Kayakers paddling through a narrow passageway between towering rock formations, surrounded by lush greenery.

WHAT TO DO

Illustration of a stylized flower with leaves in bold orange and white, surrounded by a decorative circular pattern on a black background.

Below are details for some activities that you should try to do. There are many, many other activities and places worth seeing, but I’d like for yu to feel the thrill of self-discovery. Hence, I’ve limited what I’ve shared in both detail and scope. Don’t be afraid to venture out of the region f Krabi, and to check out other regions that are within 1 - 4 hours’ dive. What you’ll find is AMAZING!

NB: If not self-driving, the following can be arranged through local guide Lucky (!66 9277 38775) in Ao Nam Mao, or the hotel's driver, Chok.

Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool, Hot Springs Waterfall & Elephant Hospital

  • Recommended Start: Early morning

  • Entrance Fees: Additional

  • Elephant Hospital Donation: B100 per person (allows you to feed the rehabilitated elephants)

Phang Nga Boat Trip with Kayaking

  • Boat Rental: Private boat (~B2000 for 2 hours)

  • Kayaking: Small additional fee (a guide will paddle for you)

  • Suggested Departure: 8 AM (90-minute drive)

  • Recommendations:

    • Bring snacks

    • Skip the ‘Sea Gypsy’ Village & ‘James Bond Island’

    • Request: Explore sea caves, ice-cream cave, and/ or mangrove tunnels instead

King Number 10 Temple (Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol / Wat Bang Thong)

  • Travel Time: 1 hr 45 mins from the hotel

  • Key Highlights:

    • Over-the-top interior murals

    • Stunning temple architecture

    • Opportunity to purchase and tie a saffron sash around the Buddha with a monk’s blessing

  • Tip: Bring your own snacks/food (limited options available)

Kayaking at Ao Tha Lane

  • Travel Time: 40 minutes to the launch site

  • Booking:

    • Arrange a private group trip in advance

    • Ensure your tour is scheduled on an incoming tide for the best experience

  • Key Highlights:

    • Kayaking through a canyon and mangrove forest

    • Request silent paddling in the mangroves to avoid scaring away wildlife

  • Tips:

    • Wear shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat

    • Bring snacks

    • Contact for booking: +66 937 281 495

  • Pricing: TB1100 per kayak (includes paddler)

Khao Thong Hill Lunch Stop

  • Travel Tip:

    • Ask your driver to stop at Khao Thong Hill for lunch

    • Purchase a TB60 ticket for the truck ride up for breathtaking views

Hong Island

  • Best Option: Rent a private longtail boat from Khlong Muang (~20 min boat ride)

  • Cost: B3500 per boat + B300 National Park fee

  • Tips:

    • Avoid: Koh Lading jetty drop-off (opt for snorkeling near healthy coral)

    • At Hong Island: Walk to the lagoon, buy food/drinks

    • Snorkeling: Poor at Hong and Lading—bring your own mask/snorkel and follow recommendations

  • Contact: Naurung on (phone) 0862831633

Khlong Rood/ Mirror Lake

  • Cost: ~B150 per person (double kayak)

  • What to Bring:

    • Mask, snorkel

    • Old shorts & socks (needed for climbing the levee after sliding down)

    • Swimmers under a t-shirt

  • Key Experience:

    • Kayak in a crystal-clear lake with petrified wood

    • Snorkel and feed fish near the levee

  • Transport:

    • Easily accessible via Tuk Tuk or Lucky’s transport (~20 mins from hotel)

Din Dang Doi Lookout

  • Cost: TB100 per person (truck ride up)

  • Highlights:

    • Stunning views

    • Fresh fruit smoothies at the café

    • Giant nest for fun photos

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning

Krabi Town Experience

  • Suggested Start: 3 PM

  • Itinerary:

    1. Wat Kaew Ko Wararam (White Temple) – Beautiful murals

    2. Pakarang Vintage Café – Bookshop + unique clothing/curio shop (if open)

    3. Private Longtail Boat Tour (~5 PM, ~B500 per boat)

      • Explore the cave with the giant skeleton

      • Paddle through mangrove tunnels (tide permitting)

      • Skip: Fish farm restaurants (tourist traps)

    4. Sunset Walk: Stroll along the Krabi River promenade

    5. Night Market: Opposite the giant bronze crabs

  • Transport: Arrange a return ride in advance (can be difficult at night)

Traditional Thai Village Tour

  • Options:

    • Boat-building village

    • Batik village

  • Location: Near Krabi Town/Krabi River

  • Guide: Lucky can arrange a visit

Khlong Muang Beach (Beauty Beach)

  • Best Features:

    • Great Beach Cabanas

    • Top Restaurant: Naga Terrace (excellent food & service)

  • Swimming Tip:

    • Visit during high tide

    • Swim to the left of the island for the cleanest water

  • Additional Activities:

    • Beach massages & walks

Thankiri – Sunflowers, Kayaking & Jungle Swim

  • Entrance Fee: Very affordable

  • Highlights:

