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Krabi Nature Itinerary
Emerald Pool · Hot Springs · Tiger Cave Temple

Most people come to Krabi for the beaches and islands, but the inland side has plenty worth your time too. The clear green Emerald Pool deep in the jungle, hot springs you can actually soak in, and the 1,237-step Tiger Cave Temple with 360-degree views. This plan runs over 2 days and 1 night — the Klong Thom jungle spots all fit into one day, with Tiger Cave Temple and a few city stops saved for the next. Easy pace, no rushing.

🌿 Jungle & Waterfalls🛕 Temple & City Views🚗 DIY or Tour
Krabi Nature Itinerary Emerald Pool · Hot Springs · Tiger Cave Temple

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

The highlight of this trip is the cluster of nature spots around Klong Thom district, about 45–60 km from Krabi town. The Emerald Pool, Blue Pool and the hot springs all sit along the same route, so you can loop through them in one drive. Tiger Cave Temple, on the other hand, is much closer to town (around 9 km), which makes it a good early-morning activity for the second day — you climb a lot of steps, so going early means cooler air and fewer people.

2-Day Plan at a Glance

  • Day 1 — Klong Thom jungle: Blue Pool → Emerald Pool → a swim → hot springs for a natural onsen soak in the afternoon
  • Day 2 — Temple & city views: Tiger Cave Temple, climb the 1,237 steps in the morning → Black Crab Statue / souvenir shopping in town → Khao Khanab Nam if time allows
  • Getting around: a self-driven car or motorbike is the most flexible, or book a full-day jungle tour with hotel transfers from around 1,090–1,200 THB per person
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Day 1 — Klong Thom Jungle

Day 1

Blue Pool · Emerald Pool · Hot Springs

07:30
Leave town / Ao NangIt's about an hour's drive to Klong Thom. Grab breakfast and water before you go — there aren't many shops out in the jungle.
08:45
Arrive at the Emerald Pool, start the trailOpen 08:30–17:00 · Entry is 20 THB for Thai adults, 10 THB for kids (200/100 THB for foreigners). There's a wooden boardwalk route of about 1.4 km and a direct dirt path of around 800 m.
09:15
Head up to the Blue Pool firstIt's another 400–600 m deeper in from the Emerald Pool. The water is a deep, clear blue — look only, no swimming · From roughly May to October it often closes to protect the Gurney's pitta birds, so check before you go.
10:00
Swim in the Emerald PoolWarm green mineral water you can swim in. It's a little slippery, so wear strap-on sandals and bring a towel and a change of clothes. There are changing rooms.
11:30
Lunch break around Klong ThomThe shops along the main road do southern-style curry-over-rice and noodles at local prices of 50–80 THB.
13:30
Arrive at the Klong Thom hot springsEntry is 20 THB for Thais (around 160 for foreigners). There's a golf-cart shuttle to the falls for about 20 THB per person. Open until early evening.
14:00
Soak in the natural hot springsThe water is around 40–50°C and flows in tiers like natural stone tubs, 1–1.5 m deep. Don't soak more than 15–20 minutes at a time, and anyone with a heart condition or high blood pressure should skip it.
16:00
Head back to town, check inShower, rest, then head out for dinner in town in the evening.

Jungle Day Tips

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes before you leave the hotel so you don't have to queue for the changing rooms · Bring a waterproof phone pouch and mosquito repellent — this is real jungle · If you go in the rainy season the trails can get slippery and the Blue Pool is often closed, so focus on the Emerald Pool and hot springs instead.

