Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Day Tour Krabi

Climb Tiger Cave’s summit, swim in the Emerald Pool, and soak in healing hot springs

This full-day guided tour in Krabi takes you to Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool inside a national forest, and a secluded hot spring sanctuary, with lunch, massage and all transport included. The 1260-step climb to the mountaintop Buddha is optional; the Emerald Pool swim and hot spring soak are the core of the day. Hotel pickup is included, and your guide speaks English throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore temple, pools, and hot springs

• Visit Tiger Cave Temple and meet monks
• Climb 1260 steps to mountain summit
• Swim in Emerald Pool
• Walk to Blue Pool via jungle boardwalk
• Relax at hot spring sanctuary
• Enjoy therapeutic massage

The Experience

The day starts at Tiger Cave Temple, where you meet resident monks in the peaceful cave surroundings and decide whether to take on the 1260 steps up the mountain to the giant Buddha statue at the summit. The climb is steep and optional—most travelers do it for the panoramic views of the province, though the caves and meditation spots at ground level are worth time on their own. After the temple, you head into Thung Teao Forest National Park to the Emerald Pool, a natural freshwater basin with striking emerald-green water fed by underground springs. You swim here, then walk a scenic 600-meter jungle boardwalk to reach the Blue Pool, another mineral spring with sapphire-blue water surrounded by rainforest.

Lunch happens between the pools and the hot springs. Afterward, you spend time at the hot spring sanctuary in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve—a tranquil spot with mineral-rich pools where you can soak and relax. The tour includes a 30-minute neck, shoulder and back massage here, which most travelers use to unwind after the morning's climbing and swimming. Fresh coconut is provided throughout the day, and bottled water is always on hand. The air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking guide mean you're not navigating logistics or language barriers; the route and timing are set, so the day holds together without you building it.

This is a small-group tour—your group size depends on which option you choose at checkout, ranging from 6 to 15 travelers. The total time is about nine hours from pickup to drop-off. Accident insurance is included, and entrance fees to all three sites are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• entrance fees to Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and the hot spring sanctuary.
• lunch.
• a 30-minute therapeutic massage at the hot springs.
• bottled water and fresh coconut throughout the day.
• accident insurance.
• and an English-speaking guide for the full nine hours.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Krabi Spesialisten Co., Ltd.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three sites in one day with a guide handling logistics and timing—you'll climb, swim, and finish with massage, all without coordinating transport between stops.

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Top questions

How hard is the climb to the Buddha statue at Tiger Cave Temple?

The climb to the giant Buddha involves 1260 steps up the mountain and is optional—you can explore the caves and meditation areas at ground level instead. Most travelers who do the climb say the panoramic views of Krabi province make it worth the effort, though it is steep and takes time.

Can I actually swim in the Emerald Pool, or is it just for looking at?

You swim in the Emerald Pool—it's a natural freshwater basin inside the national park, and swimming is the main reason most travelers visit. The water is cool and clear, and you'll have time to float and explore before moving on to the Blue Pool nearby.

What's the difference between the Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool?

The Emerald Pool is a natural freshwater basin with striking green water; the Blue Pool is a mineral spring with sapphire-blue water, located 600 meters away via a jungle boardwalk. Both are in the same forest reserve, and you visit both on the same day.

Is the massage included, or do I pay extra for it?

The 30-minute massage at the hot spring sanctuary is included in the tour price. It's a neck, shoulder and back massage meant to help you relax after the morning's climbing and swimming.

What time does the tour pick me up, and when do I get back to my hotel?

Hotel pickup is included and timed to your location in Krabi; the full tour runs about nine hours from pickup to drop-off. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup time when you book and will meet you at your hotel.

Is this tour suitable if I have a bad knee or don't want to climb?

The 1260-step climb to the Buddha statue is optional, so you can skip it and spend time in the caves instead. However, the tour involves walking to the pools and through the jungle boardwalk, so some mobility is needed. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.