Ao Nang is the tourist heart of Krabi and, for most travelers, the most convenient base: a long boulevard full of restaurants, bars, and shops, the beach right next door, and the longtail boats to Railay within walking distance. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 7 best hotels in Ao Nang, by budget and travel style.
Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to Hotels in Krabi: The Ultimate Beach & Hotel Guide. Be sure to check out that guide too, to discover which area best suits your travel style!
Why choose a hotel in Ao Nang?
Ao Nang is the most complete base in Krabi. All the restaurants, bars, and shops sit in one compact area, every island tour picks you up here, and for a day trip to Railay you simply hop on the longtail boat at the beach. The beach at Ao Nang itself is fine for a stroll and the sunset; for the best swimming you head to Railay or on an island tour. In late 2026, Centara Reserve Krabi will also open here, in its own bay next to Ao Nang, adding a major luxury name to the area.
We’ve visited Ao Nang ourselves several times, and it’s always a pleasant place to stay and unwind.
Tip: Still torn between Ao Nang and Phuket? Read why you’re better off skipping Phuket.
Compare the best hotels in Ao Nang
| Hotel | Segment | Vibe | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort | Luxury | Modern & central | On the cliff with views over the bay and the limestone cliffs |
| Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach | Mid-range | Family-friendly | Kids’ club, children’s pool and playground |
| Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang | Mid-range | Spacious & relaxed | Three pools just minutes from the beach |
| Krabi Resort | Mid-range | Classic & green | Right on the beach, on the quiet side of Ao Nang |
| Aonang Villa Resort | Mid-range | Quiet & well located | Right on the sea and within walking distance of the center |
| Ban Sainai Resort | Boutique | Green & serene | Cottages at the foot of the limestone cliffs |
| BlueSotel SMART Krabi | Adults-only | Stylish & quiet | Two infinity pools and rooftop bar, adults only |
Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort
At the top of the cliff at the end of the boulevard sits Avani Ao Nang Cliff, the best-known upscale hotel in Ao Nang. From the two pools and the bar, you look out over the bay and the limestone cliffs toward Railay, while still being just a few minutes from the restaurants in the center. The best combination of views and location in the area.
View the current prices and availability of Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort
Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
For families, Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach is the obvious choice: a kids’ club, a separate children’s pool, a playground, and a program where kids eat and stay for free. The resort sits on the quieter north side of Ao Nang, close to Noppharat Thara Beach.
View the current prices and availability of Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach
Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang
Deevana Plaza is a spaciously laid out 4-star resort with three pools, just a few minutes from the beach. You get a lot of resort for your money here, which has long made it a favorite among travelers looking for comfort without 5-star prices.
View the current prices and availability of Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang
Krabi Resort
Krabi Resort is one of Ao Nang’s established names and one of the few hotels here located directly on the beach. The bungalows are spread across a large tropical garden on the quiet side of the village, within walking distance of the center.
View the current prices and availability of Krabi Resort
Aonang Villa Resort
Aonang Villa Resort combines a seaside location with proximity to the center: the boulevard practically starts at the door. With two pools and a garden that leads down to the beach, this is a solid mid-range option for anyone who wants to stay central.
View the current prices and availability of Aonang Villa Resort
Ban Sainai Resort
Anyone who wants Ao Nang as a base but would rather not sleep in the middle of the bustle should look at Ban Sainai: 38 cottages in a green garden at the foot of the limestone cliffs, a five-minute drive from the beach (the resort runs a shuttle). One of the best-rated stays in all of Krabi.
View the current prices and availability of Ban Sainai Resort
BlueSotel SMART Krabi (adults-only)
If you’re traveling without kids, BlueSotel SMART is a surprisingly affordable adults-only option about 200 meters from the beach, with two infinity pools and a rooftop bar overlooking the limestone cliffs. You’ll find more child-free options in our overview of adults-only hotels in Krabi.
View the current prices and availability of BlueSotel SMART Krabi
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Ao Nang
Is Ao Nang a good choice for a first visit to Krabi?
Yes. Everything is within walking distance, every tour departs from here, and you’re right by the longtail boats to Railay. For a first introduction to Krabi, Ao Nang is the most practical choice.
Is the beach at Ao Nang beautiful?
It’s a fine beach for a stroll and the sunset, but not the highlight of the region. The most beautiful beaches and the clearest water are on Railay and during the island tours, which is exactly why Ao Nang is so popular as a base.
How do I get from Ao Nang to Railay?
By longtail boat from the beach: about a 15-minute ride, for around 100 to 150 THB per person each way. The boats leave as soon as there are enough passengers.
Conclusion
Ao Nang is, and remains, the most complete base in Krabi, with options for every budget: from the family-friendly Holiday Inn and the affordable mid-range resorts to the views at Avani Cliff and the green tranquility of Ban Sainai. Pick your hotel based on what you’re looking for (beach, quiet, or liveliness) and you’ll always be well placed here for tours to the islands and Railay.
