If you’re keen on visiting Krabi but want to steer clear of the pricey restaurants and overcrowded tourism of Ao Nang and Railay, Krabi Town offers an excellent alternative for accommodation and exploration, minus the drawbacks of popular tourist hubs.

In this travel guide, you’ll find all the information you need for a visit to Krabi Town. From night markets selling delicious street food at local prices to hiking trips that take you above the clouds, here are the top 4 activities in Krabi Town.

1.Climb to the Summit of Wat Tham Suea

Wat Tham Suea, known for its cave temple and once a tiger’s lair, boasts an epic pilgrimage trail that takes you to the peak of a limestone mountain. From there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of Krabi Town and its surroundings.

The pilgrimage trail of Wat Tham Suea consists of around 1200 steps, and the hike to the summit may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Some of these steps are not your usual human-sized steps; they are more like giant’s steps, steep at times. Ensure you’re in good physical condition before tackling this trail.

Along the way, you’ll encounter poles with step markers, offering glimpses of hope as you ascend against gravity. Restrooms are available at the 500th and 1000th steps.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted by a colossal Buddha statue and a platform providing a 360° panorama of Krabi Town. On one side, witness the town near Wat Tham Suea, and on the other, rolling hills of limestone mountains as far as the eye can see. It’s a rewarding experience for the effort of climbing 1200 steps.

Wat Tham Suea is genuinely a hidden gem, and I highly recommend everyone to experience it. I climbed it on a misty morning after a rainy night, eventually standing above a sea of clouds. Witnessing this mist sea in June was a rare and mesmerizing sight.

The cave and the temple itself don’t hold any extraordinary features; it’s merely a cave turned into a temple and a shrine built at the spot where they found a tiger. The trail is what makes this place a must-visit. If you plan to climb to the summit, I strongly suggest starting around 6 or 7 in the morning. Better yet, aim to reach the top at sunrise for the best weather and lighting. Wat Tham Suea and the trail are open every day from 4 am to 5 pm, and entry plus the hike is free.

2.Swim in the Emerald Pool

The Emerald Pool might be one of the most picturesque spots in Krabi. Located in a remote area 55 kilometers east of Krabi Town, it’s characterized by its crystal-clear water and an emerald hue when the sunlight hits it.

To get there, a one-hour ride on a rented motorbike from Krabi Town is an option. For a more convenient alternative, you can join organized tours that usually take you to the Emerald Pool along with other attractions in Krabi Town.

Once at the pond, you can either walk directly to the Emerald Pool along an 800-meter path or opt for the 1.4-kilometer nature trail, which I highly recommend. It takes you through the forest, passing by many beautiful pools where you can play around. You can walk the nature trail on your way there and quickly return, or vice versa.

As you enter the pond, you’ll reach an open area, and here, you can swim in the shimmering Emerald Pool. There are wooden decks for you to walk on and other paths to explore. If you wish to swim, there are bathing facilities, and enough space for you to enjoy the cool water. Just be cautious of slippery rocks; they can get quite slick at times.

Depending on when you arrive, there might be quite a crowd. If you want to have the place to yourself, I strongly recommend visiting early in the morning.

The Emerald Pool is open every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the entrance fee is 200 Thai Baht per person. It’s indeed a beautiful place, and you’ll love it.

3.Relax at the Hot Springs Waterfall

Krabi’s Hot Springs Waterfall is another cool spot to visit. Located not far from the Emerald Pool, it’s usually part of a day trip from Krabi Town.

Known for the bubbling hot springs pools situated above a small waterfall, surrounded by tropical forest, it’s a place where you can unwind in nature’s tranquility.

For those who prefer a more comfortable and less crowded experience in the hot springs pools of the Hot Springs Waterfall, there are some spa areas available.

This is an excellent place to relax after an adventurous day, combining a visit to Wat Tham Suea and the Emerald Pool, making it a fantastic alternative day trip from Krabi. The Hot Springs Waterfall is open every day from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 100 Thai Baht per person.

4.Stroll Along the Pak Nam River Boardwalk

Krabi Town is situated along the banks of the Pak Nam River, overlooking the iconic Khao Khanap Nam limestone mountains. One of my favorite things to do every evening is to stroll along the Pak Nam River Boardwalk.

The city has built a very nice and spacious wooden boardwalk along the Pak Nam River, parallel to the night market. It’s a common place where locals gather every evening to enjoy street food, socialize, and unwind with friends and family, making it a great spot for people-watching.

The boardwalk features another famous landmark of Krabi Town: the crab sculptures with the iconic Khao Khanap Nam in the background. So, before leaving Krabi, be sure to snap a photo there.