Things don’t move quite as fast in Krabi as in other Thai beach destinations.

The first worthwhile resort opening in what seems like forever is Panan Krabi (www.panankrabiresort.com), which adds cabana-inspired design touches like leafy wallpaper, airy open spaces and local handicraft motifs to crisp and clean industrial furnishings.

At 199 rooms and suites, and with a big pool running down the center, this is no beach shack, though. Expect to shell out about B3,324/night for a superior cliff view room.

Although the resort’s not beachfront, Ao Nang’s turquoise waters, pot-bellied tourists and colorful drinking holes are mere minutes’ walk away. 

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