Emerald Pool Krabi, or Sa Morakot, is a natural spring-fed pool in the forest of the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, inland from Krabi Town. Clear, green-blue water fills a shallow limestone basin surrounded by jungle, and it is one of the few places in the province where you can swim in fresh water. A nature trail continues past it to the Blue Pool, a smaller pool of startling colour that you can look at but not swim in.
This guide explains what to expect, when to go to beat the crowds, how to get there and how to combine the visit with the hot spring waterfall and the Tiger Cave Temple.
In short: arrive at opening time to swim in the Emerald Pool before tour groups arrive, walk on to the Blue Pool (viewing only), then soak at the hot spring waterfall. Emerald Pool Krabi is about an hour by road from Ao Nang; most people visit on an inland tour.
- Thai name
- Sa Morakot
- Park
- Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
- Swim
- Emerald Pool: yes · Blue Pool: no
- From Ao Nang
- About 1 hour by road
- Best time
- Early morning
Book an inland Krabi tour
Emerald Pool, hot springs and Tiger Cave Temple with hotel pickup.
Emerald Pool Krabi: What to Expect
A boardwalk and forest path lead from the park entrance to the Emerald Pool in roughly 15 to 20 minutes. The pool is shallow, with a soft limestone bottom and water that stays a pleasant temperature. Changing facilities and lockers are available near the entrance area. It is a lovely, relaxing swim early in the day, and busy from late morning when tour buses arrive.
Park rules
Sunscreen and lotions may be restricted to protect the water quality; follow the rangers’ signs. An entrance fee applies for foreign visitors.
The Blue Pool
Beyond the Emerald Pool, a trail of around 600–800 m leads to the Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut), whose milky blue colour comes from minerals in the water. Swimming is not allowed. The colour varies with the weather and light; on some days it is spectacular, on others more muted.
Hot Spring Waterfall
About 20 minutes away by road, the hot spring waterfall (Nam Tok Ron) is a series of natural warm pools where hot spring water meets a stream. Sitting in the warm water under the trees is the perfect follow-up to the Emerald Pool Krabi swim. There is a separate entrance fee. Nearby, the Klong Thom hot springs offer more developed pools.
Best Time to Visit Emerald Pool Krabi
Go early. The park opens in the morning, and the first hour is quiet and cool. From late morning, tours arrive and the pool can be crowded. The dry season (November to April) gives clearer water; after heavy rain in the monsoon months, the water can be cloudier.
| Time | Experience |
|---|---|
| Opening–9 am | Quiet, best light, cool |
| 10 am–2 pm | Busy with tour groups |
| Afternoon | Quieter again, but less time for the trail |
How to Get to Emerald Pool Krabi
From Ao Nang or Krabi Town, the easiest option is an inland tour with hotel pickup, which usually combines the Emerald Pool, the hot springs and the Tiger Cave Temple. Independent travellers can hire a taxi or driver for the day, or ride a scooter if experienced. The drive from Ao Nang takes around an hour.
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Combine with Tiger Cave Temple
Many itineraries pair Emerald Pool Krabi with the Tiger Cave Temple, which is closer to Krabi Town. Doing the temple climb first at dawn and then cooling off in the pool is a great plan if you have your own transport. See Tiger Cave Temple Krabi.
Practical Tips
- Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
- Wear sandals with grip; the paths can be wet.
- Pack insect repellent for the forest trail.
- Keep valuables in a locker or dry bag.
- Bring cash for entrance fees and snacks.
The Nature Trail at Emerald Pool Krabi
There are two ways to walk to the Emerald Pool Krabi from the entrance: a wide boardwalk that is quick and easy, and a longer nature trail through the forest with signs about the trees and wildlife. Take the nature trail one way if you have time; it is shaded and peaceful early in the morning. Look for birds, butterflies and the occasional monkey.
Emerald Pool Krabi with Children
The shallow water and soft bottom make the Emerald Pool Krabi one of the best family stops inland. Children can wade and float safely with supervision. The walk is short enough for most kids, though very young children may need carrying on the longer trail. The hot springs are pleasant for families too, but keep little ones out of the hottest pools.
A Day Inland from Ao Nang
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Leave Ao Nang by taxi or tour |
| 08:30 | Emerald Pool Krabi swim and Blue Pool walk |
| 11:00 | Hot spring waterfall |
| 13:00 | Lunch on the way back |
| 15:30 | Tiger Cave Temple climb (if fit) |
| 18:00 | Back in Ao Nang or dinner in Krabi Town |
Tour or Independent?
A tour is easiest: transport, entry and timing are handled, and most visit the Emerald Pool Krabi, the hot springs and a temple in one day. Going independently lets you arrive at opening time, before the tours, which makes a big difference to the experience. A hired car with driver for the day is a good compromise for families and groups.
Costs to expect
- Park entrance fees (separate for the Emerald Pool and the hot springs).
- Transport: tour price, taxi or a day car.
- Locker rental and snacks.
Protecting the Pool
The Emerald Pool Krabi stays clear because it is protected. Follow the park’s rules on sunscreen, do not stand on fragile mineral formations at the edges, and take rubbish out with you.
About Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
The park protects lowland rainforest around Khao Pra–Bang Khram, one of the last such forests in southern Thailand, and is known among birdwatchers for rare species such as Gurney’s pitta, which has been recorded in the area. The Emerald Pool Krabi and the Blue Pool are its most famous features, fed by springs rising through the limestone. Visiting quietly and staying on the trails helps protect this habitat.
Emerald Pool Krabi by Season
In the dry season, from November to April, the water is clearer and the trails dry. In the monsoon months, heavy rain can cloud the water and make paths muddy, but the forest is lush and the park less crowded. The hot springs are pleasant all year, especially on a cooler rainy day.
- Dry season: clearer water, more visitors.
- Rainy season: greener forest, fewer people, cloudier water at times.
What to Pack for Emerald Pool Krabi
- Swimwear worn under your clothes to save time
- Quick-dry towel and a change of clothes
- Sandals or water shoes with grip
- Insect repellent (applied after swimming, not before)
- Water and a light snack
- Cash for entrance fees and lockers
- A dry bag for your phone
Pack light: you will walk 15 to 20 minutes each way, and lockers near the entrance are small. If you are visiting the hot springs too, bring a second dry layer for the drive back.
Photo Tips
The pool’s colour is strongest in bright, high sun, but the light is softest early in the morning when it is also empty. Shoot the Blue Pool from the viewing platform and avoid stepping beyond the barriers.
Food and Facilities
Simple food stalls near the park entrance sell noodles, fruit and drinks. Toilets and changing rooms are close to the car park. There is little to buy on the trail, so bring water with you.
Emerald Pool Krabi: FAQ
Can you swim in the Emerald Pool Krabi?
Yes, in the Emerald Pool. Swimming is not allowed in the Blue Pool.
How far is the Emerald Pool from Ao Nang?
Around an hour by road.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, the park charges foreign visitors an entrance fee; the hot springs have a separate fee.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, before tour groups arrive.
Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand and GetYourGuide listings, checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: Karelj (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Stefan Fussan (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Stefan Fussan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons).
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