Famed for its world-class beaches, few know about Krabi’s diverse natural landscape and beautiful natural wonders. From mangroves and caves to emerald pools and hot springs, Krabi is packed with great natural attractions for you to discover. Here is a roundup of Krabi’s best natural wonders, a definite must-see for nature lovers.
Thung Teao Forest National Park
Leave the crowded beaches for one of Krabi's most stunning natural attractions at Thung Theo Forest National Park. The secluded virgin rainforest is home to a wide array of flora and fauna, waterfalls, hot springs and the beautiful Emerald Pool. Embark on a 2.7 kilometres nature trek and keep your eyes peeled for exotic plant species and rare animals like the Gurney's pitta - a passerine bird thought to be extinct for years.
Emerald Pool
The Emerald Pool or Crystal Lagoon (Sa Morakot) is a unique attraction known for its beautiful aquamarine waters. The crystal clear natural pool is filled with pure spring water, a perfect place to swim and relax. Getting to the Emerald Pool is easy and takes no more than 800 metres of trekking through a well-trodden forest path. You can also choose to follow the nature trail and enjoy the natural scenery of this unusual lowland forest.
Blue Pool
A little further upstream lies the source of the Emerald Pool - The Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut). With magical blue waters that seem to sparkle, you might feel the urge to dive right in but swimming is not allowed here. Quicksand and hot waters in the pool make it extremely dangerous so it’s beauty is best admired from a distance. Try clapping your hands to see air bubbles rise to the surface of the pool!
Tip: The pools do get crowded around noon so if you’re planning on going head out earlier in the morning!
Admission: 200 Baht (Adults), 100 Baht (Children)
Opening Hours: Daily during daylight hours
Location: Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom Krabi, 81120, Thailand (About an hours drive from Ao Nang, you can take a cab here)
Klong Thom Hot Springs
Relax in nature’s bathtub formed by smooth stone pools overflowing with thermal spring water. The mineral-rich warm waters here averages from 35-40 degrees Celsius and is believed to cure health ailments like rheumatism and skin problems. Surrounded by the peaceful sounds and cooling shades of the rainforest, a soak in Klong Thom Hot Springs is exceptionally therapeutic.
Klong Thom Hot Springs is about a 40-minutes drive from Ao Nang. Situated in the same reserve as Thung Teao Forest National Park, you can save time by visiting all these natural wonders in a day.
Admission: 90 Baht for the springs only, or you can pay 200 baht to access the springs and Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve (Home to Thung Teao Forest National Park)
Opening Hours: Daily, 07:00 - 18:00
Location: Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom Krabi, 81120, Thailand
Half-Day Jungle Tour to Emerald pool and Krabi Hot Spring: From S$46.44
Dragon Crest Mountain
Also known as Khao Ngon Nak to the locals, Dragon Crest Mountain offers one of the best viewpoints of Krabi. The 8 kilometres return hike is relatively easy and will take around 2.5 to 4 hours depending on your fitness level. Hiking up the mountain, you will pass by two viewpoints and a waterfall with plenty of photo ops and insta-worthy views along the way. At the peak, you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Krabi right below you. Climb up the ladder onto a massive rock to reach the crowd favourite photo spot. We recommend visiting in the morning before it gets hot and crowded and wearing proper shoes as the terrain can be quite rocky and slippery. You should also use the restroom available only at the starting point before the hike.
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 15:00
Admission: There is no entrance fee so do beware of tours charging you for it
Location: About 30-minutes drive north of Ao Nang, the park entrance and trailhead can be found at the northern end of Highway 6024 in Tubkaek Beach
Khao Khanab Nam
One of Krabi’s most iconic landmarks, the Khao Khanab Nam Mountains is a natural gateway to Krabi Town. The river runs between two 100-metre tall limestone cliffs offering a majestic welcome to those who visit. The views at sunset here especially pretty and highly recommended!
Other than a cruise along the river, explore rock formations and prehistoric paintings inside the caves of Khao Khanab Nam Mountains. Wonder at the rock formations formed over thousands of years and prehistoric paintings reminiscent of the cave’s previous inhabitants. What makes the cave even more special is the sheer number of human skeletons that have been discovered in the caves, believed to be the remains of locals trapped during an ancient flood. The caves can be easily accessed by a stairwell while climbing the mountains. Proper footwear and a decent level of fitness are recommended if you are planning on exploring the mountains.
You may also wish to stop by the Ko Klang fishing village nearby and visit the museum and local craft centre there. Learn the tips and tricks to craft tools and utensils, as well as, cotton-weaving techniques from the locals.
There are no shops or restaurants in the mountains or caves so do bring along your own water and food.
Opening Hours: 08:30 -17:00
Admission: There is no entry fee but it costs 300 baht for a long-tail boat ride to get there
Location: Khao Khanab Nam Mountains (accessible via a 15-minutes boat ride from Krabi's Chao Fa Pier)
Krabi Koh Klang Cultural Day Tour by TTD: S$106.45
Susan Hoi
Also referred to as the Krabi Shell Cemetery, this unusual natural wonder is believed to be one of three such geological sites to exist in the world. This pre-historic shell graveyard is made up of the skeletal remains of shellfish and is known to be at least 20 million years old.
Location: Unnamed Area, Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi, 81000, Thailand (Situated at Bam Laem Pho Cape, 17 kilometres from Krabi town)
Ban Bor Thor
Believed to be one of the earliest sites of human settlement in Thailand, Ban Bor Thor is home to several archaeological artefacts and natural wonders. Explore the mangroves and sea caves on a kayak and try spotting the local wildlife around you. Visit Phee Hua Toe Cave, famous for its ancient cave paintings from over 3000 years ago and majestic stalactites and stalagmites.
Location: Ao Luk District is approximately 40km north of Krabi Town on the road to Phang Nga Town
Ban Bor Thor Kayaking Tour in Krabi by TTD: (Adult) S$32.49, (Child) S$21.69
