The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2023.
In a country known for its natural beauty, Krabi is perhaps the most beautiful region of all. Its turquoise waters, powdery sands, dense emerald jungles, dramatic mountains, and cavernous mangrove forests combine to make a truly spectacular sight. Hotels in the area know how to play to these strengths.
You’ll find decadent glitzy hotels and the usual family-friendly resorts, but also some more low-key options with rooms and villas that blend in and highlight the natural surroundings. Many hotels in Krabi pride themselves in being isolated and in allowing you to really get away from it all – several are even only accessible by traditional longtail boat.
Krabi is a large region, so it can be hard to decide where to base yourself. There is no gay area (there is no dedicated gay nightlife at all) and only a couple of places with a strong nightlife. It’s up to you to decide whether you want a more secluded, relaxing experience or if you want to enjoy the social life of the busier hubs.
All of the hotels on this list, however, are on mainland Krabi, and most are in and around the following three areas. Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town
Ao Nang is the central transport hub of Krabi, as well as the most developed beachside area. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, markets, and stores, but not too much that the beach feels completely taken over by tourism. Apart from Koh Phi Phi, it has the closest nightlife to the party vibe you get in other major Thai destinations. Because of its frequent boat services and good transport networks, this is the best place to stay if you plan to cover a lot of ground throughout Krabi.
Railay – More upscale and quieter than Ao Nang, Railay has more of a relaxed atmosphere. It is made up of a beach in Railay West that connects with a more developed area in Railay East. There are bars and restaurants and a decent nightlife, but it’s considerably more laid-back than Ao Nang. It’s a particularly beautiful peninsula, with dramatic limestone formations, green mangrove forests, and stunning beaches.
Krabi Town is the capital of Krabi, and it is perhaps one of the most authentic spots in the area. It’s very much a living, breathing Thai town, with plenty of great temples, markets, bars, and shops to explore. Few people spend their entire time in Krabi here (few people come to Krabi to stay away from the beaches and nature), but it’s worth a stop for a day or two.
♥ Largest. Swimming. Pool. In. Thailand.
♥ Beautiful Thai-colonial design
♥ Top-notch resort facilities across the board
If the words “Thailand’s largest swimming pool” doesn’t do it for you, we don’t know what will. As well as a massive 7,000m2 lagoon-style pool, this luxury resort features some of the best recreational facilities around, including tennis courts, a golf course, an excellent fitness center, and a full suite of activities. You can then top off a busy day by getting a L’Occitane treatment at the spa.
The gay friendly hotel also boasts four restaurants, serving everything from local Thai fare to poolside barbeques and authentic Italian cuisine. For breakfast, you can enjoy an incredibly well-stocked buffet with options catering for every possible taste and nationality.
It also helps that the resort looks absolutely gorgeous, with a blend of old-fashioned colonial grandeur, and traditional Thai features. This extends to the rooms, which feature luxury elements like teak floors and furniture, marble bathrooms, and sea-facing balconies.
The resort is a little bit removed from Krabi’s main attractions, but Ao Nang is just a 20-minute drive away. From there, all of Krabi’s best islands and beaches are easily reachable. That said, the isolated location is also perfect for gay couples and travellers who want to properly get away from it all in a luxury environment.
♥ Secluded bay with an almost private beach
♥ Two huge pools – one very quiet and peaceful
♥ Great facilities and free kayak rental
Centara Grand Krabi sits in its own quiet bay, surrounded by steep cliffs and a pristine beach. Cut off from the mainland by mountains, you can only reach the resort by boat, creating almost private vibes. Free boat transfers are provided by the resort and while it’s so tranquil you can still reach Krabi International Airport within a 40-minute drive.
In addition to the 500-meter beach, the luxury resort’s facilities include a spa, fitness center, two outdoor pools, four onsite restaurants, and a large watersport center. The watersports guests offer sailing, paddleboards, windsurfing, and kayaks.
