Candlelit villa estate
Towering plum walls lead into an open-air pavilion floating over a reflection pool illuminated by hundreds of candles.
“Set within a tropical rainforest overlooking the crystal-clear Andaman Sea, the hotel encompasses 54 villas and pavilions, four upscale restaurants…”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Dedicated around-the-clock butler service and private plunge pools across fifty-four coastal villas.
Remarkable
Lek Bunnag architecture blending Lanna woodwork with keyhole arches and domed ceilings.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and The 50 Discovery.
its exquisite tastefulness, from the traditional-style welcome pavilion to the thoughtfully localized interiors of the hotel’s villas and pavilions, which all open onto ocean views
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Daily longtail boats ferry guests across Andaman waters to explore the powdery white sand beaches and lagoons of nearby Koh Hong.
The rooms
Villas feature custom four-meter beds, hand-painted Lanna murals, and outdoor terrazzo soaking tubs set within private walled gardens.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Double daybeds line the circular infinity pool along the shoreline, looking straight out toward Phang Nga Bay's limestone karsts.
The spa
Eleven treatment rooms and private relaxation salas sit around a lagoon, drawing on traditional Thai herbal remedies.
Restaurant
Lae Lay
The overwater seafood pavilion sits among reflection pools, serving fresh Andaman catch prepared with French and Asian techniques.
With just 54 villas dotting the sprawling property, the Krabi resort maintains an exquisitely isolated feel, made all the more sumptuous with private pools and hidden gardens.
At the table
Sri Trang serves regional southern Thai recipes family-style, and Chomtawan pours sunset cocktails over beachfront daybeds.
How it began
Opened in 2009, this secluded coastal retreat was established as the debut property for the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection.
“54 sumptuous suites and villas sit amid tropical gardens and serpentine moats, but the extensive grounds have a downside: The sprawling property is perhaps more easily explored on wheels.”
Good to know
Stay here
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Krabi
More like this
Banyan Tree Krabi
“Hillside canopy cove”
Rayavadee Resort
“Limestone peninsula resort”
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
“Curved-roof beachfront resort”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.