Looking forward to getting out into nature in Krabi? Charge your camera batteries and tick off these stunning natural attractions.
Krabi is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, home to beautiful islands, scenic national parks, and cultural spots aplenty. The province is also known for its exciting adventure activities, including climbing, sea kayaking, and caving. There’s plenty to enjoy outdoors and, when it comes to marveling at Mother Nature’s handiwork, Krabi boasts some splendid natural sights.
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is one of the most striking natural attractions in Krabi. It’s especially popular with photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Home to the Emerald Pool, a natural lagoon where you can swim, the ancient lowland forest also has lovely waterfalls and hot springs. Hike the nature trail to spot some of the park’s diverse wildlife, including an array of birds, lizards, small mammals, and insects. If you see the Gurney’s pitta bird, you’re in for a treat; it was once thought to be extinct!
One of the most famous beaches in all of Thailand, Maya Bay is part of the Phi Phi Islands. Limestone karsts rise seductively from the shimmering waters, the foliage-covered rocks almost entirely enclosing the small white-sand bay. Longtail boats decked out with colourful ribbons bob on the waters. The chirps of insects and sweet sounds of birdsong reach the beach from the jungle behind. The scene is picturesque and it’s easy to understand why so many people flock here to follow in Leonardo DiCaprio’s footsteps. While Maya Bay definitely won’t be as quiet as it was during the 2000 hit movie The Beach, even large crowds cannot detract from the bay’s awesome beauty.
An iconic Krabi sight, the twin mountains of Khao Khanab Nam sit on either side of a river. Seeing the mountains from afar is impressive, with the peaks casting their reflections on the water when the sun is at the right angle in the sky. You can climb one of the mountains for terrific views of the surroundings and, if you dare, scramble out onto an outcrop for cool Instagram snaps. There are dark caves to explore underneath the mountains too, and you can learn more about prehistoric skeletons discovered in the caverns.
Klong Thom Hot Springs feature stone pools of mineral-rich hot water. Bathing in the pleasantly warm waters is believed to help with a range of health complaints, including skin conditions and joint pains, and it’s also relaxing. If the temperatures (around 35–40 degrees Celsius and 95–104 degrees Fahrenheit) become too much, take a dip in the cooler stream of water right next to the hot springs. Tree roots twist atmospherically across the ground and leafy branches provide plenty of shade. Water flows through the stepped pools to create a tumbling waterfall and the rainforest surroundings add to the enchanting scenes.
Susan Hoi is one of Krabi’s most unusual natural sights. Commonly referred to as the Shell Cemetery, Susan Hoi is a large patch of shale rock decorated with the rather eerie skeletal remains of shellfish. The geological site is believed to be at least 20 million years old and there are only a handful of similar places around the world. It’s well worth checking out the wildlife-rich mangroves while in the area, and you can learn more about Susan Hoi and its formation at the small information centre.
Koh Hong is a small island off the coast of mainland Krabi. Popularly visited on island-hopping day tours, the island boasts pristine white beaches and a spectacular natural lagoon. Limestone rocks tower over the blue waters and swimming here is like taking a dip in an ethereal wonderland. The waters surrounding the island have lots of fascinating marine life and snorkelling is a great way to fully appreciate the underwater world and get a better view of the coral reef. The enchanting island is part of Than Bok Khorani National Park.
Accessible only by boat, Railay Peninsula has four beautiful sandy beaches. The white sands sit between the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea and limestone rocks and cliffs. It’s the dramatic mountains that really set off the splendid beaches, with the white and grey craggy peaks covered with lush greenery. A popular area for rock climbing, you can also take the easy option and admire the vistas from one of the area’s excellent viewpoints.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is one of Krabi’s lesser-visited national parks despite only being a short way outside of Krabi Town. The peaceful forests are home to an array of flora and fauna and there are several well-marked walking trails to facilitate explorations. Within the park, you’ll find pretty waterfalls, including Klong Hang, Ton Hahn, and Huay Toh. There are also caves filled with cool rock formations, and splendidly scenic lookout points. Escape the tourist crowds and spend a day hiking in beautiful nature.
One of Krabi’s scenic mainland beaches, Tubkaek Beach is just a short distance from the more crowded and less scenic beach of Ao Nang. Pretty and peaceful, Tubkaek Beach has fine coral sands that are gently lapped by clear waters. Limestone karsts and verdant jungle can be seen all around. It’s a fantastic place for soaking up the sun in a serene setting, and the sunset views are especially photogenic.
Khao Ngon Nak, also known as Dragon Crest Mountain, is a forest-covered mountain in Krabi. While the mountain is pleasant enough to look at, it’s the views from the summit that make it so special. Hike to the top, passing waterfalls and viewing areas, to feast your eyes on the blanket of greenery below that rolls towards the sparkling blues of the sea. You’ll likely spot a variety of wildlife as you hike to the peak too.
