Search
Close this search box.

Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool: Day Trip from Krabi

Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool Day Trip from Krabi

Most Popular Day Trips from Krabi to Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool:

Powered by GetYourGuide

What to Expect on a Day Trip to Tiger Cave Temple, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool from Krabi?

A day trip from Krabi to Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, and Hot Springs offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation. These popular excursions typically last between 7 to 9.5 hours, providing visitors with a comprehensive experience of Krabi’s diverse attractions.

Tours usually begin early in the morning, with hotel pickups starting between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Most operators offer convenient pickup services from hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and Klong Muang areas. If you’re staying in more remote locations like Railay Beach, you may need to meet at a designated point, such as a nearby pier.

The itinerary often starts with a visit to the Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural thermal pools with temperatures ranging from 37-40°C. This is followed by a trip to the Emerald Pool, a stunning crystal-clear lagoon nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to swim and enjoy the serene surroundings.

The day typically culminates with a visit to the famous Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). For those up for a challenge, climbing the 1,260 steps to the temple’s summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Krabi’s landscape.

Most tours include a lunch stop at a local restaurant, offering a variety of Thai dishes. Vegetarian options are usually available upon request. Throughout the day, you’ll be provided with drinking water, and some tours even offer fresh fruit as refreshments.

Prices for these day trips generally range from 1,200 to 3,000 baht (approximately $35 to $85) per person, depending on the specific itinerary and group size. Many operators offer the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, which can be convenient for travelers.

It’s essential to come prepared for the day’s activities. Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent are must-haves. Due to cultural norms, especially at the temple, it’s advisable to bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

These tours are led by English-speaking guides who provide insights into the local culture, history, and natural environment. Transportation is typically in air-conditioned minivans, ensuring comfort between destinations.

While these trips offer a fantastic overview of Krabi’s highlights, they may not be suitable for everyone. Pregnant women and those with mobility issues might find some activities challenging, particularly the steep climb at Tiger Cave Temple.

Overall, a day trip to Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, and Hot Springs provides an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage in a single, well-organized excursion.

About Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool

Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool are two of Krabi’s most iconic attractions, offering visitors a unique blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty.

Tiger Cave Temple, known locally as Wat Tham Suea, is a renowned Buddhist meditation center and temple complex nestled in the lush forest just outside Krabi Town. The temple derives its name from a legend that tigers once roamed the cave-riddled karst peak where the temple now stands. While you won’t find any tigers here today, the site is home to troops of monkeys that often entertain (and sometimes pester) visitors.

The main draw of Tiger Cave Temple is the challenging climb to its summit. Visitors must ascend 1,260 steep steps to reach the top, a feat that typically takes 30-40 minutes for those in good physical condition. While the climb is strenuous, the reward is truly spectacular. At the summit, you’ll find a large golden Buddha statue and panoramic views that stretch across the Andaman Sea and the limestone karst formations that characterize the Krabi landscape.

The temple complex at ground level is also worth exploring. Here, you’ll find several caves housing Buddha images, intricate murals, and tiger paw prints that allegedly inspired the temple’s name. Monks can often be seen going about their daily routines, adding to the site’s spiritual atmosphere.

In contrast to the physical challenge and spiritual significance of Tiger Cave Temple, the Emerald Pool offers a more relaxed and refreshing experience. Located in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, about 60 kilometers from Krabi Town, the Emerald Pool is a natural swimming hole renowned for its striking blue-green color.

The pool’s unique hue comes from the abundance of minerals present in the water, which seeps up from underground thermal springs. The water temperature remains pleasantly warm year-round, typically hovering around 30-35°C. This makes it an inviting spot for a swim, especially after the humid trek through the surrounding rainforest.

To reach the Emerald Pool, visitors follow a well-maintained nature trail that winds through dense, tropical vegetation. The walk is relatively easy and takes about 10-15 minutes. Along the way, you might spot some of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the forest, including various bird species and, if you’re lucky, the rare Pitta Gurney bird.

Near the Emerald Pool, you’ll find the Blue Pool, another mineral-rich body of water known for its vivid cerulean color. While swimming isn’t allowed in the Blue Pool due to its depth and strong currents, it provides a stunning backdrop for photos.

Both Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool offer visitors a chance to connect with nature and local culture in different ways. The temple provides a spiritual experience and a physical challenge, rewarding those who make the climb with unforgettable views and a sense of accomplishment. The Emerald Pool, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back experience, allowing visitors to relax and cool off in a pristine natural setting.

When visiting these sites, it’s important to respect local customs and environmental regulations. At Tiger Cave Temple, modest dress is required, with shoulders and knees covered. At the Emerald Pool, visitors are asked to refrain from using sunscreen or insect repellent before swimming to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Together, Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool showcase the diverse attractions that make Krabi a popular destination. They offer a perfect balance of cultural exploration and natural beauty, providing visitors with memorable experiences that go beyond the region’s famous beaches and islands.