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

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

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

A detailed accommodation guide including 12 unique places to stay in Ao Nang, Krabi. From eco resorts to modern hostels that are suitable for all budgets.

Ao Nang, found in Krabi Thailand is the perfect beach paradise for relaxing with family 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 offering mouth-watering Thai food, along with lively nightclubs such as Upbeat Bar and the Reggae Town Bar for after-dark shenanigans.

Ao Nang is also the perfect 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.

My favorite choice is COSI Krabi for its unique rock-climbing swimming pool, on-site gym, convenient location, and epic views over Ao Nang Beach.

Infographic map for where to stay in ao nang, krabi
Map showing the different areas to stay in Ao Nang

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.

Bedroom suite with large bed and lounge areas at the anana ecological resort krabi

2. Anana Ecological Resort Luxury

An eco-friendly resort offering a large outdoor swimming pool, beautifully designed rooms & amazing garden with onsite cooking classes. The best part is the excellent price.

Indoor living space at poonsiri varich pool villa

1. 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.

Tan hostel dorm room bed

3. TAN Hostel Budget

The best backpacker hostel in Krabi is just 700 m 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

HotelPrice
The l resort krabi outdoor swimming pool, ao nangThe L Resort Krabi$$$
Bedroom at ao nang beach bluesotel smart krabiBlueSotel SMART Krabi$$
Bedroom at cosi krabiCOSI Krabi$

1. The L Resort Krabi

The 4-star L Resort offers beachfront views and large rooms that cater to groups and families. The two-bedroom suite is suitable for an astonishing five people, you'll find various amenities such as a TV, air-conditioned rooms, and free wi-fi.

The outside swimming pool is 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!

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

2. BlueSotel SMART Krabi

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 a four-minute car drive to Ao Nang Beach, meaning this glorious paradise is almost right there on your doorstep.

What else makes this hotel great?

If you are a fan of keeping fit and healthy, you will be happy to know that BlueSotel SMART Krabi also has a fitness center. This is a part of their Blue Plus program which includes a professional fitness trainer to help keep you in shape while traveling on the road.

After finishing an intense workout, it is time to journey outside toward their outdoor pool area. This is the perfect place for relaxing after a long day, and you can even grab a drink at the pool bar here too.

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

3. COSI Krabi

Cosi Krabi Hotel is an effective 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 hotel's main outdoor swimming pool.

Of course, the most exciting part about the Cosi Krabi Hotel is its location. The fact 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.

Cosi Krabi is perfect for backpackers, and those seeking a thrill close to Ao Nang Beach!

Must try: 900 m from the Cosi Krabi you'll find Mama Kitchen which serves some of the best-tasting Massaman curry in Thailand.

Ao nang beach at sunset
Ao nang beach at sunset

Noppharat Thara: Best for Sunset and Night Market

HotelPrice
Bedroom at holiday style ao nang beach resortHoliday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort$$$
Ao nang blue ba you resort outdoor swimming poolBlue Ba You Resort$$
Outdoor street view of sanim hostel, ao nangSanim Hostel$

4. Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort

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!

This hotel has lots of facilities including free private parking, transfers to and from Krabi International Airport which is the nearest airport, and a gigantic swimming pool to have fun in.

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. This astonishingly big room provides direct access to the main swimming pool, and you can find two separate bathrooms along with a king-sized bedroom inside of its doors.

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

Although Blue Ba You Resort is significantly less popular compared with other options, it is still worthy of 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. This is the newest Muay Thai Boxing venue in Krabi which offers some great fight nights.

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

6. Sanim Hostel

There are multiple reasons why Sanim Hostel is a unique and special option compared to the others on this list.

Firstly, this is a hostel meaning it is exceptionally cheaper than booking a private room at a hotel. You will find more than enough options here ranging from mixed dorms to private hotel rooms to enjoy.

Secondly, Sanim Hostel is literally a one-minute walk from both Noppharat Thara Beach and Noppharat Thara Pier. The pier is great for taking trips to nearby islands such as Phi Phi Leh Island, and Ko Lanta, and the close distance means you don't have to wake up extra early in the morning.

What better way to savor those precious extra minutes of sleep?

Ao nang night market, thailand
Ao nang landmark night market

Ao Nang Village: Best for Access to Nearby Islands

HotelPrice
Bedroom suite with large bed and lounge areas at the anana ecological resort krabiAnana Ecological Resort$$$
Bedroom suite at de loft hotel, ao nangDe Loft Hotel$$
Chill-out area and downstairs workspace and cafe at the tan hostel, krabiTAN Hostel$
Hotels in ao nang beach, krabi thailand

7. Anana Ecological Resort

Are you a fan of 5-star accommodation?

If so, Anana Ecological Resort might be the hotel that is right up your street.

Not only does this hotel feature luxurious amenities, but there are plenty of eco-friendly features inside of the resort.

Anana Ecological Resort is an environmentally sustainable hotel that offers some pretty amazing goodies. One of these is a spa with massage services, and you can book carbon-neutral tours at the front desk. These tours include visits to Krabi Night Market and the historical Khanap Nam Cave.

