Dusit Thani Krabi — A Family-Friendly Resort on Quiet Klong Muang Beach, Big Tropical Gardens, Two Beachfront Pools
If you want the Krabi coast without the bustle of Ao Nang, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort is a name many families settle on — a 5-star resort of low-rise buildings spread across large tropical gardens on Klong Muang Beach, in Mueang Krabi. It has 240 rooms and suites, two beachfront pools, a kids club and the Devarana Wellness spa. Formerly the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort (opened 2003), it was rebranded to Dusit Thani in 2016. It's about 15–20 minutes from Ao Nang and 30–40 minutes by road from Krabi Airport. Rates start around ฿4,900/night in the low season (climbing in peak months), and it scores 9.2 from 1,774 reviews on Booking.com.
What sets Dusit Thani Krabi apart from many Krabi hotels is its Klong Muang Beach setting — a stretch of coast north of Ao Nang that is far quieter and more private. There's no crowded walking street, no loud bars, just sea, gardens and the sound of the wind. The resort is a cluster of low-rise buildings across genuinely large tropical grounds; the walk from lobby to beach passes mature trees, lawns and lily ponds. Reviews agree it feels like a real rest, more than a town-centre hotel — good for travellers who come to Krabi to slow down rather than to party.
The heart of the resort is its two beachfront pools — the Breeze Pool with a swim-up bar, and the livelier CocoVida side with a children's pool and evening entertainment. Both face the Andaman Sea, so you swim with a view over Klong Muang Beach. The thing guests praise most is the staff — warm, smiling, remembering names and helping with real care (the Booking.com staff score is a high 9.6). Many families say the team is what made the trip, especially the attention shown to small children.
The 240 rooms and suites are done in contemporary Thai style with warm timber tones, and every room has a private balcony. The entry Deluxe Premium Room (~42 sqm) is more generous than a standard room, with garden or mangrove views; the Deluxe Premium Sea Facing looks across the lawn to the sea. The Family Room (~48 sqm) is a ground-floor layout with one king and two twin beds for up to four guests. For more space and Club Lounge access there are Club rooms and suites rising to a one-bedroom suite with a private plunge pool (~150 sqm). Most reviews score cleanliness and comfort highly (both 9.5), calling the rooms spacious, well kept and comfortable to sleep in.
"The beach was so quiet — we'd walk it in the morning and barely see a soul. The gardens are huge, the kids ran around freely, and the staff remembered our children's names. Far more relaxing with a family than the Ao Nang side."
There's plenty to eat and do without leaving. The main restaurant, Mangosteens, serves Thai, Southern Thai and Indian dishes with garden-to-sea views; Limoncello is the Italian venue for pasta and pizza; and pool and beach bars like Breeze and CocoVida are there for a sunset cocktail. On the activity side there's the Kidz R Kids club that parents credit with giving them a genuine break, the Devarana Wellness spa, a fitness centre, tennis, a Muay Thai ring, beach volleyball and beachfront watersports. Breakfast draws praise for variety and freshness, though some note it gets busy in peak season and you may wait for a table.
The thing to understand before booking is Klong Muang Beach itself. Its appeal is calm and quiet water with karst-island views — not the white-sand, crystal-water beach you swim off. The water is fairly shallow with patches of seagrass, and at low tide it recedes a long way, turning murkier and making swimming awkward. A fair number of reviews say this plainly: most guests swim in the pools and use the beach for walks, photos and sunsets. If you're picturing stepping out of your room into clear sea, Klong Muang isn't that — but if you want peace and handsome beachfront pools, it delivers.
A few more honest points. One — it is away from the action: dining and nightlife within walking distance are limited, so getting to restaurants or bars means a 15–20 minute ride to Ao Nang; budget for a taxi or Grab. Two — food and drink inside the resort are priced at 5-star level, and many guests head out occasionally to save. Three — the grounds are large, so some rooms are a fair walk from the beach or lobby and you may want a buggy. Four — the value-for-money score sits at 8.9, the lowest of all categories, reflecting how the extras add up, even though the low-season room rate is accessible.
In short, Dusit Thani Krabi is best for families and couples who want a quiet sea, big gardens, beachfront pools and everything in one place, without the noise of Ao Nang. Guests with young children get the most from the kids club, family rooms and an unusually calm beach. Those who should think twice: anyone set on swimming in clear water off the room, anyone who wants to walk straight out to restaurants and nightlife, and budget-focused backpackers. Tips: book the low season for a clear price drop, choose a Sea Facing or Club room if you want the view and lounge access, and check the tide times if you plan to use the beach.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Quiet, private Klong Muang Beach — a genuine place to rest
- ✓ Warm, attentive staff who remember guests (staff score 9.6)
- ✓ Large gardens and two beachfront pools — great for families and kids
- ✓ Spacious, clean, comfortable rooms (cleanliness and comfort both 9.5)
- ! Extras add up — value-for-money 8.9, the lowest category
- ! Away from the action; Ao Nang is a 15–20 minute ride
- ! Shallow beach with seagrass; swimming is awkward at low tide
- ✓ Peaceful beachfront setting with lovely sea and island views
- ✓ Lots of kids' activities — parents get a real break
- ✓ Varied, fresh breakfast
- ✓ Big, relaxed grounds with plenty of greenery
- ! You need a ride for dining or nightlife outside the resort
- ! In-resort food and drink prices are high
- ! Some rooms are a long walk from the beach and lobby
- 💡If you're picturing stepping out of your room into clear sea — Klong Muang is shallow with seagrass and recedes far at low tide, so most guests swim in the pools → for white sand and clear water look to Railay/Phra Nang or take a boat tour to the islands.
- 💡If you want to walk straight out to restaurants and nightlife — it's quiet and away from the action; Ao Nang is a 15–20 minute ride → budget for a taxi/Grab, or stay in Ao Nang if walkable nightlife matters.
- 💡If you're travelling with young children or want calm — the kids club, Family Rooms, gentle beach and big gardens are the real strengths → book a ground-floor Family Room and check the kids-club hours with the resort ahead of time.