A few days before flying to Krabi, Thailand, my travel agent friend Pluto from Fantasia Asia, who is based there, asked me what I planned to do this time. Since I’d been there many times before, I told him I just wanted to relax and give my mind peace. My plan is therefore, I told him, to enjoy ocean breeze and perhaps do some kayaking, and swim at the Emerald Pool.
A great suggestion for us…
Banners along the track
He suggested me to try the hike to the Dragon Crest, also known as Tubkaek Hong Nak Hill. As I love hiking, I immediately said ‘Yes’ to his idea. I perform my usual Google search on the place, and it turns out the place is undeniably amazing, and the idea of doing it got me exited. Though I was well aware that I would lose my rest and get very tired, I still held my wish to hike there.
In Krabi, we were lucky to be introduced to a guy from a bar who decided to join us for next day’s hiking. Since my friend Zap and I have no means of transport to move around, the guy offered us to ride on the motorbike with him. Just imagine, three people on a small bike, it was weird and hilarious at the same time. And I regret not having taken a picture of the moment to hold as a memoirs of that day.
The adventure
A section of steep steps
The next day we woke up late and left for the Dragon Crest Hill at about 10 am, reaching there at 10:30 am. We were greeted by the friendly smile of Thai National Park officials, and were asked to register. After that, we started our hike to the top. During the first 40 minutes, the track is not too challenging, but it’s quite tiring as it’s a continuous climb. We encounter several places on the track where works are still ongoing, like for instance the construction of wooden staircases.
After that, it’s a very challenging hilly trail. The reward is the amusing experience of witnessing a clean forest filled with green flora, amazing insects, different mushrooms and lots of pitcher plants.
Views are 360 degrees towards Krabi natural features: mountains, sea and islands.
After about one and half hour of hiking, we began to see spectacular views of Krabi surroundings, and I can assure you that it is well worth the exhausting hike. And the motivation to capture the beauties of the islands and its mountains got us going for another half an hour.
Finally, as the watch marked 12.30 pm, we reached the top of the Dragon Crest Peak. I can assure you that all my exhaustion disappeared as I watched several remarkable sights of Krabi. It was an amazing experience and I am totally pleased. I took plenty of picture and videos to add to my collections.
As this hike is righteously described: “the best view comes after the hardest climb”.
Information
What is Dragon Crest?
Unusual rock formations at Dragon Crest hill
Dragon Crest is a peak situated in Nong Thale district of Krabi, Thailand. This place is gazetted under Thailand National Park, and for the hike no map is provided, but the route is well-signed, so no worries, you won’t get lost.
How to get there?
There are several ways to get there, but we recommend to rent a scooter and use your google map, or to hop onto a Tuk tuk.
Entrance Fee?
No entrance fee, just fill in your name in the record book for safety purposes.
A bed of pitcher plants
What to bring?
Bring plenty of water and some food. Most recommended fruit is a banana, which replenish the energy during the hike.
How long to hike to the top?
4/5 hours in total: 2 hours up to the top, some time at the top, and 2 hours going down.
