Krabi & Ao Nang

Krabi is the counterpoint to Phuket — less developed, cheaper, and even more dramatically scenic. The province stretches along the Andaman Coast and offers some of Thailand's most iconic landscapes: hundreds of limestone monoliths rising from emerald waters and dense jungle. Ao Nang is the main tourist hub and starting point for boat tours to Railay, Phi Phi, and the Four Islands.

★★★ Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

The most impressive temple in the region — not because of its architecture, but because of the view. Exactly 1,237 steps lead up the steep limestone mountain to the golden Buddha at the summit. The climb is brutal (30–60 min, depending on fitness), the steps are uneven and sometimes steep. But at the top, a 360° panorama awaits you over the entire Krabi coastal strip, the offshore islands, and the endless rice fields in the hinterland. One of the best viewpoints in all of southern Thailand.

Entrance: free. Daily 8 AM–5 PM (best start before 9 AM, before the heat comes). Bring water (at least 1 liter). Long pants or sarong required.

★★★ Four Islands Tour

The most popular boat tour from Ao Nang — by longtail boat (1,200 ฿) or speedboat (1,800 ฿) to four dream destinations:

• Koh Tup — At low tide, a sandbar connects two islands. Surreal photo motif
• Koh Mor — Small rocky island for snorkeling
• Koh Poda — Postcard beach with white sand and limestone cliffs. Snorkeling at the reef
• Phra Nang Cave Beach — One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, at the foot of a gigantic limestone wall with a phallus shrine in a cave (a fertility symbol)

Longtail: 1,200 ฿ (from Ao Nang, including national park fee 400 ฿). Duration: 5–6 hours. Snorkeling equipment included. Lunch on Koh Poda.

★★ Emerald Pool & Hot Springs

Inland, 60 km from Ao Nang, lies the Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) — a natural freshwater pool whose water shimmers bright emerald green due to minerals. An 800 m long wooden walkway leads through the lowland rainforest to the pool. Another 1,400 m further is the Blue Pool — even more intensely colored, but swimming is prohibited. Nearby: Klong Thom Hot Springs, natural hot springs in the jungle (38–42°C).

Entrance Emerald Pool: 200 ฿. Hot Springs: 200 ฿. Best with rental car or organized tour (1,500 ฿ from Ao Nang, full day).

★★ Ao Nang Town

The main town is not a beauty — a tourist street with restaurants, dive schools, massage salons, and souvenir shops. But Ao Nang is practical: All boat tours start here, there are cheap accommodations in every price range, and the beach is acceptable for a sunset cocktail. Stay here, spend the days elsewhere.

Bungalow: from 500 ฿/night. Mid-range resort: 1,500–3,000 ฿. Pad Thai on the beach: 80 ฿. Beer: 80 ฿.