Weekend escape to the Hot Springs!
WHILE Phuket has its fair share of activities and things to do for everyone, one thing it is lacking is a source of hot springs. So, for the purpose of this column, I decided to venture out of my beloved island and went on an adventure to one of the neighboring provinces, Krabi.
The trip will take you a good four hours before you reach Khlong Thom Sub-district by following the road 4. From there, a left turn brought me at the bottom of the hills, which gave me an extra thirty minutes’ drive to the top.
I finally arrived at the Krabi Hot Springs! Now, here is a tip for you: the Krabi Hot Springs is a big attraction in the region, and therefore you should expect a lot of tourists from all around the world to visit the place on a daily basis.
Make sure to arrive there early, or book a small resort in the area. Some resorts have their own hot springs facilities, which are much less crowded than the main one at the end of the road. I actually ended up being on my own several times to enjoy the warm and hot mineral water of the province.
If you decide to stay for a night or two, I would also suggest that you pay a visit to the Emerald Pool, which is 15 minutes away from the hot springs.
In a similar fashion, try to arrive early (before 11 a.m.) as buses of tourists flock the place from noon onward. After a rather long stroll through the jungle, you will arrive at the Emerald Pool, a gorgeous scenery with crystal clear water, that has given its name to the area.
At the entrance of the trek, you will find plenty of shops selling food and beverage. Make sure to grab a bottle or two of water as there is no shop once you start following the trail.
On the way back, feel free to stop by the coastal village of Ao Nang, which offers stunning vista over the Andaman Sea.
CAPTION:
Top, in-text and below: Krabi’s wondrous hot springs attract lots of tourists.
By Nattha Thepbamrung
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