Where to stay in Krabi? A guide to Klong Muang and Tubkaek
Should you base your holiday in Klong Muang?
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- For further information about Klong Muang, including pictures, see the links on the right
KLONG Muang is a pretty beach area located to the north of Ao Nang, with spectacular views over the Andaman Sea and the closest coastal access to the Ko Hong island group, a protected marine park of astonishing beauty. Its most southerly point was chosen by the Thai royal family as the clifftop location for one of their summer palaces.
Whereas Ao Nang evolved gradually over 15 years to become an international resort area, Klong Muang has been developed rapidly in the last few years and, from the outset, only seen top-level investment from the likes of the Sheraton group and now Sofitel.
The accommodation that has been built here and further along the coast at Tubkaek beach all share the same characteristics: private, luxurious and self-contained. Most, with the Sofitel being the notable exeption, have direct access to the beach and with spas, pools, restaurants and even shops, there is no need for guests ever to leave the confines of the resort area.
And, for the moment, there is no real reason to go outside. The immediate vicinity is rather dull: there is little if no street life, only a handful of independent restaurants and no nightlife to speak of. Klong Muang's agenda has been set: this is going to be exclusive, upmarket territory, despite the presence of a few locally-owned budget bungalows.
All of which is perfect for people who want a quiet, luxury break or an escape from the usual holiday crowd. Those who prefer not to stay around the pool being pampered for two weeks should definitely consider hiring a car or motorbike to explore the rest of the region - as well as staying in a resort that encourages guests to go out, such as The Krabi Sands.
As all the hotels are located directly on the shore, with only indirect public access, the beaches are effectively private, for the use only of the resorts' clients. Apart from Tubkaek beach, swimming is not particularly good as the coast is quite rocky and shallow, but the pools rank among the best and most original in the region.
Potential visitors should also be aware that there is also a large gypsum quarry located between Klong Muang and Tubkaek which attracts attendant large boats and trucks used to transport the white powder. It is, however, only an eyesore rather than anything more bothersome and is unlikely to spoil your holiday here.
HOTELS IN KLONG MUANG & TUBKAEK
Klong Muang is located directly to the north of Nopparat Thara on the coast, but the lie of the land is such that the single road to get there is around 16km from Ao Nang. Tubkaek is another 6km drive north, and the road terminates here.
More info on transport
Pictures of Klong Muang
Map of Klong Muang
Map of Krabi Province
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