Khao Khanap Nam Krabi
Explore ancient caves, witness thousands of bats emerge at dusk, and cruise through lush mangroves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the bats emerge!
Khao Khanap Nam Krabi
Best Time
Witness the bats emerge!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient caves, witness thousands of bats emerge at dusk, and cruise through lush mangroves.
"A special place with amazing natural history and a unique bat spectacle!"
Bring a Flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring the darker sections of the caves and spotting bats. Some caves are very dark!
Negotiate Boat Prices 💰
Boat tours can vary in price. Be prepared to haggle, especially for private longboats.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bat Cave
Khao Khanap Nam Caves
Experience the thrill of a small cave filled with the sounds of thousands of bats. A truly unique natural phenomenon.
The Giant's Bones
Khao Khanap Nam Caves
Discover ancient human occupation sites and intriguing artifacts, including the legendary giant's bones.
Mangrove River Cruise
Khao Khanap Nam Krabi
Enjoy a scenic longboat ride through lush mangrove forests, offering a glimpse into local life and nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Bats
Navigating Boat Prices
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring the darker sections of the caves and spotting bats. Some caves are very dark!
Negotiate Boat Prices 💰
Boat tours can vary in price. Be prepared to haggle, especially for private longboats.
Respect the Bats 🙏
Avoid shining lights directly at the bats to prevent disturbing them. Listen to their chatter!
Combine with Mangroves 🌳
Many tours include a scenic boat trip through the mangrove forests.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Flashlight! 🔦
Essential for exploring the darker sections of the caves and spotting bats. Some caves are very dark!
Negotiate Boat Prices 💰
Boat tours can vary in price. Be prepared to haggle, especially for private longboats.
Respect the Bats 🙏
Avoid shining lights directly at the bats to prevent disturbing them. Listen to their chatter!
Combine with Mangroves 🌳
Many tours include a scenic boat trip through the mangrove forests.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be walking through caves and potentially uneven terrain.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Khao Khanap Nam is praised for its unique natural phenomena, particularly the bat cave and the intriguing 'giant's bones' legend. Visitors enjoy the scenic boat tours through the mangroves and the historical insights offered. While the boat pricing requires negotiation, the overall experience is considered worthwhile for those seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions.
"We visited the caves as part of the ubiquitous long boat river tours including a little sail around the mangroves and a stop at the floating village Koh Klang. Didn't have to pay a separate entrance fee - not sure whether that's because it was included in our boat fee or just because we were here off season. The cave visit itself doesn't take that long but both the cave and the river cruise are well worth doing if you're in Krabi Town.
Nice to see a bit of local history and myth, and not forgetting the giant's bones (and the amazing story that goes with them)."
Oli V (Mostlyblackandmelting)
"Absolutely breathtaking & special place! I didn't go too far into the small bat cave, as it was very dark and I didn't want to disturb the bats. It's fairly obvious where to stop upon entry; please don't shine a light to see them as some others have suggested as that's pretty cruel. The bat's chattering is very loud and so neat to listen too. If you walk farther down the trail, there are larger caves with a ladder or stairway entry. The largest one has so much history in terms of human occupation and there are some pretty amazing artifacts to look at. If you then go to the end of the trail, there's a smaller cave that opens up to a lovely view of the river.
There is no entry fee, but you'll have to pay to get there, either by a designated tourist boat or the family-owned longboat business at the end of the mangrove boardwalk. I paid 100 baht, but was initially told no less than 200, and everyone got different price quotes/haggle results so be prepared for that. I was the last customer of the day so they eventually offered 100 baht, but they would prefer to shuttle more than one person for that amount. The family members are kind and lighthearted, so no need for an aggressive attitude (the same white boomer couple featured in another review was totally nasty to the owner while negotiating, please don't be like that! They also paid more in the end than the others I overheard 🤣🤣).
As for timing, I recommend going in the late afternoon. The caves are pretty hot inside, but the bats will start flying/exiting around dusk (about 18:15 last night) so it's safer to be out by then so you don't get hit by one. Standing outside watching the bats doing acrobatics while leaving the cave was probably the highlight for me, along with a young man singing echoing Buddhist chants inside the large cave. A special place - if you like nature and places off the beaten track, you'll enjoy this one."
