Krabi, Thailand, is famous for its white sand beaches, crystal blue waters and heavenly islands. But for travellers who venture inland, Krabi’s Khlong Thom District offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage, luxury wellness experiences and hidden gems to explore.
Wondering what to do in Krabi? Nature lovers should not miss Khlong Thom’s famous hot springs, brilliant natural pools, exciting hiking trails and unforgettable waterfalls. Families and history enthusiasts love spending time at Wat Khlong Thom Museum learning the stories of the people who lived in this area long ago. And everyone loves indulging in the serenity of the healing waters at Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness Spa and Resort.
Ready to get started? Enjoy our quick guide to some of the top attractions in Khlong Thom, Krabi.
Emerald Pool
Capture Insta-worthy shots of vibrant blue-green waters fringed with jungle leaves and vines under the blue skies of Southern Thailand.
Located within the Khao Nor Juji Natural Park, Thung Teao Forest, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is one of Krabi’s must-see attractions.
The Emerald Pool’s mineral-rich waters are fed by an underground spring, but the pool is far enough from the source to provide a refreshing dip. What better way to beat the Krabi heat than to immerse yourself in the gorgeous and serene water here?
Well-maintained trails, some elevated and some with handrails, make it easy for visitors of all ages to access the Emerald Pool. The trails make it easy to get to the park’s other nearby attractions, including a hot spring and the famous Blue Pool.
Swimming is encouraged in the main section of the pool, but many other surrounding pools are clearly marked “No Swimming” for visitor safety. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trail, and be ready with your swimsuit as there are no changing facilities near the pools. No food, alcohol, weapons, soap or pets are allowed in the park, and the toilet facilities are located away from the pools, near the park entrance.
How to Get to Emerald Pool, Khlog Thom, Krabi:
The Emerald Pool and Thung Teao Forest Natural Park are located within Krabi’s Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve and near Bang Teao Village. The park entrance is 60 km from Krabi town, and the journey takes roughly one hour by car, taxi or motorbike.
Blue Pool (Bor Namphut)
Once you’ve been thoroughly refreshed in the cool water of the Emerald Pool, don’t miss the chance to experience the calm atmosphere and otherworldly blue hue of its sister, the Blue Pool.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with your family, a stay on Ao Nang Beach puts you right in the heart of everything. The many beachfront resorts, inns and hotels in the area make it the perfect home base and a great point of departure for setting out on Krabi adventures.
Located 600 m down the trail from the Emerald Pool within Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the Blue Pool is truly a sight worth seeing. Its beautiful colour makes it one of the top Krabi attractions for photographers.
No swimming is allowed in the Blue Pool, so it is often less crowded than the Emerald Pool, allowing for some great shots. Please respect the no-swimming rule, as the pool is a protected water source for several natural spring pools in the area including the Emerald pool. It is also very deep and, thus, unsafe for anything other than admiring and photographing from the observation platform!
How to Get to The Blue Pool, Khlog Thom, Krabi:
The Blue Pool is located in Khao Nor Juji National Park, Thung Teao Forest, a 500 m walk from the Emerald Pool.
Krabi Hot Springs and Hot Stream Waterfall
Become one with nature at this soaker’s delight. Located in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, The Hot Stream Waterfall (Namtok Ron) is just a short distance from the famous Emerald Pool and Blue Pool.
Imagine being surrounded by lush jungle and relaxing among beautiful limestone formations as hot water cascades over your body. This unique experience makes Namtok Ron one of the best Khlong Thom Krabi attractions.
Who doesn’t love a waterfall or a hot spring? Namtok Ron (also known as Hot Stream Krabi and Krabi Hot Springs) offers the rare opportunity to experience these two wonders of nature combined.
Most visitors agree that the hot spring waterfall is the highlight, but the area near the waterfall also includes hiking trails and access to more Khlong Thom hot springs channelled into developed swimming pools, plus freshwater showers, a food and drink stand and a picnic area, so there are plenty of relaxing ways to pass the time there.
Namtok Ron (Hot Stream Krabi) is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is 200 baht per adult, 100 baht per child, or less for Thai nationals at 40 baht per adult, 20 baht per child.
How to Get to Hot Stream Waterfall, Khlog Thom, Krabi:
Krabi Hot Springs is roughly a one-hour trip from Krabi town. The park can be reached by travelling 45 km toward Amphoe Khlong Thom, then taking Sukhaphiban 2 Road for another 12 km.
Wat Khlong Thom Museum
Discover the rich history of the Khlong Thom region and its people among the intriguing displays of this cultural gem.
The Wat Khlong Thom Museum is home to cultural artefacts which are thousands of years old. These items offer modern visitors a glimpse of the roots of Thai culture and what life was like in the area over 5,000 years ago.
After a cache of ancient artefacts was found behind the temple in what is referred to as the “Mound of Beads,” archaeologists excavated the site and assembled an impressive collection. The site contained a historical treasure trove of coloured beads, Roman coins, pottery shards, decorative art and stone and bronze tools.
These ancient items are now on display in the Wat Khlong Thom Museum. Visitors appreciate this opportunity to look back into the area’s past, including its connection to the famous Silk Road. The museum is a must-see Khlong Thom attraction for history buffs, families and anyone fascinated with the rich cultural heritage of Thailand.
Wat Khlong Thom Museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day (besides holidays). The entry fee is 100 baht for foreign adults and children. It is important to wear respectful attire that is appropriate for a temple (covering knees and shoulders) and to remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
How to Get to Wat Khlong Thom Museum, Krabi:
The Wat Khlong Thom Museum is located between kilometres 69 and 70 on Phetchakasem Highway (Route 4). It is roughly 40 km from Krabi Town, and the trip takes around 45 minutes.
Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness
Ensconced in the lush tropical forest of Khlong Thom lies Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness, a hidden oasis in Khlong Thom Krabi. Travellers can restore their bodies and souls at this tranquil hot spring spa and resort. A visit to Wareerak Hot Springs is one of the best ways to experience the rejuvenating waters of the hot springs that make the Khlong Thom area so magical.
Wareerak embraces the philosophy of healing with water. The resort’s spring-fed, mineral-rich pools are surrounded by botanical gardens and a fruit orchard. The calm natural atmosphere and onsen-inspired design encourage relaxation, contemplation and well-being.
The Wareerak experience has been curated to promote holistic health and inspire serenity. From the gorgeous jungle surroundings to the massage, yoga retreats, traditional Thai medicine and wellness programs on offer, Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness is an unforgettable Krabi spa resort.
For visitors who can’t get enough of the relaxing vibes here, Wareerak offers comfortable eco-friendly accommodations inspired by traditional Southern Thai style. Wareerak is the perfect place to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the healing quiet of nature.
How to Get to Wareerak Hot Springs, Khlog Thom, Krabi:
Wareerak Hot Springs is about 50 km from Krabi Town. Take Route 4 for 36.4 km to Route 4038, then head down Route 4021 for 9.8 km until you reach this peaceful Krabi hotel and resort.
Discover Khlong Thom Krabi
With its stunning limestone cliffs and sunkissed seaside charm, Krabi, Thailand, is a destination unlike any other. Ready to venture away from the charms of Ao Nang or Railay Beach? Explore the inland attractions in Khlong Thom Krabi on your own or by booking a tour with a local guide. Many tours stop at most or all of the places in this article, and some include a stop at the famous Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seur).
Whether your Krabi itinerary has room for a half-day tour, a full-day tour or an extended stay in Khlong Thom, you will find this enchanting area well worth a visit!