Krabi Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple
Highlights
- Swim in the Emerald Pool
- Soak in mineral hot springs
- Climb 1,237 steps at Tiger Cave Temple
- English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle from Krabi
- Free cancellation
- Instant confirmation
Picture yourself stepping into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Emerald Pool, feeling the natural spring water that stays perfectly cool even on Thailand’s hottest days. The contrast hits you immediately when you move to the hot springs afterward – your muscles melting into the mineral-rich waters that bubble up from deep underground. But the real test comes at Tiger Cave Temple, where 1,237 stone steps wind up through jungle humidity to reveal Krabi’s coastline stretching endlessly below. That moment when you catch your breath at the summit, sweat cooling in the mountain breeze while monks’ chants drift up from the temple below – that’s when this 8-hour journey pays off completely.
Your day starts early with hotel pickup, then it’s a comfortable drive through Krabi’s countryside to reach Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary where Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) sits hidden in the rainforest. You’ll have about an hour to swim and explore before moving to the nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak. The afternoon brings the physical challenge at Tiger Cave Temple – your guide gives you the honest truth about those stairs and doesn’t rush anyone who needs breaks. Most groups are 8-12 people, and the guides know their stuff about local history and wildlife. The tour wraps up around 6 PM back at your hotel, leaving you tired but satisfied.
Book this tour if you enjoy mixing nature with culture and don’t mind a serious stair climb. Those temple steps are no joke – bring good walking shoes, plenty of water, and realistic expectations about your fitness level. Reviewers consistently describe the experience as well-organized, though some visitors underestimate the physical demands. Rainy season can make the stairs slippery, so dry season visits work better for safety.
Insider Tip: Bring a waterproof phone case for the Emerald Pool – you’ll want photos in that incredible water, and the mineral content can damage electronics if they get splashed.
Safety Tip: Those Tiger Cave Temple stairs get slick when wet. If it’s been raining, take extra time on each step and use the handrails religiously.
Itinerary
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
A short hike through the forest gives the chance to see an intact ecosystem and the atmosphere of the rainforest. The Emerald Pool, also called ‘Sa Morakot’, is a natural pond with clear blue color and warm water, suitable for swimming. Minerals from the surrounding limestone hills give the pool its jade tone. Nearby is the Blue Lagoon, a pool with deep aquamarine-blue water. Do not swim here, unlike in the Emerald Pool: the bottom consists of quicksand and the water temperature varies between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius. After the visit to the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon there is a stop for lunch at a local restaurant (approx. 1 hour - lunch is for own expenses). National Park fee THB 400 per person is not included and has to be paid cash.
Namtok Ron (Hot Spring Waterfall ) - Khlong Thom
Namtok Ron is located in a shady green forest area with numerous hot springs. The hot springs and cool streams converge on a slope to form lovely cascades of warm water. The water comes from volcanic chambers deep underground. Therefore the water always has a beneficial temperature of 35 to 42 degrees Celsius. You can relax in one of the many natural hollows in the creek and watch the water gently cascade into the cool pools. Hot Springs fee THB 200 per person is not included and has to be paid cash.
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Set in a beautiful forest, Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple) is one of the highlights in Krabi, for in addition to being a place of worship it is a famous meditation centre, and acts as a retreat for Buddhist monks and nuns from all over the world. You need to climb 1260 stairs to the top, with some of the stair risers being more than 30 cm high, so a degree of physical fitness is required to visit the temple. Once you make it to the top, you are rewarded with views of the surrounding countryside with all the limestone cliffs and beautiful lush rain forest. The view is gorgeous enough to take away what remains of your breath.
Ao Nang
Traveling time from/to Ao Nang and between the attractions during the tour.
Included
- English speaking guide
- One bottle of drinking water per person
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Not Included
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for driver and guide (optional)
- Emerald Pool
- Namtok Ron (Hot Spring Waterfall ) - Khlong Thom
- Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)
Meeting point & area
View larger map →Meeting point: Meeting point in front of McDonald's on Ao Nang beach road.
Good to know
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
