Things to do in Krabi

More commonly known as “Tiger Cave Temple”, Wat Tham Seua was founded by a monk and teacher of meditation, and is set amid forests and cliffs 9km from Krabi Town. To reach there, just hop on a motorbike or go by car. There’s a concrete staircase at the back of the temple, where you can clamber up the 1,272 steps to the 600-metre peak, which brings you to a small shrine and a footprint of the Buddha in a flat rock. This is one of the more planned-for things to do in Krabi, as the rather exhausting ascent to the top takes around an hour; but the views are worth it. And scattered around the surrounding forest are towering limestone rock faces, as well as a cave with a Buddha image. On each side of the statue is a human skeleton encased in glass and ticking clocks, positioned as a poignant - and rather creepy - reminder of the fragility of time and life. Just like with life, at Wat Tham Seua, there’s no shortcuts.

This unusual canal, some 34km north of Krabi Town, is what most of the locals call Tha Pom, although signs leading to it read ‘Tha Pom Khlong Song Nam’, which translates to ‘Canal of Two Waters’. Trek along the 700-metre boardwalk trail, past mangrove and forest, and eventually you’re deposited onto the main attraction: a stream of clear water with two distinct colours. On rainy or cloudy days, the water looks colourless, but on brighter days, when the sun rays can penetrate the water, turquoise-blue and emerald-green layers appear. Apparently the phenomenon happens during high tide, when tidal sea water meets fresh spring water running off the mountainside; but why not pretend it’s the stuff of fairytales?

One of the best things to do in Krabi - and the most popular - is Ao Nang, the most developed beach on mainland Krabi. With iconic longtail boats peppering the bay and views of the limestone cliffs in the distance, Ao Nang is perfect for those looking for a little action - in the name of bars and restaurants, that is. Just 22km east of Krabi Town, the backdrop of the limestone cliff-studded Andaman Sea makes you feel like you’re in another world, time-zone or parallel universe - whatever floats your boat. At the north end of the beach is a cluster of seafood restaurants to dine al fresco, with a line of small hotels behind them. If you’re looking at Krabi holiday packages, this is a great place to base yourself.

Railay Bay is one of the most popular spots for rock-climbers, if you’re considering what to do in Krabi that involves a little more action than lazing on beaches and sipping punchy cocktails. Sheer limestone cliffs face mile upon mile of tranquil sea; most of the (roughly) 650 routes that have developed are located here in this peninsula. One of the most popular climbs is the challenging yet phenomenal Thaiwand Wall on the southern end, although there’s a wide range of climbs suitable for every level, from beginners to professionals. Take your pick from limestone crags, steep pocketed walls, overhangs and stalactites (hanging rock formations). Climbing operators will advise you on the best climbs to take, but as some are only accessible by boat and/or a hike through the jungle, even getting there is an adventure in itself.

Caves and waterfalls are just some of the charms at Thanboke Koranee National Park, about 45km northwest of Krabi Town. One of the highlights you have to check out is Pee Huakalok, a cave where a large human skull was found over half a century ago. Creepy, right? Superstitious folk believe that the ghost of this head dwells in the cave (well, why wouldn't you?). This is immortalised with the cave’s name: pee is Thai for ghost, hua means head and kalok is skull. The cave walls are detailed with colourful cave paintings and prehistoric drawings; estimated to be between 2000 and 3000 years old. Although the cave burrows deep into a hill surrounded by water and mangroves, you can reach there by boat from Bor Tor Pier, 7km south of Ao Luk.