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Khao Khanab Nam
Temples & Culture
Krabi

Khao Khanab Nam

4.5(592 reviews)

Rising from the Krabi River at Pak Nam, Khao Khanab Nam is a pair of towering limestone karst cliffs that house a cave containing Buddhist shrines and, famously, a display of giant and snake bones — theatrical sculptures that bring local legend to life rather than genuine fossils. The site blends natural geology, folklore, and religious significance into a single compact experience, and the journey itself is part of the appeal: visitors reach the cliffs by longtail boat from a nearby pier, crossing water fringed by mangrove forest. Inside, stone stairs climb through the cave past the sculptural display and Buddhist imagery, offering a mix of the atmospheric and the slightly adventurous. The surrounding landscape rewards those who simply want to take in Krabi's distinctive karst scenery from the water. The longtail boat ride typically lasts around an hour in total, giving time to appreciate the river setting as well as the cave itself. Good to know: Longtail boats depart from the nearby pier and are priced at around 500 THB per boat for up to five people, or 100 THB per person for larger groups — negotiate directly with boat operators before departure. Visiting around midday (11am to 12pm) is suggested by recent visitors for the best conditions. Access to the mangrove section may be limited depending on water levels. Modest dress is appropriate given the Buddhist shrines within the cave, and sturdy footwear is advisable for the stone staircase.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Khao Khanab Nam, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

A fascinating and very accessible stop in Krabi that blends local legend, landscape, and contemporary art. First, it’s important to say clearly: the giant and snake bones inside the cave are not real archaeological remains. They are an art installation inspired by a real local legend about a Yaksha giant and a Naga serpent fighting to the death, a story deeply rooted in southern Thai folklore. Knowing this actually makes the experience better, not worse. The island is easy to reach. You can visit it as part of a standard four-island tour, or hire a private longtail boat for around 500 baht per hour if you want to explore specific spots without a boat full of tourists. From the pier, this is the very first island you arrive at. Before reaching the main cave, there’s an enormous bat cave that’s absolutely worth checking out on its own. You’ll know you’re approaching the main cave when you climb about 50 steps. Inside, the cave is huge, with natural openings that let sunlight pour in. You don’t need a flashlight, and the atmosphere is dramatic but very comfortable to explore. The giant and serpent installation was created by Taiwanese artist Tu Wei-cheng as part of the Thailand Biennale. The work is meant to represent the legend, not prove it as literal history, even though some of the signage near the stairs oddly makes it feel like a geological or archaeological discovery. In reality, it’s thoughtful, well-executed, and adds a powerful visual layer to the story of the place. Overall, this is a unique stop that combines myth, nature, and art in a way you don’t see very often. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in Krabi.

The long tail boat is 500 tbh for up to 5 people or 100 tbh per person if you are more than 5. They take you to this cave and you can walk up the stone stairs (freaked me out but worth it). The cage is very impressive with this big skeleton. Watch out for the monkeys. They seemed peaceful but watch out for your belonging and phones.

Absolutely beautiful area with stunning nature. The longtail boat ride lasted over an hour and cost 500 THB, which was definitely worth every penny. Highly recommended!

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.

Getting around

  • Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
  • Songthaews in Ao Nang
  • Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
  • Motorbike rental

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

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