Day 2 — Tiger Cave Temple & City Stops

Day 2

Tiger Cave Temple · Black Crab Statue · Souvenirs

06:30
Head out to Tiger Cave Temple earlyIt's in Krabi Noi sub-district, about 9 km from town — a 15–20 minute drive. The temple is open 08:00–20:00, but going early before it heats up makes the climb far easier.
07:00
Start the 1,237-step climb up Khao KaewIt tops out around 600 m above sea level and takes about 40–60 minutes to climb. The steps are genuinely steep, so rest in stages and carry water. There are lots of monkeys — watch anything in your hands.
08:00
Take in the 360-degree view from Khao Kaew summitYou can see Krabi town, the limestone peaks and the sea in every direction. Some mornings there's a light mist. Pay respects at the stupa and the large Buddha image.
09:30
Come down and walk the temple grounds and lower cavesThe temple grounds have caves and big shady trees. This is the temple of Luang Por Jamnian — dress modestly.
11:00
Back to town for lunchGo for southern curry-over-rice or a seafood restaurant along the Chao Fa riverside.
13:00
Black Crab Statue & Krabi souvenirsPhotograph the black crab sculpture, the city's symbol, and browse for souvenirs like cashew nuts, shrimp paste and southern coffee.
15:00
Khao Khanab Nam (if time allows)Take a longtail boat from Chao Fa Pier to see the twin peaks rising from the water — a classic Krabi photo spot.

DIY or Book a Tour?

All three of these spots are sold as full-day jungle tours all over Krabi town and Ao Nang, bundled into one package: Emerald Pool, hot springs and Tiger Cave Temple. Prices start around 1,090–1,200 THB per person, including a minivan transfer from your hotel, Thai entry fees, lunch, drinking water and a guide. If you'd rather not drive or you're travelling solo, a tour is good value and easier. But if you're in a group or want to linger longer at each spot, renting a car and driving yourself is more flexible and cheaper per head.

Most freedom

Drive yourself (car or motorbike)

Flexible on timing, stop for photos whenever you like, and good value with 3–4 people. A rental car starts around 1,000–1,300 THB/day, fuel on you.

Easy, no planning

Full-day jungle tour

Includes transfers, entry fees, lunch and a guide, from around 1,090–1,200 THB per person. Good for solo travellers or couples who don't want to drive — all three spots in one day.

Before You Go

  • Water gear — swimsuit, towel, non-slip strap-on sandals and a waterproof pouch, useful at both the Emerald Pool and the hot springs
  • Tiger Cave Temple — dress modestly, wear trainers for the steps, bring water, and watch out for monkeys grabbing your things
  • Season — the dry months (Nov–Apr) are the most comfortable · in the rainy season (May–Oct) the Blue Pool is often closed and the trails are slippery, so plan accordingly
  • Cash — entry fees and jungle shops are mostly cash only, so bring small notes

Want a well-located base for exploring both the jungle and the coast of Krabi?

See the Top 10 Krabi Hotels →

FAQ

Can I see the Emerald Pool, Blue Pool and hot springs all in one day?

Easily — they're all along the same Klong Thom district route, about 45–60 km from Krabi town. Start early, do the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool in the morning, then move on to the hot springs in the afternoon and you'll be back in town by evening.

Can you swim in the Blue Pool?

No, you can't. It's a deep blue spring source that's for looking only. The spot you can actually swim in is the Emerald Pool, which is warm green mineral water. From roughly May to October the Blue Pool often closes to protect the Gurney's pitta birds, so check before you travel.

How much does it cost to enter the Emerald Pool and the hot springs?

The Emerald Pool is 20 THB for Thai adults and 10 THB for kids (200/100 THB for foreigners), open 08:30–17:00. The Klong Thom hot springs are around 20 THB for Thais (about 160 THB for foreigners), plus a golf-cart shuttle to the falls for around 20 THB per person.

How many steps is the Tiger Cave Temple climb, and is it tough?

It's 1,237 steps up Khao Kaew, about 600 m above sea level, taking roughly 40–60 minutes. The stairs are fairly steep. Go early before it gets hot, carry water, and watch for monkeys grabbing your things along the way — the 360-degree view at the top is worth the climb.

Should I plan the trip myself or book a tour?

If you're a group of 3–4 and can drive, doing it yourself is more flexible and cheaper per head. But if you're solo or a couple, or just don't want to drive, a full-day jungle tour with transfers, lunch and entry fees starts around 1,090–1,200 THB per person — convenient, and it covers all three spots in one day.

Related

🗺️ Krabi Travel Guide🏨 Top 10 Krabi Hotels💚 Emerald Pool & Hot Springs In-Depth🛕 Tiger Cave Temple: Conquering 1,237 Steps

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