The resort is a little bit removed from Krabi’s main attractions. However, the secluded location also makes for a perfect setting to indulge in romantic escapes.
♥ Poolside rooms with direct access
♥ Great Ao Nang location
♥ High-quality fitness facilities
This huge resort in Ao Nang has everything you could possibly want from a Thai beach vacation. There’s a huge freeform pool with a swim-up bar, lush tropical greenery, and a complete suite of services, activities, and facilities to keep you busy.
The rooms are spacious and decorated in a modern style, with some of them featuring direct access to the pool (we mean direct – you can jump straight from your private terrace into the water). The hotel is very family-focused, but it is also careful to cater to those without kids as well. There is a dedicated adults-only wing of the hotel based around the needs of couples, and the dedicated kid and teen areas mean the other parts of the hotel tend to be relaxed.
There’s great food at the Inn Asia restaurant and three different bars to get your refreshments from. You can also enjoy live entertainment most nights, and the 24h gym is excellent, with a full range of cardio and weights equipment.
One of the best things about Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach is its location, right in the middle of the action in Ao Nang. Noppharat Thara Beach is just a short walk away, and there are countless great restaurants and bars around to enjoy.
Krabi Resort benefits from an incredible location on Ao Nang, with its own private stretch of beach (it’s the only hotel in Ao Nang to have this feature). From here, it is easy to get transport to islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, and you have a great selection of nightlife spots to keep you entertained.
The resort itself offers a selection of spacious rooms, villas, and bungalows, featuring either contemporary design or a more traditional Thai decor. The luxury grand room is a particularly romantic choice, with large windows and a balcony overlooking the mountains, while the Tropical Pool Villa offers some of the most stylish decor.
It’s a large resort with a sprawling tropical garden, so it feels nicely isolated and peaceful. There are two great outdoor swimming pools as well as the aforementioned private beach. Aside from this, you will find all the expected facilities, including a decent gym, daily activities, several food and drink outlets, and bicycle rental.
This Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach is located on quiet and scenic Noppharat Thara beach. This means it is close to all the bars, restaurants, and markets of Ao Nang, while still having a more quiet and relaxed vibe than the resorts directly on Ao Nang beach. That said, Ao Nang beach is just a 15-minute walk away, so you have your choice when it comes to where to spend the day on the sand.
The gay-friendly Krabi resort itself is modern, with all facilities impeccably clean and up to date. At its center, it features large landscaped gardens and a central swimming pool that is ideal for both splashing and doing laps. Other useful facilities include a basic but well-equipped gym with cardio and weights equipment, self-service laundry, and an extensive bike-friendly service that includes rental, cleaning, bike maps, and more.
The rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, with a Sino-Portuguese theme that nods to Southern Thailand’s history of trade. All have extremely comfy beds and all have great amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities, MP3 alarm clock, and a balcony overlooking either the pool or the garden.
Breakfast is included in all room rates and is both varied and delicious. The hotel’s central restaurant, Calm Cafe & Bistro is a pleasant and relaxed place to grab a drink or a bite to eat, with a laid-back beach decor.
This design at this resort is a blend of contemporary with traditional Thai, but it really lets the location do most of the talking. Railay Princess Resort & Spa is nestled among the lush greenery and dramatic cliffs of Krabi, which means that you can always see the nature surrounding you.
The hotel sits on Railay East, a short 10-minute walk from Railay Beach. It sits right on one of the best and most picturesque beaches in the area, the lovely (yet often crowded) Phra Nang Cave beach. Overall, the area has a lively and relaxed atmosphere, with just enough development to keep things fun without getting too loud or sleazy.
The rooms are all fairly spacious and feature basic modern decor. All of them have a good-sized terrace, which usually features some spectacular views. Everything is spotless and extremely comfortable, which is a testament to the resort’s friendly and efficient staff.
