Krabi hot springs and Emerald Pool hike: 6-hour rainforest tour

Soak in thermal springs, then swim in an emerald-colored pool hidden in the rainforest

A 6-hour guided tour in Krabi combines soaking in Khlong Thom Hot Springs, a rainforest hike, and swimming in the Emerald Pool, with roundtrip van pickup from Aonang, Krabi Town or Klong Muang, an English-speaking guide, and Thai lunch included on most options. Island and remote beachfront guests must arrange their own transport to Ao Nam Mao Pier or Nopparat Thara Pier. Five upgrade levels let you add the Tiger Cave Temple with its 1,260-step climb to a golden Buddha summit, ATV jungle rides, or a mangrove kayak paddle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Krabi Rainforest and Hot Springs Adventure

• VIP van transfer from hotel
• Soak in Khlong Thom Hot Springs
• Hike and swim at Emerald Pool
• Optional visit to Tiger Cave Temple
• Optional ATV ride through jungle trails
• Optional mangrove kayaking at Ao Thalane
• Enjoy authentic Thai buffet lunch
• Return transfer to coast

The Experience

The day starts with a pickup from your hotel between 7:50 and 9:20 AM in a comfortable air-conditioned van. You head to Khlong Thom Hot Springs first, where you wade into thermal mineral water heated to 35–40°C—the kind of soak that loosens muscles before a hike. After that, a guided nature trail takes you into the rainforest canopy toward the Emerald Pool, named for the distinctive green cast of its water. You swim there, then depart around 2:30 PM to head back to the coast.

The base tour covers the hot springs and Emerald Pool with bottled water and an English guide. If you choose one of the upgrade options, Thai lunch is added to your day. The Tiger Cave Temple upgrade extends the afternoon to include a visit to the historic site, where you can explore natural meditation caves or climb 1,260 steps to a viewpoint overlooking a golden Buddha. The ATV upgrade swaps the temple for muddy jungle tracks and winding trails on two wheels. The kayak upgrade takes you to Ao Thalane mangroves with safety gear provided and a paddle through the waterways. You pick one experience at checkout—they are not combined.

Pickups are included for hotels in Aonang, Krabi Town, and Klong Muang on the mainland. If you are staying on an island or at a remote beachfront like Railay, you will need to arrange your own transport to either Ao Nam Mao Pier or Nopparat Thara Pier, where the tour meets you. Accident insurance is included, and the tour suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

What’s included

• Roundtrip van transport from your hotel in Aonang, Krabi Town, or Klong Muang.
• English-speaking guide.
• bottled water.
• accident insurance.
• Thai buffet lunch on the Tiger Cave Temple, ATV, and kayak upgrade options.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Thailand Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the base tour if you want just the hot springs and Emerald Pool without committing to a full afternoon extension. Pick the Tiger Cave Temple upgrade if you are interested in the spiritual side and do not mind the steep climb; the ATV option if you prefer muddy jungle trails over temple steps; the kayak option if mangrove paddling appeals to you more than either.

Top questions

What temperature is the water at Khlong Thom Hot Springs?

Khlong Thom Hot Springs stays between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius, warm enough to relax muscles but not so hot that you cannot stay in for a long soak.

Can I visit both the Tiger Cave Temple and do the ATV ride on the same tour?

No—the upgrade options are separate choices made at checkout. You pick either the Tiger Cave Temple, the ATV jungle ride, the mangrove kayak, or the base tour with just the hot springs and Emerald Pool.

Is lunch included in every option?

Lunch is included in the Tiger Cave Temple, ATV, and kayak upgrades, but not in the base tour. All options include bottled water and an English-speaking guide.

What is the Emerald Pool actually like when you get there?

The Emerald Pool is a natural swimming hole in the rainforest with water that has a distinctive green hue. You reach it by guided nature trail and swim there as part of the tour.

I am staying on Railay Beach—can the tour pick me up there?

Pickups are only available from mainland hotels in Aonang, Krabi Town, and Klong Muang. If you are on Railay or another island, you will need to arrange your own transport to Ao Nam Mao Pier or Nopparat Thara Pier, where the tour meets you.

What does the Tiger Cave Temple upgrade include?

The Tiger Cave Temple upgrade adds a visit to the historic temple, where you can explore natural meditation caves or climb 1,260 steps to a summit viewpoint with a golden Buddha. Thai lunch is also included on this option.