftop infinity pool

If you are looking for another one of those impressive Ao Nang hotels close to the beach, this might just be your answer.

BlueSotel SMART Krabi is only 200 m (656 ft) from Ao Nang Beach, a 3 to 5-minute walk, and it's strictly adults-only for guests 16 and over.

If you are a fan of keeping fit and healthy, you will be happy to know that BlueSotel SMART Krabi has a fitness center. It's called Blue Plus Fitness, and it's handy if you want to keep your routine going on the road.

After a workout, head to one of the two infinity pools, grab a cocktail at the Blue Wave Pool Bar, or catch sunset at The Blue on Top rooftop bar.

Now that is a good way to end a fun day in the sun!

3. COSI Krabi

• Area: Ao Nang
• Best for: Budget travelers and backpackers looking for social vibes & rooftop pool!

Cosi Krabi Hotel is a solid option when it comes to comfortable rooms at affordable prices.

Although this is among the cheaper hotels, you will find all of the basic facilities that you need for a fun, budget-friendly stay. This includes air conditioning in the rooms, free wifi, and your own mini fridge, along with access to the glass-sided rooftop pool.

Of course, the most exciting part about the Cosi Krabi Hotel is its location. The fact that it is only a 10-minute walk from Ao Nang Beach means it is one of the best areas to reside in the small town.

In addition to this, you have the opportunity to socialize, and meet plenty of other travelers at the hotel's rooftop pool and social hub, making it difficult not to be entertained.

It's a perfect choice for backpackers and those seeking a thrill close to Ao Nang Beach!

Noppharat Thara: Best for Sunset and Night Market

	Hotel	Price
	Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort	$$$
	Blue Ba You Resort	$$
	Alanta Aonang Resort	$

4. Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort

• Area: Noppharat Thara
• Best for: Families wanting two pools and family suites a 2-minute walk from the night market

When it comes to top-notch accommodation near Ao Nang night market, Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort sits at the top of the list.

There is a reason why this is one of my favorite hotels in Ao Nang! It's about 100 m from Nopparat Thara Beach and a 2-minute walk from the night market.

This hotel has lots of facilities, including free on-site parking, two swimming pools, a 24-hour gym and airport transfers (1,200 THB each way, booked 48 hours ahead).

You can choose from six different types of rooms here, ranging from their Superior Room with a garden view, all the way to their Two Bedroom Family Room. At 48 m² (516 sq ft), this family suite provides direct access to the main swimming pool, and you can find two separate bathrooms along with a king-sized bedroom.

This family-oriented hotel is a very popular option. For this reason, you might want to ensure you book early to get the room that you desire.

5. Blue Ba You Resort

• Area: Noppharat Thara
• Best for: Couples wanting a private location but still close enough to the action of Ao Nang

Although Blue Ba You Resort is significantly less popular compared with other options, it is still worth a stay for its location and amenities.

Blue Ba You Resort is only a three-minute walk from Nopparat Thara Beach and a twelve-minute drive from the Krabi International Boxing Stadium. It runs regular Muay Thai fight nights if you want a night out.

All rooms come with free parking, a private terrace, and a flat-screen TV, making them great value for money.

6. Alanta Aonang Resort

• Area: Noppharat Thara
• Best for: Couples or solo travelers wanting a secluded, cheap stay

Alanta Aonang Resort is an affordable stay tucked away just outside the main Ao Nang strip.

Located amongst coconut palms this place has a peaceful village vibe and is within walking distance to the beach and night market. Rooms are simple but clean and well-equipped with everything you need, and the friendly owners go out of their way to help with tours and transport.

If you're not looking for a 5-star stay and you just need the basics, then this is a great option.

Ao Nang Village: Best for Access to Nearby Islands

	Hotel	Price
	Anana Ecological Resort	$$$
	De Loft Hotel	$$
	TAN Hostel	$

7. Anana Ecological Resort

• Area: Ao Nang Village
• Best for: Couples wanting an eco-certified retreat among the limestone cliffs

Anana Ecological Resort is a Green Globe Gold certified eco-resort with the Asana Spa, yoga and pilates classes, and guided eco-tours you can book at the front desk.

You will find smooth wooden floors throughout the comfortable rooms in the hotel, along with gorgeous bath amenities made from organic ingredients.

I would say the most interesting part of the hotel is the eco-tours and the free eco-shuttle, which gets you to the beaches in about 8 minutes.

