Pak-Up Hostel

Pak-Up Hostel is a popular budget stay in Krabi Town, at 87 Utarakit Road. Expedia rates it 8.6 from 90 reviews in the two-star class. It offers a basic double room with a king bed and several dorms: four-, eight- and ten-bed mixed dorms and a ten-bed female dorm, all with twin bunks. The property is adults only and has a rooftop terrace, a barbecue grill, a pool table, a restaurant and bar called Top-Up Bar, and a 24-hour front desk.

Location and getting around: Krabi Town is not a beach town. Ao Nang is a bus or songthaew ride away, so staying here suits people who want a cheap base, a local feel and easy access to the pier. Chao Fah Park Pier and the Krabi Town Weekend Night Market are each a three-minute walk. Boats to other islands and some tours leave from here, and the town has local restaurants and cafes. Airport shuttle service is available for a small per-person charge during limited hours, and public buses are cheaper.

Rooms and facilities: rooms have air conditioning and free WiFi, and the common areas include a rooftop terrace, a bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, laundry, luggage storage, an ATM and massage. Free self-parking is available. Breakfast is not listed for this property, so plan to eat at the bar or nearby cafes.

Who it suits and what to know: backpackers and budget travellers, particularly those travelling alone who want to meet others. The hostel says dorms suit guests aged 18 to 40 and recommends private rooms for those older. The property is near a nightclub, so noise may continue late, and a cash deposit applies per person. Credit card payments carry a surcharge. If you want beach time and quiet evenings, a hotel in Ao Nang is a better fit; if you want the lowest nightly cost and a social base, this is it.