You’re picked up from your Krabi city hotel in the morning or afternoon, depending on your selection upon booking, and taken to Ao Nam Mao market. During the 30-minute drive by comfortable, private vehicle, chat with your guide about your half-day itinerary; the beauty of a private tour is that commentary can be customized to your interests.

Upon arrival at Ao Nam Mao, witness Thai life at the bustling market as locals shop for food, clothing and various household items. After free time to browse the shops and stalls for goods, stop by the black crab statue, one of Krabi’s most popular landmarks, located near the town center. (The sculpture celebrates the town’s connection to the sea and is not connected to the name Krabi, which means ‘sword.’)

Pose for a fun photo under the giant bronze crustacean surrounded by three smaller mud crabs before continuing on toward the Krabi River to board a long-tail boat with your guide. Enjoy more photo opportunities with the scenic backdrop of Khao Khanab Nam ─ the twin, 328-foot-high (100-meter) limestone cliffs rising from the riverbank at the gateway to Krabi.

Marvel at the scenic mangrove forest during your 1- to 1.5-hour boat ride, disembarking for a 20-minute drive to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), a Buddhist temple located northeast of Krabi. Hear legends about the origins of this sacred site, where tiger paw prints were discovered on the cave walls along with archaeological artifacts in surrounding caves like Tham Khon Than, Tham Lod and Tham Luk.

You have about an hour to explore the limestone cave temple of Wat Tham Sua, perhaps taking the more than 1,000 steps leading to the summit, likely spotting monkeys along the way to the large golden Buddha statue at the top.

Ask your guide any questions you have before your private, 5.5-hour tour ends with a return to your hotel.