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

I would say the most interesting part of the hotel is the day trips that are offered here. Not only are they uniquely designed, but they include direct transfers from Krabi Airport to the hotel.

This certainly makes planning your trips a lot easier!

8. De Loft Hotel

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 Tesco Lotus Supermarket as well as the Mountain Buddha Temple which is often visited by tourists. It is also just a short distance 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. There is also a great restaurant called 'Mama Kitchen' that serves some of the best curries in town.

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

9. TAN Hostel x Cafe

The Tan Hostel has its name for a reason, as it is just less than a mile from the white sands of Ao Nang Beach. This means you can tan without hassle, and it will take you only around 10 minutes to walk there in total.

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!

What else is ideal about Tan Hostel & Cafe?

There are plenty of shared facilities here, including its own 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 that looks both smooth and silky. This is pretty awesome considering the cheap room prices here.

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

HotelPrice
Indoor living space at poonsiri varich pool villaPoonsiri Varich Pool Villa$$$
Bedroom layout at poonsiri resort ao nangPoonsiri Resort Aonang$$
Villa views at coco house, ao nangCocco House$

10. Poonsiri Varich Pool Villa

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, and even a chauffeur service and hot tub.

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

Of course, it is important to mention that these villas do come with a price tag however it's a great way to spend time with your family and friends if you want to split the costs.

11. Poonsiri Resort

The rooms at Poonsiri Resort are a smaller but exciting alternative to the Poonsiri Varich Pool Villas. This SHA Plus+ hotel is surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs and has five epic mountains to gaze at. For this reason, you can expect to have some pretty epic views from your hotel room depending on where it is located.

There are plenty of benefits to staying at this resort, and this includes onsite kayaking directly on your doorstep.

For the nature lovers out there, don't hesitate on Poonsiri Resort. The dramatic limestone cliffs have to be mentioned twice for their eye-catching glory, and the natural surroundings will aid you in winding down during your Thailand vacation.

12. Cocco House

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!

Expect both a comfortable and soul-nourishing stay at Cocco House.

Motorbike in ao nang

My Hotel Selection Process

  • Accommodation Criteria: Each option listed ticks all the boxes for location, price, and value for money to have a comfortable and unforgettable stay in Ao Nang.
  • My Experience: I only choose hotels that offer the best for your money. I've stayed in many of the hotels mentioned during my visits to Krabi which helped with these selections.
  • Top Reviews: The hotels on this list have earned a high customer rating across booking sites such as Hotels.com, Expedia, and Booking.com. I constantly check my recommendations and update them.
  • Local Insights: I speak and gather recommendations from other travelers who mention hotels based on location, staff, affordability, and nearby activities.

Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.

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Years Traveling
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Hotels Stayed
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Olly gaspar

I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.

FAQ About Staying In Ao Nang, Krabi

Should I stay in Krabi Town or Ao Nang?

There are many more activities and tourist attractions close to Ao Nang. Due to this, I would recommend staying here over Krabi Town. However, Krabi Town offers the Pak Nam River, Tiger Cave Temple, and the weekend night market that shouldn't be missed.

What activities can I do in Ao Nang?

There are plenty of activities you can do in Ao Nang. This includes rock climbing, visiting Railay Beach by boat, taking a day trip to Phi Phi Islands, exploring churches and temples, or simply walking around the town's main streets and taking in the sights. Ao Nang is perfect for a short vacation ranging from a few days to a week, and it is honestly difficult to get bored here.

When is the best time to visit Krabi?

I would personally advise visiting Krabi Province from November to March. By going then, you can steer clear of the rain from June to October. In addition, you can enjoy some sun without the hot days seen in months ranging from early April to late May.

Is Ao Nang a good destination for families?

Ao Nang is one of the best holiday destinations in Thailand for families due to its stunning beaches, adventurous activities like kayaking, and hiking with monkeys, diverse dining options, and vibrant local markets. It is also a very convenient location for exploring nearby attractions, and it has a reputation for safety and accessibility.

Top Tours from Ao Nang

Check out these 3 epic day tours from Ao Nang below or read my post for the best day trips to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi and Phuket.

Speedboat tour krabi phi phi islands

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.

Hong island krabi beach

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.

Emerald pool krabi

3. Emerald Pool, Blue Lagoon & Tiger Cave Temple

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

Boat in railay, krabi
Boat traveling from railay beach to ao nang.

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.

Hidden beach, railay beach

Plan Your Krabi Accommodation

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

Where to stay in ao nang pinterest pin
Thanks for Reading

I'm Olly Gaspar, adventure traveler from Australia. I’ve spent the last six years traveling the world full-time, sharing my first-hand experiences & photography in over 700 travel guides on We Seek Travel. I visit every destination I write about to bring you unique travel itineraries, epic hiking routes, fun tour ideas, travel & photography gear ideas, & interesting places to stay.

I only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on my experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through my links, I may get a commission, supporting this website at no extra cost to you. Read my Publishing Ethics Statement.