Krabi's accommodation is spread between a practical town, a busy mainland resort, a boat-access peninsula and a quiet luxury coast. Those areas are not interchangeable. A beautiful hotel can still be the wrong choice if every meal, boat departure or mainland journey requires an extra transfer.
For most first-time visitors, Ao Nang offers the easiest balance. Railay is worth the boat logistics when the setting is the priority, while Tubkaak and Klong Muang make more sense for travellers who plan to spend substantial time at their resort. Krabi Town is useful for local life and transport rather than a conventional beach holiday.