Krabi Heritage Hotel

Krabi Heritage Hotel sits in the Ao Nang area of Krabi, close to the sea. From the outside it's a small, cosy hotel with a tiled façade and a lovely view of the limestone cliffs that rise up around it, giving the whole area a storybook feel.

Rooms are simply furnished but functional, decorated with nature photography on the walls, clean and free of any odd smells, with air conditioning that works well. An unusual touch for a budget hotel: every bathroom has both a proper bathtub and a separate shower, so you can choose how you want to wash. Breakfast is surprisingly varied for a non-luxury property — eggs cooked several ways, cheese, ham, porridge, cereal, fruit, bread, juice, butter, jam, and even chia and flax seeds, a rarity at this price point in Thailand, plus fresh-squeezed juice.

The pool is small but well kept, with clear water and loungers around it for a swim or some sun. The on-site restaurant serves Thai food all day, and the front desk can book island tours, ferry tickets and route advice.

Who it suits: budget-conscious travellers who still want to stay clean, close to the sea and reasonably well looked after — a good pick if you want to save money without giving up comfort.

A few honest notes: in the evenings, noise from nearby bars and passing tourists can carry into the rooms, so if you're a light sleeper or want real quiet, ask for a room set back from the street on the sea side. On the plus side, the location keeps you away from the busy night market while still being a comfortable 15–20 minute walk from it. Occasionally guests report issues with lighting or the fan in a room, though this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.