Krabi, Thailand is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, and my day-long tour of the area left me in awe of its beauty. From relaxing in the natural hot springs to hiking up to the Tiger Cave Mountain Temple, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and nature. Here’s an overview of my unforgettable experience, which covered the Hot Springs, Emerald Pool, Blue Lagoon, and the Tiger Cave Mountain Temple.
A Day in Krabi’s Best Natural Spots
This full-day tour departs at around 8:30 AM and concludes around 4:30 PM. The tour is priced at about 55 € per person, which includes lunch and bottled water—a great deal for a day filled with exploration. I recommend bringing along a swimsuit, towel, and a good pair of walking shoes. Whether you’re short on time in Krabi or just trying to choose the best tour, I highly recommend this one. It was a great way to wrap up my two-week visit and I’m so glad I didn’t miss out.
Krabi’s Hot Springs
The first stop on the tour was the Hot Springs of Krabi, a natural spa experience like no other. These thermal springs, with water temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C, flow directly from deep underground. The pools are carved out of stone, and their mineral-rich waters are said to offer therapeutic benefits. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing, and we had about an hour to soak in the warm waters. While the spot can get crowded, our guide made sure we arrived early enough to claim a spot in one of the pools. If you’re not into swimming, you can still wander around and enjoy the nature and the vibrant butterflies fluttering about.
The Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon
Next, we visited the famous Emerald Pool, a hidden gem nestled within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. Its name is no accident—the water truly sparkles in an intense emerald hue. The pool is part of a protected natural area, and getting there involves a choice between a quick 800-meter trail or a more scenic, 2.7 km walk on wooden planks through the lush forest. I definitely recommend the longer route to fully appreciate the surrounding nature.
When we arrived at the pool, it was quite popular, but the tranquil surroundings still made it enjoyable. Be cautious around the edges, as they can be slippery. While the Emerald Pool is a highlight, there’s another stunning feature nearby: the Blue Lagoon. A short 500-meter walk deeper into the forest leads to this serene spot, which is a visual masterpiece. The water here is a mesmerizing shade of blue, framed by thick jungle, and the view is even more stunning in person. Thankfully, swimming is prohibited here, so the natural beauty remains undisturbed.
The Tiger Cave Mountain Temple
The final destination of the tour was the Tiger Cave Mountain Temple, which offers arguably the best panoramic views in all of Krabi. However, to reach the temple, you must climb 1,260 steep steps, which can be a real challenge, especially on a hot day. For women, there’s an additional requirement—covering your shoulders and knees, so be prepared for the climb in more ways than one. If you forget to pack appropriate clothing, you can rent sarongs at the entrance.
The hike is tough but doable with enough breaks. The climb takes some effort, but the payoff is spectacular. Once at the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of Krabi’s lush landscapes, similar to the views from the Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) trail, but with an added sense of peace and grandeur. The temple itself is far bigger than I expected and a remarkable sight, perched high on the mountain. I couldn’t imagine the effort that must have gone into building this temple so high up!
A Reward for Your Efforts
After the descent, you can cool off with a refreshing coconut or indulge in some ice cream. Be mindful, though—there are monkeys around the area that can be a bit cheeky with your belongings, so keep your things close!
This tour was the perfect way to end my Krabi adventure. The natural beauty of Krabi is absolutely breathtaking, and it was a day filled with moments of wonder, challenge, and relaxation. If you ever find yourself in Krabi, I highly recommend this tour—it’s a perfect mix of nature, culture, and unforgettable views.
