Krabi travel guide: planning your stay

Getting there and choosing your base

Krabi International Airport (KBV): Takes domestic flights from Bangkok plus some regional routes, including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Shared buses run from the terminal through Krabi Town to Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara and can stop at most hotels on the way, so a base on that route avoids paying for a private car.
Krabi passenger port (Klong Jilad): Ferries for Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Jum leave from this newer port about 3 km outside Krabi Town, most of them in the morning. A night in town makes an early boat easier than coming in from the beaches.
Ao Nang beach longtails: Longtail boats for Rai Leh and Ton Sai leave from the beach itself, with no pier, so expect to wade out with your bags. Pack light if your hotel is on the peninsula.

Areas to consider

Ao Nang

Suits a first visit, with restaurants, tour desks and boats to the islands all within a short walk. If travelling between May and October, ask which nearby restaurants and shops stay open, as many cut their hours or close in the low season.

Nopparat Thara

Suits travellers who want a calmer beach next door to Ao Nang's services. See which side of the Khlong Haeng creek the hotel stands on: the creek and a headland divide this beach from Ao Nang, and swimming near the creek mouth is best avoided.

Rai Leh

Suits climbers and couples who like a car-free peninsula framed by limestone cliffs. Ask how the hotel handles luggage from the boat and what happens to transfers in rough weather, when boats may run from Ao Nammao instead of Ao Nang.

Krabi Town

Suits budget stays, early ferries and evenings in an ordinary provincial town. The town has an older centre near the river and a commercial strip along Route 4; check which part the hotel is in before assuming you can walk to the night markets and piers.

When to go

The dry season runs roughly from November to April, and that is when Ao Nang and Rai Leh are busiest and room rates are highest, especially over Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. From June to November Krabi gets more rain than most of Thailand; rates fall, but some ferry routes run less often.

Before choosing a room

Ao Nang Road turns inland away from the beach, so an Ao Nang address can be a fair walk from the sand. Check the distance on a map, not the hotel name.
For Rai Leh, confirm whether the longtail transfer is included in the rate and how the hotel meets guests arriving after dark.
Shopfronts in Ao Nang are often rebuilt at the start of the low season. Between May and October, ask whether there is building work next to the hotel.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on 29 October 2026. Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.