Krabi Jungle Tour: Tiger Cave Temple, Hot Springs & Swim

Summary

Explore Krabi’s temples hot springs & emerald pools in one day

You’ll climb Tiger Cave Temple’s famous steps for sweeping views over Krabi, soak tired muscles in Klong Thom’s natural hot springs, then swim in the cool Emerald Pool surrounded by jungle sounds. With hotel pickup and lunch included, you get both adventure and downtime—with moments that might stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sweating by the time we reached the first step at Tiger Cave Temple. Our guide, Noi, grinned and handed out cold water bottles—“1,237 steps,” she said, like it was nothing. I tried not to count but lost track after fifty. There was this old monk halfway up who nodded at us, totally unfazed by the climb. The air smelled faintly of incense and wet stone. At the top, my legs shook but the view over Krabi and those limestone cliffs? Worth every wobble. I didn’t expect to feel so quiet up there.

After that climb, sinking into the Klong Thom hot springs felt like cheating. The water was almost too warm at first—like someone turned up nature’s bath—but after a minute you just melt into it. There were a few locals laughing nearby, splashing each other with handfuls of mineral water. Noi explained how people come here for sore muscles (which made sense now). I could smell something earthy in the steam—maybe leaves or just jungle air mixing in.

The Emerald Pool trek was easier on my knees. The path wound through tangled trees and you could hear birds calling overhead—one sounded like it was laughing at us. When we finally saw the pool, it looked unreal: clear green-blue water surrounded by roots and rocks. Jumping in felt sharp and cold compared to the hot spring earlier; I floated on my back for a while just watching sunlight flicker through the leaves above. Lunch after tasted better than usual—probably because I’d worked up an appetite (the curry had a kick, fair warning).

I still think about that view from Tiger Cave Temple sometimes—or maybe just how good it felt to sit quietly after all that effort. If you’re looking for a day trip from Krabi Town that mixes temples, swimming, and a bit of sweat with local stories along the way… well, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Krabi jungle attractions

• Hotel pickup in Krabi
• Drive to Klong Thom
• Relax and swim in hot spring
• Travel to Crystal Pool
• Swim in Emerald Pool
• Lunch at restaurant
• Head to Tiger Cave Temple
• Visit temple and hike to top
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How many steps are there at Tiger Cave Temple?

The main staircase has 1,237 steps to reach the hilltop viewpoint.

Is hotel pickup included on this Krabi jungle tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Ao Nam Mao.

Can you swim at the Emerald Pool?

Yes, swimming is allowed in the Emerald Pool during your visit.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

A traditional Thai lunch is included as part of the tour.

Are guides English-speaking?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking local guide.

How far is Tiger Cave Temple from Krabi Town?

The temple is located about 3 kilometers from Krabi Town.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ao Nang or Krabi Town areas, entry fees to all attractions, guidance from an English-speaking local expert throughout the journey, plenty of drinking water and fresh fruit along the way, plus a traditional Thai lunch before heading back in comfort at sunset.