The hotel spa is supremely pleasant, with open-air massage beds directly facing the beautiful nature of Railay. There is also a small fitness center (two cardio machines and a rack of weights) and a charming restaurant which also boasts great views. You can choose between two swimming pools, one of which benefits from a stunning position facing the sea.
The Tubkaak Krabi is a gorgeously designed resort located near quiet Tubkaak Beach. This location is far removed from most of Krabi’s more commercial resort areas, meaning you truly get a feeling of peace and quiet when staying here. The hotel has won several awards for its design and romantic feel, so this is definitely one to discover with a significant other.
All the rooms are decorated with a contemporary take on traditional Thai design, and they all have an outdoor bathtub that is perfect for soaking under the stars after a long day of beach activities. The villas are even more romantic, with your own private pool and, in some cases, direct beachfront access.
The resort is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience. This is felt from your arrival, where you are welcomed with fresh fruit, cold towels, and a drink. The staff take pride in their work and are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Facilities include a beautiful spa, a library, a gift shop stocking authentic artisan items from throughout Thailand, and a small but well-equipped gym. Complimentary kayaks and paddle boards are available on the beach, and the daily breakfast has an excellent selection of Western and Asian dishes.
Located among bright green jungle greenery and featuring fun, colorful decor with a tropical theme, Hula Hula resort is very easy on the eyes. There are traditional touches throughout, but it manages to feel like a fresh and unique take on the typical Thai resort, with a sustainable green ethos and a focus on holistic wellbeing.
The rooms are decorated in tones of minimalist white, with pops of bright color and large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden, pool, sea, or mountains. All of them are very spacious and impeccably clean, with a private terrace and all the basic amenities. The rooms on the ground floor with direct access to the pool are particularly handy for sunbathers, while couples will love the romantic or private pool villas.
All of the facilities are of a high standard, including an airy and well-equipped gym and four outdoor swimming pools. The Happy Restaurant serves authentic Thai food as well as some international options, and there is also a pleasant breakfast space, pool bar, and a barbecue grill serving the freshest Andaman seafood.
The resort is located approximately a 20-minute walk from both Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches. This places you close to Krabi’s biggest nightlife hub, as well as being well-positioned for day tours and island hopping.
As the name indicates, this hostel is part of a chain of hostels around Southeast Asia with a strong party vibe. Don’t come here if you want to relax, reconnect with nature, and get some well-deserved restful sleep. However, if you want to meet people and party hard in Ao Nang, this the place to be.
The hostel hosts Krabi’s most infamous pub crawl, which is a good way to get to know the local nightlife (if you can remember anything the next day). During the day, they run awesome tours and activities, like a kayaking tour through the local mangrove forests and a jungle experience featuring hiking and a dip in hot spring waterfalls.
There is a tendency for party hostels to be dirty and sleazy, a trend which Slumber Party completely avoids. Everything is kept perfectly clean, everyone is welcoming and friendly, and the facilities themselves are modern and comfortable. The bunk beds all have privacy curtains, plugs, and individual lockers.
Tonsai Bay Resort is located on Tonsai Beach, a small and secluded stretch of sand north of Railay West. The hotel can only be reached by boat, which is about a 10-minute journey from Ao Nang Pier. This, combined with the spectacular scenery of Tonsai Bay, makes the resort a paradise for nature lovers and those who come to Krabi to get away from it all.
You can choose between a Deluxe or Superior room or villa. The villas offer more space and privacy, especially the detached ones which sit at the foot of a cliff. The decor throughout the rooms is basic and a bit dated, but everything is clean and well maintained.
There isn’t a gym, but you don’t really need one: the activities on offer will be enough to keep you fit. The bay’s cliffs are some of the most popular spots in Krabi for climbing, and the hotel rents out gear and offers classes. There is also kayaking, snorkeling, and diving, both in Tonsai and in neighboring Railay.
During low tide, you can walk to Railay Beach along the shore. Overall, staying in Tonsai Bay allows you to enjoy all the bars and restaurants of more touristy Railay, while staying somewhere much more peaceful.
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2023.