The tourist area of Krabi is all beach oriented stuff, no real town. lots of little "Island" type shacks for eating and drinking. Unless you are a heavy beach & party person you may feel isolated and get bored there after a few days. There is no place within walking distance. Krabi may still be recovering from the Tsunami. Koh Samui Has more nice beaches and it is a real town with paved streets lots of shops, resturants and more things to do. Tsunami did not affect Koh Samui. Phuket is even bigger and more family oriented. Koh Panang has a smaller but great beach and hosts the wildest Full Moon parties.