Caves and National Parks around Ao Luk

---

Than Boke Khorani National Park covers an area of 37.5 rai. The Park is covered by a diverse canopy of various species of tree, such as wild gardenia, Asoka, and Apocynaceae that are scattered around Sa Boke Khorani.

At the north end of Sa Boke Korani, which flows through a winding passage in the mountain, is a wood carving of Lord Buddha's footprint and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - To Chong. Other attractions in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat. Admission fee for adults and children are 200 and 100 baht per person. The Park does not provide accommodation, but camping in the park is allowed although tourists have to bring their own tents. For more information, Tel. 075-681071, 075-682058.

---

---

---

Ron Klong Thom Waterfall, better known as Krabi Hot Springs, is located close to the Emerald Pool. The waterfall is in a shady forest area with numerous hot springs.
The hot and cool streams converge on a slope of warm water with a temperature of 40C. Entrance fee is 50 Baht.

Ron Klong Thom Waterfall is located about 45 km. from Krabi Town.

---

---

---

Emerald Pool,known as Sa Morakot,is a natural pond that originates from a warm stream in the lowland forest of Khao Nor Juji.

The pool is an amazing green and aquamarine color. The intense turquoise color varies according to the light and time of the day. The pool can be visited all year round. Entrance fee is 200 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for Thais.

It's about an hours drive from Krabi.

---

---

---

Tha Pom Klong Song Nam (Two waters meet)is well known for its crystal clear water stream. Sea water meets fresh water during the high tide resulting in a mixture of waters in the stream.

Tha Pom Klong Song Nam is a beautiful area five kilometers in length. It is unique for its outstandingly clear emerald-green waters and its location on the tide line. The stream water is alternatively fresh or brackish depending upon the state of the tides. This has resulted in the development of three different forest systems in a very concentrated area.
A boardwalk leads you though the park. The admission fee for adults is 100 baht.Children 30 baht. In order to keep this fragile ecological system intact swimming is prohibited. However, there is a pool nearby where you can take a dip.

Tha Pom Tha Pom Klong Song Nam is about 40 km. from Krabi town.

---

---

---

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park covers a total area of 31,325 rai. The summit rises 1.397 m above sea level and is the highest mountain in Krabi.

Its stunning scenery is enhanced by streams, waterfalls, caves, and wild animals. In addition several beautiful waterfalls and caves containing vast quantities of stalagmites and stalactites are located within the park. Huai To Waterfall, approximately 500 meters from the headquarters, flows over rocks into 11 huge pools.
For more information please contact Tel. 076-629013.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is located approximately 20 km north of Krabi Town, follow H1016 until you reach the headquarters.

---

---

---

Tham Lot is situated in Ao Luk District in Krabi Province. It is accessed from the tidal mangrove river Tha Pring. This cave with its lovely stalactites is worth a visit. It is no way as interesting as other caves in the area.
The best time to go is at high tide.

---

---

---

Tham Hua Kalok is split into two main sections accessible by a single entrance. The left section is the larger cavern lit by a small opening in the top. The right section is an open hall which many believe was once the dwelling of pr-historic people.

Inside the right section there are over 70 rock paintings portraying both people and animals. Also found in the cave were several large skulls and a large pile of shells. This cave is very close so go along the same route to Tham Lot.

---

---

---

Tham Pee Hua To is just 500 meters from Tham Lot and surrounded by mangrove swamps.
There are two different paths inside the cave. On the left lies the shortcut to the back of the cave where sunlight shines through, and on the right is a path to a natural hall believed to have been a shelter for prehistoric people. Prehistoric paintings of men and animals. Numerous seashells can be seen in the cave.

---

---

---

Tham Klang is one of the most beautiful caves in Thailand. It is very easily accessible and poses no danger whatsoever.

Tham Klang features the most beautiful stalagmites and stalactites of different kinds that can be visited in less than one hour. Most remarkable are the grisly hair stalactites of one to two millimeters in diameter. Absolutely unique are the stalactite hairs dangling from the ceiling invisible to the unsuspecting eye. Other highlights in the cave are the "Viewpoint" and the "Dome", the small fishpond at the "end" after 45 minutes in the cave, and the myriads of drinking straw stalactites growing from the ceiling 2 to 3 meters in height.
For cave freaks we mention that the cave is said to be 4 hours deep, but such a trip has to be arranged long in advance, best with the guide Gaeng and the cave freak Richard from Khao Lak who are waiting for an expedition to be put together.

Turn off at KM stone 144.4 of highway H4, just 4 1/2 km south of Ao Luk junction. Drive 1 1/2 km down the asphalt road until the turnoff to the left which leads to the entrance within a few hundred meters on a gravel road. Next to the parking area is the resident guide's house. There are two caves accessible from the parking area. The right one an underground river which is said to be navigable by canoe for 2 hours. The left one is Tham Klang whose entrance is nearly hidden behind some greenery.

---

---

---

Tham Muerd is the Thai name for "Dark Cave". This extensive cave is situated in Ao Luk District in Krabi Province, actually in Than Bok Khorani National Park. The wide entrance is right in the sheer cliff of a huge wall. After a few meters the cave becomes really dark and headlamps are necessary to find your way. There are no obstacles in the way, though, so it is easy to paddle the 100 meters to the exit. There you are in the midst of a mangrove forest surrounded by steep limestone walls. Many stalactites are hanging from these walls presenting an impressive sight.

---

---

---

The Lagoon Cave is situated in Ao Luk District in Krabi Province. It is actually a part of Than Bok Khorani National Park. But there is nobody here to collect an entrance fee. The Lagoon Cave is entered from the tidal mangrove river Tha Pring. The entrance in the sheer cliff is about 10 meters wide and 5 meters high. The cave is well lit by natural light. After 30 meters easy paddling you reach the lagoon behind the cave. The lagoon is surrounded by steep cliffs covered in dense vegetation. Some palm trees create a surrealistic impression. The main attraction is a stalactite formation that looks like a life size elephant from behind giving birth to a baby elephant.
The Lagoon Cave is not on the itinerary of the mass tourist excursions, thus it is still only rarely visited, although it is much more impressive than Tham Lot or Tham Pee Hua To.

---

---

---

Bo Tho Seafood offers tasty Thai dishes. Moreover the restaurant rents kayaks. Also guided kayal tours can be booked here.

---

---