Krabi: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple
Three pools, one mountain, and why the climb to Tiger Cave Temple is worth the stairs
You swim in the Emerald Pool's warm jade water, soak in natural hot springs tucked into forest, and climb 1,260 stairs to Tiger Cave Temple for views of limestone cliffs and rainforest. An English-speaking guide handles transport and timing in a small group (max 10 people), so you don't arrange logistics yourself. Bring cash for park and hot springs fees, and plan for a full day from Ao Nang.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Explore Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Temple
- Travel from Ao Nang to Emerald Pool
- Hike through the forest to Emerald Pool
- Swim in the Emerald Pool
- View the Blue Lagoon (no swimming)
- Lunch at local restaurant (own expense)
- Travel to Namtok Ron Hot Springs
- Relax in hot springs and cascades
- Travel to Tiger Cave Temple
- Climb 1260 stairs to temple summit
- Enjoy views from Tiger Cave Temple
- Return travel to Ao Nang
- Emerald Pool 3h 30m
- Tiger Cave Temple 1h
What’s included
Your day includes an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle transport from Ao Nang, one bottle of drinking water per person, a forest hike to the Emerald Pool with swimming time, a stop at the Blue Lagoon, lunch at a local restaurant (your own cost), time at the natural hot springs, and entry to Tiger Cave Temple with the option to climb 1,260 stairs to the summit or explore ground level. National park fees (400 baht) and hot springs fees (200 baht) are paid separately in cash on the day.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by WanderSiam
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The experience
There's something about warm water that makes you want to stay longer than you planned. The Emerald Pool, Sa Morakot in Thai, sits in a rainforest clearing with water so clear and jade-colored you'd swear someone dyed it. The minerals from the limestone hills around it give the pool that impossible hue, and the water stays warm year-round, so you can actually swim instead of just looking. Your guide leads a short forest hike to get there, and the walk itself feels like stepping into something intact: the kind of ecosystem you don't see much anymore. After the pool, there's the Blue Lagoon nearby, which looks even more inviting with its deep aquamarine color, but the quicksand bottom and water that swings between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius means it's a photograph-only stop. That's the kind of detail that matters when you're planning your day.
The hot springs at Namtok Ron come next, and they're the opposite of the Emerald Pool's cool clarity. These are tucked into a shady forest where warm water cascades down natural stone hollows. The springs stay between 35 and 42 degrees Celsius because the water comes from volcanic chambers deep underground, so you're not just soaking, you're sitting in something genuinely therapeutic. You can move between the warm cascades and cooler pools as you want, which is the kind of freedom that makes a midday break feel like actual rest instead of another checkbox. Lunch happens at a local restaurant around this point: about an hour, and you cover your own meal costs.
Tiger Cave Temple is the reason people mention physical fitness when they talk about this tour. Wat Tham Suea sits in a forest setting, and to see the views everyone comes for, you climb 1,260 stairs to the summit. Some of the steps are over 30 centimeters high, so it's not a casual walk. But once you reach the top, the limestone cliffs and rainforest stretch out in every direction, and the air feels thinner up there. The temple itself is a working meditation center where Buddhist monks and nuns retreat from all over the world, so there's a real sense of place beyond the photo opportunity. If the full climb doesn't appeal to you, ground-level access exists, though you'd miss the view. One note: wild monkeys live at the temple, and they're exactly as cute and exactly as wild as they sound. Keep your distance, don't bring food, and watch your bag.
The whole day runs with an English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned vehicle, and groups stay under ten people, which means the stops don't feel crowded. You'll need to budget cash for the national park fee (400 baht per person) and the hot springs fee (200 baht per person). Those aren't included upfront. The tour operates rain or shine, though tropical showers usually pass quickly. If you're thinking about booking, know that the Blue Lagoon closes May through October during bird breeding season, so timing matters if that's your main draw.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main natural attractions around Krabi in one day without arranging transport, park entry, or timing yourself: the small group size (max 10) and fixed schedule are what fit all three stops into a single outing.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.
Can you swim in the Blue Lagoon?
No. The bottom is quicksand and the water temperature varies between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius, making it unsafe. It's a photo stop only.
How many stairs are there at Tiger Cave Temple?
1,260 stairs to the summit. Some steps are over 30 centimeters high. Ground-level access is available if you prefer not to climb.
What's included and what costs extra?
Included: English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, one bottle of water per person. Not included: lunch (own expense), national park fee (400 baht), hot springs fee (200 baht). Pay these in cash on the day.
Is the Blue Lagoon always open?
No. It closes May through October during the breeding season of a rare bird species.
What's the maximum group size?
10 people per group.
Are there monkeys at Tiger Cave Temple?
Yes, wild monkeys live at the temple. Keep your distance, don't bring food, and keep belongings in your bag.
How long is the tour?
A full day. The itinerary includes a forest hike to Emerald Pool, lunch (about 1 hour), hot springs, and Tiger Cave Temple, plus travel time between stops.
What happens if it rains?
Tours operate rain or shine. Tropical showers usually pass quickly. The tour continues, and you may seek shelter. Bring a raincoat during rainy season. Weather cancellations are not refundable.
Can I visit just the ground level of Tiger Cave Temple?
Yes. If climbing 1,260 stairs isn't for you, ground-level access is available, though you'll miss the summit views.
What's the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance or no-shows receive no refund.
Krabi: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple
8h · EN
from US$ 35 per person
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