Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Krabi, Thailand

Part of the Sofitel luxury chain, this 276-room resort has elegant, spacious rooms with great sea or pool views and a free kids' club with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and daily activities. The massive palm-ringed pool -- among the largest in the region -- is a virtual lake that spreads across much of the property. It has a children’s section with a fountain and an island gazebo. Multiple restaurants specialize in Thai, Indian, Italian, and international fare (a huge breakfast buffet is available, though it isn't included with all room rates). Note that this property is across the road from the beach, not directly on it.

Set on a private bay in the Andaman Sea, the stylish but casual Centara Grand Beach Resort has a long white-sand beach, water activities, and spectacular pools with ocean views. Monkeys are commonly spotted on the grounds and in the restaurants (there are four total). The Kids' Club (for younger children) and the O Zone (for teens) provide games and activities, and all rooms come with flat-screen TVs, expansive balconies with sofas, and free Wi-Fi; room service is available 24 hours a day.

Children younger than 4 stay for free with their parents at Ban Sainai Resort, a 40-room property with gorgeous tropical landscaping, a beautiful outdoor pool, and views of Krabi's limestone karsts. The Family Cottage has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the Tropical Family Cottage adds a fully equipped kitchenette. Cottages overlooking the pond have hammocks on the balconies.  Several restaurants and bars are within walking distance, but the beach is about a five-minute drive and the hotel provides free tuk-tuks to the shore. Breakfast is free, and lunch and dinner are also served, but beware that alcohol isn't available.

Formerly the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, the Dusit Thani is a 240-room, family-friendly resort on the white sands of Klong Muang Beach. This sharp, luxury property has less traditional Thai flavor than other resorts in the area, but it does offer several dining options (including a fantastic international buffet breakfast) and activities like snorkeling and windsurfing. All rooms are stylish and contemporary and feature free Wi-Fi -- many have balconies with sea views and some suites have private pools. The hotel has tennis courts, a kids' club with supervised activities including local arts and crafts, and two pools, one with a shallow area.

There are several categories of rooms, but all area exceedingly spacious, from the basic Deluxe Pavilions (about 969 square feet) to Phranang Villas (4,489 square feet). All include landscaped outdoor space and large patios or terraces, as well as separate living rooms and bedrooms. Terrace Pavilions are geared toward families and groups, with outdoor barbecue areas. Property features include a massive pool wedged between Krabi's signature cliffs, four restaurants, tennis courts, and the Water Sports Center, which offers free use of sea canoes, snorkeling, and windsurfing equipment. The hotel's concierge can book elephant treks and excursions throughout Krabi, including trips to the islands dotting Phang Nga Bay.

Between a pretty beach and lush jungle, this rustic luxury resort has 59 large contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs, private outdoor space, and free Wi-Fi. There are three indoor/outdoor restaurants on-site, all with beach views, and a breakfast buffet includes hot and cold options. The resort offers boat and sightseeing tours in and around the beach, and a range of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. Car and bike rentals are also available. The hotel's freeform outdoor pool has a shallow area for children and there are several lounge chairs lining the surrounding terrace.

Set on a private spot on Thailand’s gorgeous Tubkaek Beach, this boutique resort has a pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. The 57 rooms come with massive bathrooms and private balconies; some rooms have private plunge pools or hot tubs. There is free Wi-Fi access in the rooms and common areas, and the resort is accommodating with extra beds and children’s needs -- babysitting and cribs are available. Airport transportation, local shuttle service, laundry service, snorkeling, and boat excursions can be arranged.

One of the larger properties in Ao Nang, the Aonang Cliff Beach Resort is located right off the main road and offers some of the best views in town. Built into a hillside up above the street, it feels private, yet fine dining and shopping are a short walk away and the beach is only five minutes down the street. The rooms here are spacious and all have open-air terraces or patios along with rainfall showers, and some have panoramic ocean views. Family Retreat Rooms have kitchenettes and dining areas. The resort has a natural saltwater pool with plenty of lounge chairs, a seafood grill restaurant, and a large shopping plaza downstairs.