Krabi Town, Krabi

Krabi Town is the provincial capital on the Krabi River, separate from the beach resorts and a drive from the airport and Ao Nang. It is more local and cheaper than the beaches, and it has night markets. Few visitors choose it as a nightlife base.

Local and quiet, with markets as the highlight. The evening is about night-market food and a drink at a small bar, with a mostly Thai crowd and few tourists. There is no red-light strip and little late-night life, so many visitors eat here and head back to the beach.

No. Krabi Town lists no red-light hub, gogo bars, beer bars or nightclubs. The adult side is limited to 5 massage shops, such as Body Kneads and Savanna, which you should check before going in. The bars are the Reggae Bar, Grace's Irish Pub and similar.

Of 17 places, 6 are bars, 5 are massage shops, 4 are markets and 2 are attractions. The bars include Booze Bar (Reggae Bar), Grace's Irish Pub and Jungle Bar Krabi. The market count is high for the size of the list, which shows where the evening action is.

Krabi Town is cheaper, more local and quieter, with 17 listings against Ao Nang's 43. Ao Nang has the beach, the beer bars and the boats to Railay, while the Town has markets and a local feel. For nightlife, Ao Nang is the better base.

Stay here if you want low-cost rooms and local food, and accept a ride to the beach. A night-market dinner followed by a drink at a bar is the usual plan. Ask about guest rules at any hotel before booking.

Buses, minivans and songthaews connect the town with Ao Nang, and the airport is a drive away: taxi, shared minibus, Grab or Bolt. Inside town you can walk between the markets. Agree fares first for anything not booked through an app.

Getting back to the beach. Transport to Ao Nang thins out in the evening, so check the last ride before you settle in. Keep valuables close in the markets and agree fares in advance. Look at a massage shop's front before going in.