J R
"If caves, archaeology, exploration, or nature are your thing, you’ll probably love this short trip. The Small Bat Cave is a treat; bring a flashlight. As of today, a private longboat tour can be had for $500 Baht per hour, up to 5 people (more can fit for additional fees). You only need one hour for the cave; the second hour is so-so, but still interesting. The Klang Island Village is an overpriced tourist trap."
TrogMan Chach
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Khao Khanap Nam is best accessed by boat from Krabi Town. You can hire a longtail boat from the pier near the Krabi Town market or arrange a tour that includes transportation. Many tours depart from the mangrove boardwalk.
A private longboat tour is a popular and convenient option. These tours typically last about an hour and can be booked for around 250-500 Baht, often including a mangrove tour.
No, Khao Khanap Nam is an island and can only be reached by boat. There is a mangrove boardwalk that leads to the boat departure point.
While there isn't direct public transport to the specific pier for Khao Khanap Nam, you can easily reach Krabi Town by bus or taxi, and then walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the main piers.
The boat ride from Krabi Town to Khao Khanap Nam is usually quite short, typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on the type of boat and sea conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no separate entrance fee for the caves themselves. However, you will need to pay for the boat transportation to get there.
Prices for private longboat tours can range from 100 to 300 Baht, but be prepared to negotiate. Some tours might be included in larger packages.
Tickets for boat tours are typically purchased directly at the pier or from tour operators on the spot. Advance booking is usually not necessary unless you are part of a larger organized tour.
The caves are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit in the late afternoon to potentially see the bats.
The primary cost is the boat hire. Some visitors have reported being quoted higher prices initially, so polite negotiation is advised.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore two main caves: a small bat cave and a larger cave with historical artifacts and displays, including 'giant's bones'. The boat trip through the mangroves is also a highlight.
The caves are generally safe to explore, but bring a flashlight for better visibility. Be mindful of the bats in the smaller cave and avoid disturbing them.
A typical visit, including the boat ride and exploring the caves, can take around 1 to 2 hours.
Yes, children can enjoy the caves and the boat ride. The 'giant's bones' and the sounds of bats can be particularly fascinating for them.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. It can be hot and humid inside the caves.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic karst formations, the lush mangrove scenery from the boat, and the unique cave interiors. The bat emergence at dusk is a spectacular, though challenging, photographic subject.
It can be challenging due to low light conditions. A flashlight is helpful for illuminating subjects, and a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can improve results.
Yes, but be mindful of not disturbing them with bright flashes. Capturing their flight requires fast shutter speeds and good low-light capabilities.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the natural environment and any local customs.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the cave interiors and landscapes. A flashlight or external light source can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring a flashlight for the kids to explore with, and be sure to explain the importance of not disturbing the bats. The caves are generally safe, but keep an eye on little ones as they navigate the terrain. Consider packing snacks and water, as facilities are limited.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the bats, the dramatic karst landscape and the ancient history embedded within the caves provide further points of interest. The boat journey through the mangroves is also a chance to appreciate the biodiversity of these crucial wetlands. It's a destination that rewards those who appreciate the quieter, more natural side of travel.
🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs
While the site is not a large-scale museum, the historical context adds a compelling dimension to the visit. It's a chance to connect with the deep history of the Krabi region and ponder the lives of its earliest inhabitants. The blend of natural wonder and historical discovery makes it a unique stop for curious minds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Khao Khanap Nam
Visitors can see displays within the larger cave that showcase some of these artifacts and tell the story of the giant's bones. The experience is enhanced by the natural acoustics within the caves, where the sounds of the bats and the echoes of your own voice create a unique atmosphere. It's a place where nature's grandeur meets ancient folklore, offering a truly memorable experience for those who venture there.
Experiencing the Bat Colony
Travelers recommend arriving in the late afternoon to catch this natural phenomenon. While it's tempting to shine a light to see them better, it's crucial to avoid disturbing the bats. Instead, simply listen to their chatter and observe their acrobatic flight from a safe distance. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife in its natural habitat, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Navigating Boat Tours and Pricing
A typical private longboat tour for an hour, covering the caves and a mangrove cruise, might cost between 250 to 500 Baht. It's worth noting that some visitors have found the 'floating village' part of some tours to be an overpriced tourist trap, so consider focusing on the caves and mangroves if time is limited. The boat ride itself offers scenic views of the karst landscape and the tranquil mangrove ecosystem.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit