The Best Hotels in Krabi, Thailand
Find your perfect stay in Krabi: your ultimate guide to Krabi's best hotels
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No matter how many years pass, Thailand’s appeal never seems to fade. The turquoise waters, powdery sands and rich culture are an irresistible draw for even the most jaded of travellers, and few places encapsulate the beauty of Thailand quite as much as Krabi. Dramatic limestone karsts pierce the Andaman Sea, setting the scene for some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever witness, while lush rainforests spill out onto private beaches and hug luxurious bamboo huts. This is the place to get away from it all and be the main character in your own tropical island getaway, and these are the absolute best places to stay in Krabi while you do that.
1. Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Less than an hour from Krabi International Airport, you’ll be lying in a hammock sipping on a fresh coconut in no time. But really, anyone would be happy to travel three or four hours to reach Phulay Bay. The grandeur of Thai architecture is masterfully blended with nature to create a place that feels more like a sanctuary than a resort. From your first step here, you feel immersed in the dramatic landscape of Krabi, surrounded by swaying palm trees and with panoramic views over the limestone karsts that puncture the Andaman sea. Enjoy a rose petal bath in your room while you watch the sky turn every shade of orange and gold imaginable, before making your way to the Lae Lay Restaurant to indulge in fresh seafood. Interiors are grand yet pared back, with villas enjoying uninterrupted views of the Andaman sea.
2. Banyan Tree Krabi
This beloved resort lies just 40 minutes outside of Krabi town and sees guests return year after year. It’s not difficult to see why. No matter which suite or villa you choose to stay in, you’re guaranteed your own private pool, hugged by rainforest-clad hills. The rooms are fresh, modern and spacious but still distinctly Thai, with high ceilings accented in dark teakwood and floor to ceiling windows with direct views onto the Andaman sea. The walkways around the resort lead you through tropical groves and beneath mango trees – the word resort feels too hectic to summarise the vibe here. Things get even more idyllic and tranquil when you step into their spa. The Rainforest Experience sees you immersed in holistic wellness, including a rain walk, ice fountain, outdoor hot pool and heated beds, and that’s before you relax into their signature Royal Banyan treatment. If all that soul-soothing gets a bit too much, hop onto their traditional long-tail boat The White Pearl. She can take you on a tailor-made tour of the surrounding islands, ending your day with a complimentary glass of Wolf Blass on board your own private sunset cruise. This is Thai living at its best.
3. Rayavadee
This achingly photogenic resort is tucked away near Railay Beach, one of the most iconic spots along the Krabi coastline. Two story teakwood pavilions and luxury villas are dotted around lush rainforest and coconut groves, only a few minutes walk from two of the most breathtaking beaches in Thailand. Fern covered walkways lead to turquoise swimming pools and a tennis court backed by monolithic limestone karsts, while the circular pavilions and villas blend effortlessly into the landscape. This feels like your own movie set, where the only plot line is how to squeeze more time here. The interiors are pared back safari-chic, where luxury meets rustic and rich fabrics adorn cream coloured walls and dark teakwood beds. Waking up on their marshmallow pillows, step outside onto your private terrace for a morning coffee, where you might see monkeys and monitor lizards scampering through the sun-dappled coconut trees.
Varana Krabi
With 141 rooms spanning 6 buildings, Varana Krabi shakes off the ubiquitous bamboo bungalow vibe and replaces it with a refined, modern twist. The sprawling grounds are the best in luxurious minimalism, and the rooms are spacious and airy with pops of terracotta and bamboo against an earthy, muted palette. The reason you’re here? Varana takes Thai wellness culture and dials it up, big time. Begin your day with a workout in their state-of-the-art gym, before heading for a swim in their 50m long, Olympic-size lap pool, complete with seven lanes. Perhaps you want to explore their hydrotherapy pools, where over 1000 square metres of pool are tiered over 10 levels. Japanese onsens, salt saunas and herbal steam baths are all available for you to unwind and detox, before hitting up their celebrated The Beach Club, where you can sip on some hard-earned cocktails as you watch the setting sun light the sky on fire.
Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Only 20 minutes from bustling Ao Nang and located on one of Krabi’s most quiet and picturesque beaches, Tubkaak Krabi is a masterpiece in relaxed luxury. The teakwood villas and rooms are set amongst lush tropical gardens, with classic pointed roofs and spacious, bright interiors. Book a superior room and enjoy a steaming soak in your own stone bath, covered in flower petals, of course. Kayak rentals, world-class spa treatments and incredible dining showcase the best in Thai hospitality, but what really sets Tubkaak apart is their own private beach. White, powdery sand that overlooks the Andaman Sea, islands peppering the horizon and a sunset unlike any you’ve seen before, minus the crowds. A slice of your own paradise.
Things to Do
Things to Do
