If you are travelling for the first time with your baby to a foreign country, it can be quite daunting to know how to choose a suitable hotel. Here we offer some tips for doing just that, with particular reference to the type of hotels available in Krabi.
It is fair to say that the more you pay for the hotel, the more baby friendly it is likely to be. Backpacker places have limited in-room facilities, although if you are breastfeeding and bring any other equipment you may need, it is still possible to stay in such hostels.
But you don’t need to break the bank to be comfortable: most 3 star hotels will be able to provide a cot and bedding if required for under 2s at no extra charge, and fridges and kettles in your room are fairly standard in this price range. The kettle will probably not be large enough to sterilise bottles in, but could easily be used to rinse them out with boiling water, provide enough hot water to warm a jar of baby food and of course used to provide a supply of boiled water.
Please note: NEVER boil water straight from the taps in Krabi – this goes for making your own coffee as well! The tap water has a pronounced metallic taste if boiled, so stick to bottled drinking water.
Before booking, do check if the room has a bathtub – not all do. Walk-in showers with movable shower heads may also be an acceptable solution for bathing.
Most hotels and resorts with a swimming pool will have a shallow children’s area where you can take your baby to splash; some also offer extras like a play area (mainly for toddlers) and baby sitting services. Even if your hotel does not offer a creche, you will find it relatively easy to get staff in the hotel restaurant to watch your child for an hour or so (at off-peak times) if you would like to have a quiet dinner – Thai people love babies and children. High chairs with trays will usually be available as well (3 star +).
If you are coming with a stroller, you may wish to check if the hotel has a lift / elevator or – ideally – disabled access, so that all public spaces are step-free.
Finally a point to consider when deciding where to base your holiday in Krabi: some areas, such as Railay and the islands have restricted access to medical facilities. If your child has any known conditions, such as peanut allergies, asthma etc., you may wish to stay on the mainland in case of emergencies. If there are no such issues, these same places often make the best holiday locations, as they offer direct beach access with no roads or traffic.