For couples:
1. Pimalai Resort & Spa
General Info:
Located on the island of Ko Lanta Yai, overlooking the stunning Andaman Sea we have Pimalai Resort & Spa. As the location is in the southern part of the Krabi Province you might think that getting there from the Krabi airport would be quite a hassle, but no need to worry as the resort provides round-trip complimentary transfers from the airport to Pimalai Resort & Spa.
The resort offers 121 accommodation options from rooms and suites to hillside & beachside villas all featuring the amenities that you would expect from a 5-star resort. Apart from the Deluxe room which gives you the option to choose between a nature view and a sea view, all the others come with beautiful sea view which you can experience either from a higher altitude with the hillside villas or you could be right next to it with the beachside villas. When it comes to infinity pools, as I know people really want this feature when going on the vacation of a lifetime, your only options are the hillside & beachside villas which all come with their own private infinity pool, except for the One Bedroom Beachside Villa that has a shared pool.
Eating at the resort:
- Seven Seas (6:30-10:30PM) – $$ – Cuisine: International
- Rak Talay (11AM-10:30PM) – $$ – Cuisine: Thai
- Spice and Rice (6:30AM-10:30PM) – $$ – Cuisine: Thai
Eating outside the resort:
- Phu pha view restaurant (10AM-9PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (2-minute drive/14-minute walk)
- Drunken Sailors (9AM-4PM; 6-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: American/European – (2-minute drive/12-minute walk)
- Same Same But Different Restaurant (10AM-10PM) – $-$$ – Cuisine: Thai – (2-minute drive/10-minute walk)
- Phad Thai Rock n Roll (11AM-9PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (3-minute drive/17-minute walk)
General Info:
A bit further north on the same Ko Lanta Yai island, we find Layana Resort and Spa which is an adult only results so there is no one under 18 allowed, making it the perfect place for your couple retreat. Same as Pimalai Resort & Spa, Layana Resort & Spa provides transfer between the airport and the resort but they make it in style by the means of a private speed boat so be prepared for some adrenaline right off the gate. The beach front resort gives you access to Long Beach which keeps true to its name being almost 3 kilometers long or 1.8 miles.
Out of the 51 accommodation options only one has a pool (La Maison), but considering you will be right on the beach I doubt it would be such a big con. Most of the rooms (44) are Garden Pavilions that offer mountain views and a few villas if you like being closer to the ocean. All the rooms are made in contemporary Thai-style luxury and feature world-class amenities.
Eating at the resort:
- SeaSky Restaurant (6:30AM-10:30PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: International / Mediterranean
- Sundowners Bar and Lounge (10-12AM) – $ – Cuisine: International / Mediterranean
Eating outside the resort:
- Uncle O (6AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (3-minute drive / 8-minute walk)
- OA Restaurant (10AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (2-minute drive / 7-minute walk)
- You & Me Beach Bar and Restaurant (11AM-11PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai/Grill – (5-minute drive / 17-minute walk)
3. Rayavadee
General Info:
The stunning villas of Rayavadee are located on the shores of Railay Bay next to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world such as Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach beach. It takes around 45 minutes to get from the airport to the resort via car and then boat. Be aware that if you arrive in the airport between 11PM-5AM the resort does not have boat transfers during those times but if you email or give them a call letting them know they will set something up for you, so don’t be afraid that you will be stranded in the airport for hours and hours.
Rayavadee offers 101 accommodation options, 96 two-story pavilions and 5 breathtaking villas each spread out throughout the tropical gardens and coconut groves. For couples, if you don’t need more than one bedroom, we recommend either the Spa Pavilion which has its own beautiful gazebo and outdoor Jacuzzi or the Pool Pavilion if you want to enjoy total privacy while having a swim in your own private pool.
Eating at the resort:
- Raya Dining (7AM-11PM) – $$$$ – Cuisine: International
- Krua Phranang (6PM-11PM) – $$$$ – Cuisine: Thai
- Raitalay Terrace (11AM-11PM) – $$$$ – Cuisine: International
- The Grotto (12-8PM) – $$$$ – Cuisine: Thai
Eating outside the resort:
- Kohinoor Indian Restaurant & Pizza (11AM-11PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Italian/Indian
- Railay family Restaurant (7AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai
- One Stop Takeaway Shop – $ – Fast Food
- Welcome Back Restaurant (9AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Seafood/Thai
General Info:
Located on Tubkaek Beach, The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort overlooks the beautiful Phang Nga Bay. Just 45 minutes from the Krabi Airport, this relaxing hideaway is the perfect romantic escape, with the islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai protecting it from monsoon winds it has a calm and safe beach all year round.
