Khao Kanam Nam

Khao Kanam Nam

Our first stop is at Kanam Nam, two hills that many people regard as the symbol of the province. Located just outside Krabi Town and easily spotted from the road, it is such an amazing vista to see these prominences standing almost side by side with a river (the Maenam Krabi) flowing in between them. Each is about 100 metres high.

The hill on the right-hand side is worth a visit as there is a cave in there. There are two entrances and first one is quite a challenge as it features a very steep walkway. It is not for young children and those who have walking difficulties. The other entrance is for everyone. There are well made steps plus resting areas along the way; the walk to the cave is about 10 minutes.

To go there, just take a 15-minute long-tail ride from the pier in town. If you don’t feel like getting out and seeing the cave, you might just want to check out the lovely scenery around the mountains.

Tiger cave temple

Tiger cave temple

The famous Tiger Cave Temple was a must-see. We had to see with our own eyes if there was or there wasn’t a real tiger chained up for the tourists to take a picture of. To many people's relief (ourselves included) there wasn't one. The name comes from the old days when there were tigers actually living in the caves and roaming the area.

After clearing that business up, we had a look around the grounds. It's a bit commercial (with stands selling holy images and such) but no one can say that it is not an interesting temple. A colleague who climbed up the temple's 1,237 steps to the summit of the nearby incline confirmed that it is a worthwhile experience as the views from the top are breezily magnificent.

There are monks and nuns living in the temple grounds. One of the nuns told us to watch out for the monkey troupes. They live in the temple grounds too and like very much to check out on tourist’s bags and purses.

The temple is located four kilometres from Krabi Town. There is no entrance fee.

The Emerald Lake or Sramorakot

The Emerald Lake

This beautiful green lake is located at Khao Pra Bangkram Wildlife Sanctuary about 42 km south of Krabi towards Trang Province. The lake is set in a middle of forest. The water is green and yet is quite clear and its temperature is about 35-45 degrees.

You will need a good walking pair of shoes as it is almost two kilometres from the entrance to the lake. It's definitely worth a visit the Emerald Lake as it is such an extraordinary place.

Go south from Krabi Town on Highway 4. Entrance fee is 200 baht per person.

Shell Fossil or Susaan Hoi

Shell Fossils

Another unique attraction in Krabi is the Shell Fossil Cemetery in Leampo Beach about 17 km from Krabi Town.

This is the place where you can take in the unusual-looking 40 million-year old Shelly Limestone.

The entrance fee is 200 baht.

Poda Island and Whag Sea (or separated sea)

Koh Poda

Poda Island is about 8 km south of Ao Nang Beach and easily accessible by long-tail boat. It only takes about 20-25 minutes. This island has a beautiful white sand beach and clear waters with attractive coral reefs. Many locals go there for fishing.

You may notice that the water in Krabi has a unique greenish tint to it; this makes it all the more fun to swim in!

Not far from Poda Island is another 'Unseen Krabi' attraction called Whag Sea or 'separated sea'. This comprises a group of three islands that are connected by sandbanks when the tide is low so that you can walk between Tub Island, Kai Island, and Mor Island. Read a review of a tour visiting Poda Island and Whag Sea...