    • Beautiful sunflower fields (great for photos)

    • Riverside café with refreshing drinks

    • Activities:

      • Inner tube rental: TB40

      • Kayaking: Paddle through lush jungle with crystal-clear water and vibrant fish

  • Travel Time: ~25 minutes from hotel

Railay Beach

  • How to Get There:

    • Walk to the pier (~2 blocks from hotel)

    • Take a longtail boat (B100 per person)

  • Exploration Tips:

    • Turn left after jetty: Small beach with rock climbers, clear water, and ‘penis temples’

    • Walk further left: Find shade under the rock overhang

    • Turn right after jetty: Visit Diamond Cave & see monkeys

    • Lunch & Kayaking: Rent a kayak to explore nearby islands & sea caves

  • Boat Return Times:

    • To Hotel Side: Last boat ~6 PM

    • To Ao Nang: Last boat ~8 PM

Kayaking at Railay Beach

  • Cost: B200/hour, B300/2 hours

  • Best For:

    • Exploring deserted coves, sea caves, and crystal-clear swim spots

    • Important: Only attempt if you're confident in kayaking (winds & swells possible)

Diamond Cave (Phra Nang Nai Cave) – Railay Beach

  • Entrance Fee: B200

  • Highlights:

    • Easy boardwalk access

    • Impressive cave formations

Krabi Caving

  • Suitable for all fitness levels

  • Guide: Nong

  • Contact via WhatsApp: +66 81 267 5508

Essential Oil Distillation Workshop

  • Cost: TB500 per person

  • Booking: Arrange through Pim or Malee

Southern Day Tour with Lucky

A fantastic day visiting natural attractions:

  1. Emerald Pool – Swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters

  2. Hot Springs Waterfall – Naturally heated, very hot!

  3. Elephant Hospital – No photos of injured elephants allowed

  4. Lunch – Enjoy a meal at a scenic local restaurant

  5. Tiger Cave Temple – Choose between 1,000+ steps or an easier 180-step climb

Wild Swimming: Sra Nantip Cave

  • A hidden gem – Grotto with deep, spring-fed pools

  • Entry Fee: TB200

  • Tip: Bring a snorkel & mask to see the fish and plants. Ask for a headlamp and hike to the caves.

  • Transport: Requires a car or a driver who waits for return

Fire Twirling in Ao Nang

  • Time: Sunset (free nightly event)

  • Location: Where the road turns sharply at the beach, near the zebra crossing

Half-Day Boat Trip: Phang Nga Bay

  • Drive Time: 90 minutes to Phang Nga

  • Boat Rental: Private boat for TB2000/2 hours

  • Recommended: Rent from Hin Rom Pier

  • Skip: James Bond Island & Sea Gypsy Village (tourist traps)

  • Alternative: Visit a stunning cave (bring a headlamp & fitted shoes) and kayak through rock formations

  • Kayaking: TB300 per person (+ tip)

  • Tip: Choose the red boat for a better experience

Day Trip: Emerald Pool & Elephant Hospital

  • Emerald & Blue Pools – 90-minute drive from Marigold Krabi

  • Entry Fee: TB400 per person

  • Transport: Large car rental TB1400 + petrol TB635 (split costs)

  • Hike: 1.5km to the Emerald Pool, then 600m to the Blue Pool (only Emerald Pool is swimmable)

  • Elephant Hospital: No entry fee; feeding cost TB100 (USD3)

Scuba Diving

  • Dive Operator: Fast Manta

  • Destination: Koh Phi Phi (speedboat)

  • Package Includes: Gear, lunch, transfers, boat & water

  • Cost: ~AUD140 for a double dive

Juenes Massage (Ao Nam Mao)

  • Warm, family-owned business

  • Loi Krathong Festival: They made floating lanterns for Marigold guests

Rewild Eco Festival

  • When: First week of December

Ya’s Cooking School (Krabi)

  • Dishes Made: Green curry with shrimp, chicken pad Thai, papaya salad, sticky rice with mango

  • Cost: AUD61 (includes transport & meals)

  • Bonus: Leftovers for additional meals!

  • Tip: Book again for Penang Curry & Tom Yum Soup

Cultural Tour with Lucky

  • Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol – Modern temple built in 1997

  • Lunch: Delicious seafood by the river

  • Market Visit: Purchase Thai fruits, desserts & snacks

  • Perfect for a rainy day

Mountain Buddha Temple

  • Location: Between Ao Nam Mao & Ao Nang (near Makro supermarket)

  • Features: Statues, monks, and panoramic views

  • Climb: 250 steps for beautiful scenery

  • Tips:

    • Use side steps for an easier climb

    • Wear knee- and shoulder-covering clothing

    • Best Time: Early morning (cooler & quieter)

Sunset Dinner Cruise

  • Provider: Krabi Sunset Cruises

  • Cost: TB3000 per group (via Lucky)

  • Includes: Excellent food, music, free non-alcoholic drinks, kayaks, paddleboards, and personal service.