The resort has 55 rooms and suites each uniquely decorated in contemporary Thai-style. The Deluxe and the Superior rooms offer you garden views with quick access to the resort’s main pool while the Seview Room and Suite offer beautiful ocean views and quick access to the beach. If you want a bit more privacy then the villas will do just the trick each having its own private pool and terrace, but the perfect choice for couples I would have to say is the Haven Suite (photo above) with its private beachfront pool overlooking the Andaman Sea.
Eating at the resort:
- The Arundina (6:30AM–12AM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai
- Di Mare Trattoria (6PM-9:30PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Italian
Eating outside the resort:
- Bellini (11AM-10:30PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Italian/European (1 minute drive / 5 minute walk)
- Tubkaek Seafood (11AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai/Seafood (1 minute drive / 4 minute walk)
General Info:
Located on a private cove on Klong Muang Beach, Nakamanda Resort & Spa is a romantic retreat that first opened its doors in 2004. This resort has a very unique design and architecture compared to the other ones because the spread out villas give the impression that you are in local traditional village.
The resort has 39 luxury villas, each of them with contemporary Thai-style design and filled with small details that make the accommodation perfect for couples looking for a romantic vacation. The usual choice for honeymooners when booking a vacation at Nakamanda Resort & Spa is usually the Jacuzzi Villa which features amazing sea views from your jacuzzi pool due to the fact that it’s located on the highest level the resort offers. Another good option is the Sala Villa with Outdoor Hydropool that offers ultimate privacy being hidden on the resort grounds and featuring a gorgeous outdoor garden equipped with a perfect couple sundeck and a hydropool.
If you are willing to spend a bit more for your vacation then the Pool Villa is the jewel of Nakamanda Resort & Spa. It has two bedrooms and the best views the resort has to offer overlooking the beach. Although I would say this is a better fit for a family, if you’re a couple that has money to spend then go for it, the views from every corner of the villa won’t make you regret that decision.
Eating at the resort:
- The Kitchen Restaurant and The Beach Bar (6:30AM–11PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Seafood/Asian/European
Eating outside the resort:
- Banana Leaf Thai and Indian Restaurant (10AM–11PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/Indian – (1 minute walk)
- Motherhouse Bar & Restaurant (12–10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (1 minute walk)
- Sa-ing Restaurant & Bar (open 24 hours) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Western/Thai – (1 minute drive / 3 minute walk)
- Eats Beach Bar & Restaurant (8AM–9PM) – $ – Cuisine: European/Thai – (1 minute drive / 3 minute walk)
For families:
1. Koh Jum Beach Villas
General Info:
Koh Jum Beach Villas is located on the Koh Jum island which so far has surprisingly not been a tourist hot spot. Nonetheless, that is a good thing because who likes overcrowded beaches and resorts? Some people say that in comparison to Phi Phi or Railay, Koh Jum is like stepping into Thailand decades ago as it has kept the traditional feel, but remember this is not a bad thing because if you are looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle there is no place better.
The resort has 19 luxurious villas each being either beachfront or in the beautiful gardens (You can see exactly where the villas are located HERE). I know that “family travel” is a vague term because I’ve seen families of 3 and also families of 12 in the same resort but no matter your needs there is at least one villa that will cater to you. From one-bedroom villas to 5-bedroom villas so if you’re planning the ultimate family gathering in Thailand, Koh Jum Beach Villas is the perfect place for you.
Dining:
- On site Restaurant – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/International
- Friendly Restaurant (8AM-9PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (4 minute drive/23 minute walk)
- Ban Ban (8AM-9PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (4 minute drive/25 minute walk)
- Koh Jum Seafood Restaurant (8AM-9PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Seafood/Thai – (8 minute drive)
General Info:
Oh the same island of Koh Lanta Yai like Pimalai Resort & Spa and, Layana Resort & Spa we find Rawi Warin Resort & Spa with its own beautiful private corner on Khong Toab Beach and boasting serene views of Klong Tob Bay. With the beach in the front and the beautifully preserved tropical forest in the back, this resort does the perfect job of keeping itself in harmony with nature. (Tip: Getting to the resort from Krabi airport or Phuket airport is kind of tricky to do on your own so if you want to avoid having a headache 20 minutes after you set foot in Thailand you should arrange with the resort to send a private shuttle to make life easier for yourself.)
The resort has 185 rooms, villas, and suites featuring amazing views, private pools and world-class amenities with plenty of good options for a family on vacation. If you’re traveling with kids you would be happy to know that the resort has a Kid’s corner where your little ones can play around and also the main infinity pool at the resort – infinity Ozone Pool – has a kids pool on the lower level equipped with a water slide for guaranteed fun.
