Beachfront Living with Better Value
Krabi's property market offers exceptional value for beach living. While smaller than Phuket, the rental market caters to expats, long-term travelers, and adventure seekers. Ao Nang is the main hub with modern condos and beachfront access, while Krabi Town provides authentic Thai living at lower costs. Railay Beach is accessible only by boat with limited long-term rentals.
💡 Key Facts:
Krabi's main tourist and expat hub. Lively beachfront with restaurants, dive shops, travel agencies, and nightlife. Walking street with international food, beach bars, and sunset views. Best infrastructure for expats with modern condos, gyms, and conveniences. Can be touristy but offers the most amenities.
Authentic Thai provincial capital 20 minutes from Ao Nang. Weekend walking street market, riverside restaurants, local markets, and real Thai culture. Much cheaper rent (30-40% less) with fewer tourists. Great for budget-conscious expats. Limited beach access but connected by songthaew to all beaches.
World-famous rock climbing destination accessible only by long-tail boat (10-15 minutes from Ao Nang, 100-150 THB). Limited long-term rentals - mostly resorts and guesthouses. Some basic bungalows for climbers 6,000-12,000 THB/month. Stunning scenery but isolated. Best for short-term climbing trips rather than permanent living.
Quieter upscale beach north of Ao Nang with luxury resorts and private villas. Less developed with more space and tranquility. Beautiful 3km beach with fewer crowds. Higher rents but more peaceful. Limited restaurants and nightlife. Requires scooter to access Ao Nang (10 minutes). Good for families and those seeking quiet beach living.
Local beach area between Ao Nang and Krabi Town with quieter atmosphere. Good mix of Thai and expat residents. Cheaper than Ao Nang but still beach access. National park entrance for island boat trips. More affordable restaurants and local vibe. Walking distance to Ao Nang's amenities. Best value for beach living.
Budget climbing community next to Railay, boat access only. Very basic bungalows and hostels for long-term climbers. Reggae bars, cheap food, climbing culture. Monthly bungalow rentals 4,000-8,000 THB. No WiFi in many places, generator power. For hardcore climbers seeking budget lifestyle and community. Laid-back and rustic.
Same Thai property laws apply - foreigners can own condo units (not land) if building has under 49% foreign ownership. Krabi property prices are 30-40% cheaper than Phuket for comparable beachfront locations. Investment returns vary - Ao Nang has steady rental demand from tourists and climbers.