4. Krabi: Early Jungle Tour to Krabi Hot Springs & Crystal Pool
Your experience begins are you are collected from your accommodation at sunrise before traveling in air-conditioned comfort to Klong Thom in the south of the Krabi province. Make a short stop in a 100-year-old wooden house to enjoy a homemade breakfast lovingly prepared by local people, before continuing to the Krabi Hot Spring in the south of Krabi through rural villages and breathtaking scenery.
Once there, relax in hot-tub jacuzzis formed by nature, known locally as "nam tok rawn". The water there comes from thermal springs, originating deep underground in volcanic chambers. Located in the jungle, this site features naturally hollowed-out "bathtubs" in smooth stone, filled to the brim with fresh running spring water at a pleasant 35-42° Celsius.
A visit to the hot springs would not be complete without a trip to the nearby crystal pool, known as Sa Morakot in Thai. It is a large natural pool is filled with pure spring water which is ideal to take a refreshing swim in. Along the way to the pool, pass by a series of clear mini-pools, waterfalls, and streams, as well as hundreds of species of tropical trees, plants, and birds.
Next up, visit the Tiger Cave Temple, or "Wat Tham Seua" in Thai. The temple is set inland in a beautiful forest and is in fact a famous meditation center for monks and nuns who come from all over Thailand to retreat there. The temple is laid out as a small village with a main boulevard lined with monkeys with a large statue of Guan Im at the end. From there you are free to walk around the nature trail through the Khiriwong Valley or double back to visit the main Tiger Cave and bell tower (the largest in Southern Thailand).
For those who are fit enough, a 1,237-stair climb leads to the famous mountain-top shrine for a view that will take away what little breath you have left. Before returning to your hotel, make a short stop at the famous "Black Crab" monument in Krabi Town with a stunning view of the Khao Khanab Nam twin mountains. These majestic natural wonders act as the gateway to Krabi City with the river running between the two limestone cliffs forming a widely photographed spot.