Eating at the resort:
- The Golden Pond – Cuisine: Thai/International
- The Watermark (4PM-11PM) – Cuisine: Thai/International
- Sushi Mizumi (5PM-11PM) – Cuisine: Japanese
- Daeng Homemade Fried Chicken (11AM-9PM)
Eating outside the resort:
- Greenland Restaurant (9AM-11PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: European/Asian/Indian (2 minute drive / 5 minute walk)
- Rocks bistro & bar (11AM-11PM) – $$-$$$ – Great place for burgers and steak – (2 minute drive / 7 minute walk)
- Bobby Big boy Seafood&Bar (10AM-11PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai (2 minute drive / 7 minute walk)
General Info:
Right between Naga Mountain and Klong Muang Beach, we find Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa with a great view of the Andaman Sea and the outer islands. A 40-minute drive away from Krabi airport and about 3 hours from the bigger Phuket airport, this resort is the perfect mixture of western luxury and tasteful Thai style. Families are really caterd for when it comes to activities, the little ones will have the time of their life in the kids club that features activities such as kids yoga, treasure hunting, umbrella painting, a live Frozen show and a lot more. When it comes to the parents they can enjoy ultimate relaxation by going to the resort spa or put their golfing skills to the test as Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa features one of the best Golf facilities in Krabi.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa has 253 Superior/Luxury Rooms and 18 Suites combining French and Thai style to provide the greatest luxury experience at one of the best Krabi resorts. When it comes to the room choice it mostly depends on how much space you need and the view you would like to have. The cheapest option would be the superior room although at only 45m2 it might get a bit cramped for more than 3 people, for more than 3 people a Suite is the best choice and if you can splurge a little then no one will be disappointed in the Pool Suite.
Eating at the resort:
- Maya Restaurant – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: International/Thai
- Ristorante Venezia (6PM-11PM) – $$$$ – Cuisine: Italian
- White Lotus (6PM-10:30PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/Indian
Eating outside the resort:
- Mom’s Bar (10AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai – (1 minute drive / 8 minute walk)
- Sa-ing Restaurant & Bar (open 24 hours) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Western/Thai (2 minute drive / 8 minute walk)
- Banana Leaf Thai and Indian Restaurant (10AM-11PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/Indian (2 minute drive / 12 minute walk)
- Little Jamaica Bar & Restaurant (10AM-12AM) – $ – Cuisine: European/Thai (1 minute drive / 8 minute walk)
General Info:
Close to the city center of Aonang, we find Ban Sainai Resort, a 4-star resort focused on helping their visitors embrace the local Thai culture and its uniqueness. Although this resort is not focused on the beach lifestyle it’s only a 5 minutes away from Ao Nang Beach and there is a free tuk-tuk service from to get you to the beach so you can get your sandy fix with no worries, although if you want a beachfront accommodation the Ban Sainai Resort is not for you.
Ban Sainai Resort offers 40 cottages spread throughout the tropical landscape making this the perfect resort for you if you enjoy nature. The Family Cottage is ideal if you travel with more than three people, located next to the lotus pond and featuring a beautiful wooden private terrace it will surely fulfill your family’s needs. Although if you like to cook for yourself the Tropical Family Cottage that was opened in 2015 might be the better pick for you as it has its own fully furnished kitchen and if the kitchen didn’t sell you there’s also a jacuzzi spa bathtub.
Eating at the resort:
- Sai Nai Restaurant – Cuisine: Thai/International (NOTE: there is no pork or alcohol served in this resort)
Eating outside the resort:
- BUZZ Organic Food & Drink (9AM-5PM) – $ – Cuisine: Mediterranean/Fusion (3 minute drive / 13 minute walk)
- Dean and Mom’s Restaurant (11AM-10PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/Seafood (2 minute drive / 7 minute walk)
- 11/1 Thaifood & Cocktail (12-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai (1 minute drive / 4 minute walk)
- Jungle Kitchen (11AM–2PM; 5–10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai/Asian (3 minute drive / 11 minute walk)
5. Pimalai Resort & Spa
Talked about this one on the couple section, but it would also be amazing for a family, go check it out above.
Under $100/night
1. The Lai Thai
General Info:
A 10-minute walk from Ao Nang Beach we find The Lai Thai, located in a great area surrounded by great restaurants, shops, and basically everything is within walking distance.
Opened in 1996 The Lai Thai is a bit different from usual hotels as all the rooms are more like full-fledged apartments. Each comes with its own fully equipped kitchen so if you ever miss your cooking or are a bit short on funds you can go ahead and make yourself a nice dinner and because of the great location where you will find a lot of shops you will be able to cook pretty much anything you desire.
