Sites & Bites: Märkte, Tempel und Tee in Krabi

Krabi Jungle Tour with Hot Spring and Tiger Cave Temple

A treat for body and spirit, this Krabi rainforest adventure is a winner with an invigorating mix of action and relaxation. You'll take in natural hot springs, the famous Tiger Cave Temple and the fairytale setting of the Emerald Pool. Nawa, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘It might seem like the steps will never end, but the panorama from the top viewpoint at the Tiger Cave Temple are well worth the effort. Wat Tham Suea is the Thai name for the hilltop temple from where you can see right to the coast.'With sensational scenery, historic temples and hot springs to visit, Krabi packs a punch. Kick off with a journey into the Thung Teao Forest to observe Thailand's biodiversity up close. The first stop is Krabi's very own natural hot tub with relaxing thermal waterfalls and pools of warm, mineral-rich water in a lovely forest setting. Nawa adds, ‘Geothermal activity underground heats the water to 42°C. When it reaches the pools at the waterfall, it's around 35° to 40°. The heat and the minerals in the spring water are great for your wellbeing.'Next, you'll walk along a nature trail towards the freshwater Emerald Pool. Bounce into the inviting waters and soak up the sights and sounds of the lowland rainforest. After lunch, admire the view from the lofty Tiger Cave Temple – the region's most famous – where a huge golden Buddha surveys the landscape. Climb the 1,237 steep steps to the top to explore the temple, enjoy the views, and make a wish for good luck.

Full-day Khao Sok river rafting and elephant sanctuary tour

The Khao Sok River really is a sight to behold. Watch it unravel between the rocks as you raft down the river and experience the surroundings from up close on this full day tour. We'll then cap it off with a visit to an elephant sanctuary and the Monkey Cave Temple. Anchali, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘With limestone rocks shrouded in forest and jungle vegetation tangled along the banks, Khao Sok River has to be seen to be believed. Silently drifting through this oasis, you'll hear the wildlife all around us - from a variety of birdlife to lizards, gibbons and even snakes.'The extraordinary sensation of bamboo rafting through Khao Sok National Park is sure to be a holiday highlight. The rafts are made of natural bamboo, for that authentic touch. Float along the water, stopping to explore a cave. You'll be accompanied by professional paddlers for a true immersion in this unique ecosystem. Anchali says, ‘You are probably going to get wet during the trip due to the nature of the bamboo rafts, so dress comfortably and bring a waterproof bag for your tech.'After your rafting adventure, we'll move on to the Elephant Care Project. This rewarding experience allows you to spend quality time with retired elephants - without riding or touching them - and participate in ethically sound activities like walking with them in the jungle. After a typical Thai lunch, we'll end the trip with a visit to the Monkey Cave Temple, from where you can enjoy panoramic views over Khao Sok National Park.

Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour with Ton Sai Beach Lunch

There's more to the Phi Phi Islands than just beautiful beaches. This speedboat tour features plenty of beach time but also makes sure to take in some of their top attractions. Highlights include Bamboo Island, Loh Samah Bay and Pileh lagoon. There's also a buffet lunch on Ton Sai beach, as well as stops at Monkey Beach and the famous Viking Cave.

Hot Springs & Emerald Pool Tour

A revitalising half-day tour that's Thailand down to a T. You'll get to wallow in the natural therapeutic springs of Sa Morakot and enjoy one of life's little pleasures. Relax and watch water cascade into the mineral-rich hot springs burrowed over time in peat swamps in the jungle. A typical Thai lunch near the Emerald Pool rounds off the visit.

Krabi Town & Tiger Cave Temple Tour

As spiritual experiences go, Krabi's Tiger Cave Temple is among the more colourful. You'll head into forested hills to visit this mountaintop shrine and walk the streets of Krabi town with a local guide on this half-day tour. In between, you'll be treated to stop-and-stare views over Khao Khanab Nam Mountains from the famous black crab sculpture.High up into the hills to the north of Krabi town, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery and the secluded Tiger Cave Temple – or Wat Tham Sua in Thai. Spot the tiger paw prints inside the cave and climb the summit for top-notch views over the town and the Andaman Sea. Then, it's back down to sea level and Krabi town itself.But before we get there, you'll stop at the black crab sculpture for a photo opportunity of Khao Khanab Nam Mountains. Your guide will then lead you through the streets and stalls of Krabi town so that you experience it all the local way.

Full Day Bor Thor Mangroves & Caves Kayaking Tour

Take to the water and explore one of Thailand's top tropical sanctuaries with this kayaking experience. You'll paddle through the wildlife-filled mangrove forests of Bor Thor, glide through the limestone caves of Lod, and visit Pee Hua Toh cave – home to paintings dating back thousands of years. You'll round off the trip refuelling with a tasty lunch on the pier.

Kinaree Rueng Ra Spa Experience at Wareerak Spa

Turn your Thai holiday into a health retreat with this half-day spa experience at Wareerak Hot Springs. You'll stretch out those aches and pains with a Thai Yoga session, refresh yourself with an organic skin-scrub, and sink into the steamy waters of the mineral-rich hot springs. Then, top it all with a 20-minute herbal neck massage. Pure bliss.

Hong, Phak Bia and Lading Islands Tour by Speedboat

Ko Hong is a small island with a big reputation. It makes for a perfect day trip from Krabi – and for good measure, this tour also visits Ko Phak Bia and Ko Lading. At Ko Hong, you'll have free time to relax on the beach of its famous lagoon, hemmed in by limestone rocks. On Phak Bia, there are precarious-looking karst stacks to snap, while on Ko Lading snorkelling is a must.

Afternoon Tour of Krabi and Local Life

This afternoon tour shows off the cultural side of Krabi. Begin with a brief stop at Wat Sai Thai reclining Buddha, then visit a rubber plantation to learn about the importance of agriculture in local life. Next up it's time for some sightseeing around Krabi town - drive through Maharaj Road to see the traffic light sculptures. Call at the Black Crab sculpture before heading to the evening market where you can pick up some street food.

Andaman Islands Speedboat Tour

The enticing waters of the Andaman Sea make for a great day of exploration. Zooming out in a speedboat, you'll first decamp on Thale Waek, a sandy beach joining tiny Ko Tup and Ko Thap. Head back on board for a Thai-style buffet lunch, before spending the afternoon hopping between the islands of Tup, Chicken and Poda.