Discover Krabi: Hidden Gems and Unmissable Attractions Await

Set on the Andaman Sea coast, Krabi is located in southern Thailand, and people prefer it less when compared to other famous tourist destinations like Phuket Island or Koh Samui. Nevertheless, this province has many fascinating places that remain quite unknown, thus being available for tourists who are ready to travel deep into the country. There is more to Krabi than Railay-Ao Nang beaches: emerald forests, sea cliffs, out-of-the-way islands, ancient temples, night bazaars, and more. Here are seven of the best, lesser-known spots and must-see attractions that can be found in Krabi.

Explore Tham Lod Cave
Tham Lod Cave is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Ao Nang and is one of the breathtaking natural attractions in Krabi. It is inland, and can only be reached by water, so you will feel like an adventurer who dares to venture into the blackness to behold the stunning stalactites, glistening flowstones, and Aboriginal paintings. A wooden floor is walked on and it is relatively easy to traverse through this area especially due to its expansive height of over 100 meters at certain points. After your meal, just before leaving look at the impressive views of the jungle and the monkeys that are often playing by the trees near the entrance.

It involves a hike to the top of the Emerald Pool.
The Emerald Pool, a wonderfully refreshing sight located in the green heart of Krabi’s Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. The beauty of these waters is truly spectacular, with the greenish blue coloration standing out when the sun is shining, and the grotto can be reached after a 1.5 km relatively easy trail through the woods. It is also a good thing since the water here is colder than the tropical climate, and one can swim in the pool to make it cool. While on this trail be sure to look out for the monkeys that have made the rainforest their home and the beautiful birds.

One of the most popular options is to go island hopping with longtail boats.
To avoid large groups of tourists, it is advisable to hire an outboard motorized longtail boat that will take you on a private tour around the islands. You can plan your sightseeing to some of these attractions such as snorkeling the colorful reefs off Chicken and Poda Islands, enjoying the sweeping views from the Phra Nang Cave, or beach hopping and finding your perfect swath of powdery white sand to laze on. Most of the local firms make provision for day trips to the islands with options of visiting 4-5 islands of your choice where you can engage in swimming and snorkeling besides having a delicious meal on board.

A trip to Ao Nang Walking Street means shopping for handicrafts from local artisans.
For a real night market without many tourist activities, you ought to visit the Ao Nang Walking Street on Sunday. Stretching for close to a kilometer along the length of the main beachfront road and branching out at several points you will come across stalls laden with locally produced souvenirs, paintings, T-shirts, and scrumptious foodstuffs. Explore the local souvenir shops to buy ornaments, souvenirs, handcrafted accessories candles, etc., which make good souvenirs of your Krabi tour. No trip to the local market is complete without the delicious side dishes such as coconut ice cream to munch on, or tempura, hot and crispy.

Pay your respect to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sue)
Situated at a height of 1237 steps, Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in Krabi. The climb is quite strenuous (though not very long), especially in a hot tropical climate and it becomes even more challenging when we struggle to control our weight with burning thighs; however, all this is forgotten quickly when one turns back to take another look at Krabi from above. At the very top, there are complexes of monastic cells and shrines constructed inside of the tiger-striped rock overhang, providing a serene place for meditation surrounded by the lush greenery of the jungle. Observe fanatical monks performing their mundane chores in the temples or become one of the pilgrims who meditate in the numerous rooms and caves within this worshipful site.

Stroll Amongst the Khao Khanap Nam Mountains
The symbol of Krabi – two towering cliffs created by the forces of nature and standing majestically in the sea. Take a journey through the high rocky peaks of the Khao Khanap Nam mountains at 100 meters up by wooden floorings and stairs across the structure. On the way, there are interesting natural wonders, including caves with colorful Buddha statues that have been carved into the walls of the cliffs, and scenic viewpoints for taking beautiful photos with the backdrop of the sea and cliffs of Krabi. Also, halt to feed the schools of small but hungry fish that linger by the water’s edge at the foothill of the mountain as well.

Enjoy Some Time at the Nopparat Thara Beach
What many people might find adequate for a perfect beach day is just a beautiful sandy area well decorated with palm trees on the coastline. For this type of nice and relaxed Thai beach atmosphere, it is recommended to take a day trip to the Nopparat Thara Beach located just to the west of Ao Nang. The sea is comparatively shallow and there is a clear glass bottom boat for aquatic life viewing the beach offers umbrellas and loungers for hire. When it is time to eat, stroll along different informal restaurants and bars that line the shore to enjoy delicious grilled seafood while your feet remain in the sand.

Engage with Local People in Krabi Town
While most travelers only stop in transit in Krabi Province, the town of Krabi should be more explored as it is a friendly riverside town. At Maharaj Night Market, food sellers prepare deep-fried crab rice, grilled snapper, Thai spicy papaya salad, and Khanom Chin sweet cakes at night. It remains vibrant well into the night, and effectively into the early hours of the morning. During the daytime, stroll along the seafront flour or visit one of the marvelous Chinese temples that were constructed by emigrants who influenced the atmosphere of Krabi Town.

The second adventure of sea kayak is to explore the secret lagoons and sea caves.
Kayaking through the shallow waters of Krabi, navigating along the mangroves, and exploring secret caves is as exciting as it sounds. Local professional tour guides offer either half-day or full-day adventurous boat trips with several options to make water stops near the towering karst walls. There are no special requirements of prior experience, although the consistency of the water also makes it ideal for beginners. Some of the most exciting ones are when you can see the emerald lagoon of Tham Phra Nang Nai, kayak under the cliffs that are covered by vines, watch monkeys at the shore, or climb branches above the water.

The Krabi province is blessed with many wonderful natural sights, with beautiful and enchanting landscapes ranging from rainforests to karsts mountains. Still, it is not one of the most busy and tourist crowded places in Thailand so there really is a chance to seek out your spots in this Thai seaside province. Escape the beaten tourist trail in Krabi and spend your days island hopping on a long-tailed boat, spot the white sandy beaches that are untouched by tourists, and discover the evening markets with lots of delicious Thai food. Using insider information, you will be making the most of your exploration of Krabi’s hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered by travelers who are ready to look beyond the regularly advertised sites.