Where do you handle visa matters in Krabi?

At the Krabi Immigration Office in Krabi Town, which handles extensions of stay, 90-day reports and re-entry permits. It's smaller than Phuket's, so go early and bring every document; local agents can also help.

What is the best area to live in Krabi?

Ao Nang is the main beach base with the most amenities and coworking; Krabi Town is cheaper, more local and the transport hub; and Klong Muang and Tubkaak are quiet upscale beaches. Railay is stunning but boat-access only and better for a stay than a home.

Can you live in Railay?

Railay has no road access — you reach it by longtail boat — so it's wonderful for climbing trips and resort stays but impractical as a long-term base. Most residents choose Ao Nang and visit Railay easily by boat.

Krabi Visas & Best Areas to Live

Updated June 2026 · 6 min read · Not legal advice

Krabi is more nature base than big expat city, but a growing long-stay community has made it genuinely liveable. The two questions are the usual ones — staying legally, and which stretch of this beautiful coast to call home. Here's both.

Visas: national rules, handled in Krabi Town

Your visa depends on your situation, not your beach. The common routes are the DTV (remote workers, ฿500,000), retirement (50+, ฿800,000 deposit or ฿65,000/month income), marriage, the LTR, and Thailand Privilege (from ฿650,000). Narrow yours with the Visa Finder and read the full Thai visa guide.

Extensions, 90-day reports and re-entry permits are handled at the Krabi Immigration Office in Krabi Town. It's smaller than Phuket's, so arrive early with complete paperwork; local agents can manage it for you.

Nationwide heads-up: Thailand has approved cutting the 60-day visa exemption to around 30 days for most nationalities in 2026, effective once published in the Royal Gazette. Confirm the current rule before you fly.

The best areas to live

Ao Nang — the main base

The beach town and the practical choice for most long-stayers: the most restaurants, cafés, coworking and shops, with longtail boats to Railay and the islands right off the beach. 1-beds ฿15,000–30,000. Best for: remote workers and anyone who wants amenities by the sea.

Krabi Town — cheap & local

The riverside provincial town inland: authentically Thai, the cheapest rents, the transport hub (airport, buses, boats) and a famous night market — but no beach. 1-beds ฿8,000–15,000. Best for: budget long-termers who want real Thailand over tourist beachfront.

Klong Muang & Tubkaak — quiet upscale

Northwest of Ao Nang, these calm resort beaches are greener, more spacious and more upscale, with nicer condos and villas. ฿18,000–30,000+. Best for: couples and families wanting peace and quality.

Railay — to visit, not to live

The iconic climbing peninsula is boat-access only, so it's perfect for a stay or a day but impractical as a home. Base in Ao Nang and you're 15 minutes away by longtail.

Which Thai visa fits you?

Answer 8 quick questions and get your ranked visa routes with checklists and official links — same tool, works for Krabi.

Open the Visa Finder

Still planning? Pin down the numbers in the Krabi cost of living guide, check the best time to visit, or weigh it against the rest with the city comparison tool.

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