Aonang Villa Resort

Aonang Villa Resort sits on Ao Nang Beach, about a two-minute walk from the water and in the middle of the town's restaurants, shops and boat piers. The resort has 156 rooms, two outdoor pools, a children's pool and a swim-up bar, plus a spa, a beach bar and two restaurants. Expedia lists it as a four-star property with a guest rating of 8.6 from 935 reviews. Its address is 113 Moo 2, Ao Nang Beach, Muang, Krabi.

Location and getting around: this is a convenient base. The beach and the longtail pier to Railay are a short walk, and the main strip of restaurants and tour offices is on the doorstep. Ao Phai Plong beach is about ten minutes on foot. That makes it easy to join the island tours in this guide, since many pickups are in this area. The resort offers an airport shuttle for a fee and free self-parking for those who rent a car or scooter.

The rooms: categories include Superior and Grand Superior garden view rooms, Deluxe Garden and Pool View, Premier and Grand Superior sea view rooms and a two-bedroom Premier Seaview Suite, ranging from about 37 to 88 square metres. Rooms have air conditioning, a balcony, a minibar-style refrigerator, a safe, a kettle and free WiFi. Buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge, and several guest reviews praise the variety.

Who it suits and what to know: first-timers, families and couples who want a resort feel with the convenience of Ao Nang on the doorstep. Reviewers like the staff, the cleanliness and the location, while some note that rooms are dated and beds are firm. There are nightly fire shows nearby, though evenings at the property are described as quiet. Sea-view rooms cost more than garden rooms, so choose according to how much time you plan to spend in the room. Free cancellation is available on select rates, which is useful given the weather in the monsoon season.