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Ao Nang - Two Top Tours

1) Hot Springs

Just less than an hour from Ao Nang are the hot springs, where you can relax in water that is more than warm, it's actually hot - between 30-40 °C depending on the time of year. The hot spring-water cascades down a hillside, forming a jungle waterfall. Over the millennia the water has deposited minerals to form a series of natural bath-tubs - the perfect place to ease away aches and pains, whether they be from too much rock gymnastics or from too many years. When you get a bit too hot, simply jump into the river below to cool off.

The hot springs feed into the nearby Emerald Pool which is an ideal place to swim. The water in the pool is naturally the same colour as that in a hotel swimming-pool. A water-slide slips directly into the Emerald Pool, which is great fun for the young and also for some of the not-so-young too. This scenic getaway is more relaxed than you could imagine, simply kick back and chill - well sweat, actually.

2) Elephant Trek

Afterwards, maybe experience a beautiful river- and jungle-forest from the back of an elephant. The elephant camp is just 15 minutes from Ao Nang, where the natural environment provides permanent shade and abundant water for the elephants throughout the year.

The elephant trek will take you along a river running through the camp and into the rain forest at the foot of the fascinating "karst" mountains, with the sheer cliffs special to this area. Often trekkers will see monkeys and birds living in their natural habitat.

Elephants cost approximately USD 300 per month for their food and care and it is ensured that they are well provided for with water, food and shade. The elephants are well-trained and accustomed to being around adults and children and pose no threat.

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