Start our adventure with two of the most challenging yet rewarding trails in Krabi: Dragon's Crest (Ngon Nak Nature Trail) and Wat Tham Suea, also known as Tiger Temple.

Dragon's Crest is a trail that requires good fitness, but rewards you with incredible views. The trail, about 3.7 kilometers long, leads through lush jungle to a viewpoint at 565 meters above sea level. The hike takes an average of 2-3 hours one way, depending on your pace and rest breaks. The route is well marked, but steep and challenging in places. Along the way you can admire a variety of vegetation and, with a bit of luck, encounter wild animals. At the top, a spectacular view of the Krabi coast, surrounding islands and limestone rock formations awaits. It is advisable to bring plenty of water, energy snacks and comfortable trekking shoes. Admission to the park costs about 200 baht for foreigners (as of 2023).

Wat Tham Suea, on the other hand, is not only a temple, but also a challenge for the body and spirit. The famous 1,260 stairs leading to the top is a real test for our fitness. The climb is steep and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on our abilities. At the top is a golden Buddha statue and a viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the area. Along the way we may encounter monkeys, which are an attraction, but also a potential danger - be careful and do not feed the animals. It is worth remembering to dress appropriately (covered shoulders and knees) due to the religious nature of the place. Admission to the temple complex is free.

Comparing the two attractions, Dragon's Crest offers a more natural route and is less crowded, but requires better physical preparation. Wat Tham Suea, on the other hand, combines the cultural aspect with physical exertion and is more accessible to a wider range of tourists. Both routes are best taken early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Remember to bring enough water, adequate sunscreen and a camera to capture the unforgettable views.

Continuing our journey through Krabi's scenic trails, we can't miss two more gems: Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail and Monkey Trail in Ao Nang. Each of these trails offers unique experiences and opportunities for close contact with Thai nature.

The Khao Ngon Nak Nature Trail, also known as the Dragon's Ridge Trail, is an approximately 3.7-kilometer trail that leads through lush tropical forest to a viewpoint 500 meters above sea level. The trail is well maintained and marked, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels. The hike takes an average of 2-3 hours one way. Along the way we can admire a variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and butterflies. At the top, a breathtaking view of the Andaman coast and surrounding islands awaits us. Note the information boards along the route, which provide interesting information about the local ecosystem. Admission to the park costs 200 baht for foreigners (as of 2023).

The Monkey Trail in Ao Nang, on the other hand, is a short but intensive trail connecting Ao Nang beach with the lesser-known Pai Plong beach. The trail is about 500 meters long and leads through the mangrove forest on wooden platforms and steps. As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the monkeys, which we can meet along the entire length of the trail. The hike takes about 15-20 minutes one way and is relatively easy, although some sections can be steep. It's an ideal option for families with children or people who want to experience tropical nature without a long and tiring trek. Admission to the trail is free.

Comparing the two trails, Khao Ngon Nak offers a more diverse experience and spectacular views, but requires more time and effort. It is ideal for those looking for a longer, more challenging hike. Monkey Trail, on the other hand, is a great option for a short adventure, especially appealing because of the possibility of close encounters with monkeys. It is more accessible and requires no special preparation.

Both trails are best taken in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. On the Khao Ngon Nak it is advisable to take more water and snacks with you, while on the Monkey Trail a bottle of water is sufficient. In both cases, we recommend using insect repellent and sunscreen.

Remember that on both trails we are guests in the natural habitat of wild animals. Let's keep quiet, don't litter and don't try to feed or touch the animals we encounter. By doing so, we will contribute to the protection of this unique ecosystem and keep ourselves and the animals safe.

At the end of our Krabi exploration, we suggest a change of perspective and explore the region from a completely different angle. Ao Thalane, while not a typical hiking trail, offers an unforgettable experience of wildlife exploration from water level.

Ao Thalane is a picturesque bay surrounded by mangrove forests and is known as one of the best kayaking destinations in Thailand. A kayak route of about 6 kilometers leads through narrow channels, caves and hidden lagoons, allowing close encounters with the unique mangrove ecosystem.

The kayak tour usually lasts about 3-4 hours and is accessible to people of all ages, even with no prior experience. Guides provide basic training and assist throughout the tour. The best time for the tour is at high tide, when the water level is higher, making it easier to navigate through the narrow passages.

During the trip we can admire the rich flora and fauna of the mangrove forests. With a bit of luck, it is possible to see monkeys, warblers, sea snakes or a variety of bird species. Particularly fascinating are the breathing roots of the mangroves, protruding from the water and forming natural mazes.

Ao Thalane Kayak Krabi offers professionally organized tours with experienced guides. Prices vary depending on the length of the tour and type of tour, but on average you can expect to pay around 800-1000 baht per person (as of 2023). The price usually includes a kayak, life jacket, snacks and drinks, and transfer from/to the hotel.

Comparing this attraction to the previously described hiking trails, Ao Thalane offers a completely different experience. Instead of the physical exertion of climbing, there's a leisurely paddling and close-up observation of nature. This is an ideal option for those who want to experience Krabi's nature in a more relaxed way, or who are looking for a change after extensive hiking.

It's worth remembering a few important points:

1. take a waterproof camera or phone with you - the views are really worth capturing.

2. Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and footwear that can get wet.
3. Don't forget UV sunscreen and headgear - the sun can be very intense on the water.

4. Respect the environment - don't touch plants or animals and don't leave trash behind.

Ao Thalane is the perfect culmination of an adventure in Krabi, offering a unique perspective on the region's abundant wildlife. Whether you choose hiking or kayak exploration, Krabi is sure to delight you with its natural beauty and diversity. Each of the routes described - Dragon's Crest, Wat Tham Suea, Khao Ngon Nak, Monkey Trail or Ao Thalane - offers unique experiences and memories that will stay with you long after you return from your vacation.