Best hotels in Krabi, perfect for families like ours!
The decision is made, you're going on a beautiful trip to – we can't emphasize it enough – our favorite country ever: Thailand. You haven’t yet decided on the exact route (you can find tips for the ideal itinerary here), but one thing is certain: you’ll be stopping at Thailand's most beautiful beaches in Krabi. And rightly so, because a trip to Thailand isn’t complete without those paradise beaches. And if you choose the paradise life, you’ll want to do it in a hotel you love. Looking for a bit of luxury? We stayed twice in Krabi in the most beautiful hotels you can imagine. Let’s take you to Krabi. Meet Banyan Tree and Phulay Bay (Ritz Carlton). Since tastes and needs vary, we’ve also listed some hidden gems at the end.
Get your bucket list ready, because we have one to check off. Banyan Tree might be well-known for its ‘it’s not just any place’ reputation, but in Thailand, they take customer service to the next level. Each room has a private pool, perfect for relaxation, and the large pool area is super peaceful. If you ever think, ‘Hmm, all this peace may not be ideal with my kids,’ forget that thought! Nearby, there’s a kids’ club with a play area, crafts, and a kids' pool with a slide and climbing tower. Banyan Tree seems to cater to beautiful families like yours. After all, we’re in Thailand, where children are treated like royalty. By the way, that kids’ play paradise? It's perfect for playing hide-and-seek (just saying). Of course, this luxury and unmatched service come with a price. Definitely check it out—it’s truly the most amazing place. We loved having lunch at the hotel (delicious Pad Thai!), and for dinner, we either ate out or ordered via Grab. Install the app—it’s a lifesaver when you prefer to eat in your room after a long day with tired kids, but room service is overpriced ;-)) Our best moments of the day? The sunset on this side of Thailand is breathtaking. Order a cocktail, relax by the beach, and enjoy the sunset while the kids play a little further away on the sand. As the sun sets, we’d take a short beach walk, and the magic was complete.
Equally as many superlatives for the luxury and service at Phulay Bay, maybe even a little more. Phulay Bay is a Ritz Carlton Reserve and truly has everything one could wish for. Various types of rooms and suites, butler service, and an atmosphere that is unmatched. We first stayed at Phulay Bay in 2014, before withkidontheroad even existed. It was then that we fell in love with this place and swore we would return. That return happened in 2022, with even more awe and gratitude for being able to stay there. Phulay Bay really focuses on their preparation. We posted a few days before our arrival that withkidontheroad was celebrating its 5th anniversary, and we received a lovely room upgrade as a birthday gift. I should mention that we were there in January 2022, and the aftermath of the pandemic led to the hotel being underbooked. Anyway, the suite we got to stay in for 4 days was beyond words. Just steps from the sea, with a long private pool where you could swim laps before breakfast (if you wanted to ;-)), and a royal bed where we could all sleep together. Don't be fooled; although it’s luxury we’ve rarely experienced elsewhere, children are very welcome. Bas and Elodie were invited to craft sessions, there were coloring supplies provided at the table, and water toys in the pool. The coastline is inviting and piqued our curiosity. That’s why we booked a boat trip to Koh Hong, an island about an hour away, where we went snorkeling, and Ludovic climbed the steps to the highest point of the island (what a view!)
Since we are true hotel enthusiasts, we’d love to share the rest of our search. The above hotels are top-notch, in our opinion, the best of luxury hotels in Krabi. But they are just the tip of the iceberg. Below, we share many other hotels in Krabi that we’ve spotted and that, for one reason or another, seem like real gems. Hotels don’t always need to be pure luxury for us. Sometimes the location, the experience, or the concept sparks our interest. And perhaps it will spark yours too.
Let’s start with a completely different concept. Railay Great View Resort caught our attention with its unique concept. The wooden pole houses are deep in the jungle yet close to the beach. It’s not about exclusive luxury, but rather an exclusive, stimulating experience! Extra fun: the hotel is only accessible by boat, and they offer free shuttle service. When you book a room (extra beds are available), they will contact you to arrange transportation. The ferry departs from Ao Nam Mao pier. Come here for peace, beach/pool, and to be one with nature.
We would also dare to include Amari Vogue in our travel package for those who enjoy a touch of luxury and stunning views over the Andaman Sea. You can relax by one of the two pools or, of course, at the beach. What makes this hotel so appealing to us is the authentic Thai atmosphere that it offers.
I think you won’t need shoes at this hotel. The barefoot mentality shines through in the photos. The reason we would consider choosing this hotel is mainly the beachside rooms. There seems to be a laid-back, 'no pressure, everything goes' atmosphere, and we really like that about this place.
Location, location, location! That’s why you choose this hotel. Just steps from the beach (it doesn’t get much closer) in an idyllic bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and greenery. Although there’s a beach right in front, the famous Railay Beach is also not far (600m). No big luxury here, but authentic coziness in an adventurous setting. This hotel in Krabi is a real find!
This hotel is located in a beautiful bay, Pai Plong, with views over the Andaman Sea. Due to its unique location, the hotel is only accessible by boat. Shuttle services are provided free of charge from Nopparatthara Pier to the hotel. The hotel also has an excursion desk for those who wish to arrange trips around the area.
If you're looking for a true family hotel where the kids can have a blast, this hotel is definitely worth checking out! The huge pool is divided into different zones, one of which is specifically for children with water play equipment. It seems like a resort where the parents’ relaxation can be equally matched with the stimulation the kids need. Of course, the beach is also nearby (across the street), because that's what you come to Krabi for, right?
If all you really need is a clean room, a soft bed, and the beach right outside your door, Krabi Home Resort might be perfect for you. It’s a bit more affordable than the others (not ultra-luxurious), but it still offers the same stunning natural beauty right in front and around the resort. You can also rent a car at the resort to explore the area.
Same same but different: this hotel is also close to the beach, offers stunning views, and features an interior we’d love to copy-paste into our own home. A lovely pool, a beautiful garden to relax in, and just steps away from the beach.
Best hotels in Krabi, perfect for families like ours!