Emerald Pool
The Emerald Pool, known locally as Sa Morakot, is one of Krabi's most beautiful inland natural attractions — a striking turquoise-green freshwater lagoon fed by mineral-rich mountain springs, tucked deep inside the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve (Thung Teao Forest Natural Park). It's a refreshing change of pace from Krabi's beach and island tours, swapping salt water and speedboats for jungle trails and a natural forest spa.
Timings
Park hours: Daily, roughly 8:00 AM to 4:30–5:00 PM.
Best time to visit: Early morning, ideally between 8:00–10:00 AM — the light is softer for photos, the air is cooler for the jungle walk, and the pool is far less crowded before day-tour buses arrive around midday. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends.
Best season: November to April (dry season) for the clearest, most vivid emerald color and easiest trail conditions.
Time needed: A half-day is typical — around 3-4 hours including the drive from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, the jungle walk, and swimming time. Most tours combine it with the nearby Hot Springs and/or Tiger Cave Temple for a fuller day (6-8 hours total).
Experiences & Highlights
The Emerald Pool swim — a roughly 20-metre-wide, 1–1.5 metre-deep natural pool with strikingly clear, mineral-rich turquoise water, believed locally to have therapeutic properties.
Jungle boardwalk trail — a scenic, well-marked walkway of about 1-1.4 km through dense tropical forest, passing streams and smaller pools before reaching the main pool.
The Blue Pool — a deep, vivid blue pond a short walk from the Emerald Pool; strikingly photogenic but not open for swimming.
Krabi Hot Springs (Namtok Ron) — natural hot spring "bathtubs" carved into smooth limestone rock nearby, often paired with the Emerald Pool on the same tour for a relaxing soak.
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) — commonly added to full-day itineraries; a challenging 1,237-step climb rewards you with sweeping views over Krabi's coastline and countryside.
Wildlife and forest scenery — the reserve is home to varied birdlife and a genuinely lush rainforest setting, a nice contrast to the coastal scenery elsewhere in Krabi.
Good to Know
Getting there: About 60-70 km / roughly 1-1.5 hours from Krabi Town by taxi, rented scooter, or guided tour — not accessible by public transport, so a tour or private transfer is the most practical option.
What to bring: Swimwear worn under your clothes (no changing rooms on-site), a towel, comfortable walking or water shoes (limestone rocks in the pool can be slippery), sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
Facilities: Toilets are located at the park office, roughly half a mile from the pool itself — plan bathroom breaks accordingly. No food is allowed inside; eateries are at the entrance.
Good for: Couples, families, and anyone wanting a slower, nature-focused day to balance out Krabi's island-hopping and beach tours.
