Best Things to Do in Krabi: Top 4 Destinations to Discover
It’s not just about the sea, beaches, and islands waiting to be discovered all around Krabi; there are also destinations truly worth a detour. Here are the top 4.
Emerald Pool, A Natural Gem Amidst the Jungle
The Emerald Pool, also known as Sa Morakot, is a stunning natural pool with vibrant turquoise waters, nestled in the province of Krabi, Thailand. Fed by natural streams flowing down from the surrounding hills, it serves as a popular excursion spot in the region. Tucked away in the heart of the Khao Nor Chuchi forest, this location boasts two crystalline lakes, the Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool.
Practical Information about Emerald Pool
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Admission Fees: 400 baht per adult, 200 baht per child, and 20 baht for Thai nationals.
- Accessible all year round.
- Best Starting Points: Klong Muang Beach, Ao Nang Beach (approximately 70 km away), and Krabi Town (60 km away).
- Address: Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120 - View the map here.
- Getting there: You can take a Songthaew from the Krabi bus terminal. It will drop you off on the road, and then you’ll need to continue on foot. Please note, there are only two departures per day. Renting transportation is recommended.
Practical Information about Blue Pool
- Access Hours: Starting from 10:00 AM.
- Closed from May to October.
Tips and Guidelines for Visitors
Several small food stalls are available at the entrance for refreshments. Eating within the site is prohibited. Please be aware that the water level varies between the rainy season and the dry season. It’s advisable to arrive early, as schoolchildren often visit in the late afternoon!
Krabi: A Relaxing Retreat at the Hot Springs
A charming spot, the entrance to the hot springs is located around a hundred meters from the parking area, nestled within the forest. Here, several pools await, naturally filled with warm water. Locals believe it to be beneficial for health, containing essential elements for skin care such as nitrogen, fluoride, and other minerals.
Picnic spots have been set up, along with areas for massages after a soothing dip. While the former is well-appointed, the latter remains untouched. The warm water from the springs flows into a stream, which over time has formed a small cascade due to the slope. It cascades into small limestone pools where visitors can unwind. Despite losing some of its warmth, the water remains pleasantly inviting.
The warm waters eventually find their way into the river below. Surrounded by nature, the atmosphere here is incredibly laid-back—a sanctuary for relaxation.
Practical Information about the Hot Springs
- Address: Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120 – Map here
- Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Entrance fee of 200 baht for foreigners.
- Getting there: The Hot Stream in Krabi is situated around 70 kilometers from Krabi Town. To reach it, you can opt for various transportation methods such as hiring a taxi, renting a motorbike, or joining a guided tour that offers transportation services.
Tiger Cave Temple - Wat Tham Suea
The Tiger Cave Temple, also known as Wat Tham Seua, is renowned for two main features: its panoramic view and its caves for spiritual retreats. These are glimpsed during the lengthy ascent to the mountaintop, which involves climbing 1237 steps!
Upon reaching the entrance of the temple, one’s attention is immediately drawn to its towering Chedi and the tiger statues. Then, the eyes are drawn to the staircase with its vivid blue handrail. The ascent requires several minutes of effort (35 minutes for the most athletic and those who manage to get used to the size of the steps). Parallel to the stairs are numerous small golden stupas, containing the ashes of deceased monks.
Periodically, a countdown is marked on a pole, either encouraging or discouraging, depending on one’s mood. As one ascends, the density of the forest, the canopy, and the surrounding countryside become more apparent. The ubiquitous monkeys provide some distraction, although one must exercise caution around these mischievous creatures.
Upon reaching the top, a fountain provides some water, revealing a beautiful golden stupa, a large Buddha statue on a lotus flower surrounded by a protective naga, and, above all, a breathtaking view of the entire horizon, especially magnificent at sunset. A site worth seeing and climbing.
Practical Information about Tiger Cave
- Address: Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000 – Map here
- Open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
- How to get there: From Krabi Town, take a red songthaew (30 minutes journey) or tuk-tuk or taxi.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Recommendations: It’s advisable to bring water and a hat. Please ensure appropriate behavior within the sacred site.
Phanom Bencha National Park
Nestled around Mount Phanom Bencha, which peaks at 1937 meters, and the Andaman Sea, this national park boasts numerous attractions. It features several waterfalls, including the famous Huay Toh Waterfall with its 5 levels, abundant flora that will captivate nature enthusiasts and the curious alike.
The fauna is also diverse, offering the chance to spot wild boars, black bears, deer, monkeys, panthers, leopards, Asian wild dogs, and a large number of squirrels. Moreover, the park is a prominent bird reserve. Undoubtedly, one of the most stunning sites to explore in the region.
Practical Information about Phanom Bencha National Park
- Address: Thab Prik, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000 – Map here
- Open daily from 08:00 to 16:30.
- *How to get there: From Krabi Town, take route 411 north, turn right on highway 4, then left onto route 1016. Follow signs to the park until reaching the checkpoint. GPS coordinates: 8.24059, 98.91363.
- Entrance fee: As of June 2022, the entrance fees are 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children aged 3-14. Thai citizens pay 20 Baht for adults and 10 Baht for children. Cars are charged 30 Baht.
- Accommodations: Rooms with fan or air conditioning are available for rent, with discounts for weekday bookings. Camping options include tents and sleeping sets, available for rent at the visitor center.
- Dining: A restaurant is located in the visitor center area, offering quality meals compared to other national park restaurants.
- Official website
Ethical issues:
Despite the ethical concerns, many tourists visit various elephant farms around the park right outside the park boundaries. Elephants are abused hard behind the doors or openly, chained long hours, distressed, and yet, these businesses claim that the elephants are treated well.
Other ideas for visits around Krabi
Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
This hike promises breathtaking vistas of the sea and lush jungle, providing an accessible adventure suitable for hikers of all abilities.
Key points:
- Hike suitable for all fitness levels.
- Ascent takes 1.5 to 2 hours, descent is shorter.
- Trail length is approximately 3.7 km.
- “Hand of God” rock formation offers photo opportunities.
- Park entrance registration required; opens at 8 am.
- Location: Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
- Pay the 200 Baht fee at the National Park gate upon arrival.
- How to get there: Rent a car or motorbike in Krabi Town
Krabi Town Night Market
Like all Thai cities, Krabi has its Night Market. People go there to do some shopping and, above all, to eat while listening to music.
Practical information about the Krabi Town Night Market:
- Open: Friday to Sunday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Address: Krabi Town Night Market - Pak Nam, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000
To avoid stressing about not having a seat or a desired berth in trains, minibuses, buses, and even ferries! You can always reserve or purchase your ticket directly here!