The apartments range from the usual Superior room that would be a great choice for a couple, all the way to the Penthouse that can fit up to 8 adults and features a Jacuzzi bathtub and a balcony with great views of the surroundings. As for the common areas this establishment has a fitness center, a 25-meter lap pool and also a children’s pool.
Best places to eat at:
- BUZZ Organic Food & Drink (9AM-5PM) – $ – Cuisine: Mediterranean/Cafe – (1 minute walk)
- Bombay Palace (11AM-11:30PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Indian/Asian/Thai – (3 minute walk)
- Diver’s Inn Steakhouse and International Cuisine (8AM-11PM) – $$-$$$ – (3 minute walk)
- Aonang Buffet (6PM-10PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Seafood/Barbecue/Thai – (5 minute walk)
- 11/1 Thaifood & Cocktail (12-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai/Asian – (2 minute drive / 9 minute walk)
General Info:
Just a few minutes away from Lai Thai Resort we find Aonang Hill @ 11/1 another great budget resort that takes us back to the type of resort that we are used to featuring villas and cottages instead of apartments.
The rooms have a contemporary thai style architecture, with very comfortable king beds, modern bathrooms and of course the all necessary A/C. If you want to stay under $100/night I would suggest going in the off season when you can book even the villas for about $85/night.
Best places to eat at:
- Dean and Mom’s Restaurant (11AM-10PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Thai/Seafood (4 minute walk)
- Ao Nang Boat Noodle (10AM-9PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (3 minute drive / 10 minute walk)
- Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant (8AM–2PM; 5–9:30PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (3 minute drive / 9 minute walk)
- Jungle Kitchen (11AM–2PM; 5–10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai (2 minute drive / 9 minute walk)
General Info:
Right on Yao Beach and about 30 minutes away from Krabi airport, we find this wonderful boutique resort called Purin Resort & Restaurant. This resort offers only 9 villas ranging from a Superior King Villa to a Private Pool Villa with its beautiful ocean view.
Unfortunately, even though it is on the beach the location isn’t that great if you want to venture outside the resort and grab something to eat, no real places to eat I could recommend in the area. But, and this is a big but, the on-location restaurant is highly praised by people who went to this resort because it has a large variety of food such as seafood, American dishes, traditional Thai and amazing cocktails at the bar.
So if you planned a short vacation where you just want to enjoy the resort and the sip cocktails on the beach and not break the bank this might be the perfect resort for you.
General Info:
Located in the same area as The Lai Thai and Aonang Hill @ 11/1 and 20 minutes away from Krabi city center we find this gorgeous surrounded by nature resort called Centra by Centara Phu Pano Resort. The beach is about 10 minutes away with the free shuttle offered by the resort.
This resort is quite bigger than the other three above as it has 158 rooms available, each with their own balcony overlooking the pool or the beautiful limestone formations. Personally I would go for the Centra Superior room as I would rather admire the surrounding nature than the pool, but if you’re traveling as a family with kids and want to check out on your little ones from the comfort of your own balcony you should go for the Centra Superior Pool View or the Centra Family Residence.
Eating at the resort:
- Mix Bistro – [sc name=”dollar23″] – Cuisine: Thai/International
Eating outside the resort:
- Banana House (10AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai (1 minute drive / 5 minute walk)
- German Beer Garden (9AM-10PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: European/Bar (1 minute drive / 6 minute walk)
- Pooky O’Leary’s (11AM-10PM) – $$-$$$ – Cuisine: Irish/Thai (2 minute drive / 6 minute walk)
- 11/1 Thaifood & Cocktail (12-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Thai/Asian (2 minute drive / 6 minute walk)
- Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant (8AM–2PM; 5–9:30PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai (1 minute drive / 3 minute walk)
General Info:
Located on the island of Koh Lanta Yai with its own private beachfront on Khlong Khong Beach, we find Baan Thai Lanta Resort.
This resort features 15 gorgeous villas that are very well thought out and hidden by the tropical trees and flowers that offer a bit of privacy to each villa. The villas that you can get for under $100/night are the Beach View Villa or the Garden View Villas each having the basic amenities such as Air-conditioning, LCD TV etc. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Thai cuisine and delicious daily buffets for breakfast and lunch. In the evening you can enjoy a superb sunset while dining at the restaurant.
Eating outside the resort:
- Malina’s Kitchen (9AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (4 minute drive / 10 minute walk)
- Lantasure Restaurant (8AM-10PM) – $ – Cuisine: Indian/Seafood (3 minute drive / 18 minute walk)
- Klapa Klum Restaurant & Bar – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai (2 minute drive / 7 minute walk)
- Three Sisters Restaurant (9:30AM-10:30PM) – $ – Cuisine: Asian/Thai – (3 minute drive / 12 minute walk)