This certainly makes planning your trips a lot easier!

8. De Loft Hotel

• Area: Ao Nang Village
• Best for: Budget or solo travelers wanting a central location to stay

De Loft Hotel is a simple, budget-friendly choice in Ao Nang with plenty of reasonable amenities.

Although this hotel isn't close to Ao Nang's beautiful beaches, it is in the center of the town which makes the location very useful. De Loft Hotel is near to the Lotus's supermarket as well as the Mountain Buddha Temple which is often visited by tourists. It is also just a short walk from the ticket booth for boats heading to Phra Nang Beach.

In addition to this, because the hotel is in the town center, it makes it much easier to get a tuk-tuk to wherever you want to go to which is convenient.

Each of the simple rooms comes with a plush double bed and a balcony view.

9. TAN Hostel x Cafe

• Area: Ao Nang Village
• Best for: Backpackers over 18 wanting a social environment for a great price

The Tan Hostel has its name for a reason, as it is about 1.3 km (0.8 mi) from the white sands of Ao Nang Beach. That's around a 14-minute walk, so you can tan without much hassle.

As you also might have guessed from the name, this hostel is also a cafe that offers healthy food options and vegan-friendly recipes. Not bad if that is something you are a fan of!

There are plenty of facilities here, including a shared kitchen for guests. This makes cooking your own meals smooth and easy whenever you are feeling peckish.

The hostel has a beautiful modern design and the private and dorm rooms are large with comfortable beds and lockers.

This is a great option for those wanting to visit Railay Beach, as it's just a short walk to the ticket desk.

Ao Nang Inland: Best Place to Stay Away From the Main Road

	Hotel	Price
	Poonsiri Varich Pool Villa	$$$
	Poonsiri Resort Aonang	$$
	Cocco House	$

10. Poonsiri Varich Pool Villa

• Area: Ao Nang Inland
• Best for: Large groups or families wanting space and a private pool

Poonsiri Varich Pool Villas are perfect for those on a higher budget who are looking to enjoy their stay in style. Some of the villas offered here are incredibly large, coming with high-class amenities such as in-villa room service, a private pool and a Jacuzzi in the two-bedroom villa.

When combining this with your own floating breakfast to start the morning off right, you can have quite a fabulous experience!

These villas do come with a price tag, but they're a great way to spend time with your family and friends if you want to split the costs.

11. Poonsiri Resort

• Area: Inland Ao Nang
• Best for: Couples looking for a romantic & quiet resort

Poonsiri Resort is another perfect choice as it's just 10 minutes from Ao Nang Beach. It sits beside a quiet pond with free kayaks available for guests to explore while being surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

The rooms are simple and clean, with balconies offering views of Krabi’s epic scenery. Its location is perfect if you're looking for a quiet place to relax while still being close to nearby attractions.

12. Cocco House

• Area: Inland Ao Nang
• Best for: Budget travelers wanting a cozy and secluded stay surrounded by gardens

Cocco House provides a tranquil escape from the busy traffic and noise of central Ao Nang. This cute little hotel offers cozy rooms along with onsite laundry and dry cleaning to make your vacation easier.

There is more than enough to cherish about the rooms here for a typical budget traveler. You can take in all of the beautiful and bright colors from the nearby garden scenery, and the sunflowers are bound to amaze you on your first time staying here!

FAQ About Staying In Ao Nang, Krabi

Top Tours from Ao Nang

Check out these 3 epic day tours from Ao Nang below.

1. Phi Phi Speedboat Tour

Spend less time in transit & more time snorkeling among coral gardens and lazing on white sand beaches at the incredible Phi Phi Islands. Visits Maya Bay, Lohsamah, and Monkey Bay.

2. Hong Island Day Trip

An epic 7-hour tour to the turquoise sea and white sand beaches of Koh Hong. Relax in the warm Thai sunshine, swim and snorkel in clear blue water & go kayaking.

3. Emerald Pool, Blue Lagoon & Tiger Cave Temple

Visit the top mainland attractions from hot springs to amazing turquoise lagoons in the jungle.

I hope this Ao Nang accommodation guide has helped you find the hotel that matches your needs in the town.

Before you go, check out my other Krabi accommodation and adventure guides below.

Book Your Krabi Accommodation

Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the last minute. The following accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Thailand.

• Best Resorts in Krabi
• Hotels in Railay
• Where to stay on Koh Tao