The Emerald Pool in Krabi: Full Guide

What the Emerald Pool is and why it is special

The Emerald Pool, or Sa Morakot in Thai, is one of Krabi's most famous natural attractions: a spring-fed forest pool whose water glows an extraordinary green when the light hits it. It lies within the Khao Phra Bang Khram forest, a protected lowland rainforest, and is fed by warm mineral springs that give the water both its clarity and its faintly silky feel on the skin. The pool is shallow and calm, framed by tall trees, and reached by an easy walk on shaded trails and boardwalks.

The origin of the water's unique colour

The emerald hue comes from a combination of the water's mineral content — including dissolved calcium carbonate — the pale limestone bed below, and the way sunlight refracts through the clear water. The exact shade shifts through the day and with the season and cloud cover, ranging from pale turquoise to deep green, which is why the pool can look strikingly different from one visit to the next.

The rainforest and its flora and fauna

• Dense lowland tropical rainforest surrounds the pool, one of the region's important protected ecosystems.
• The forest is known for birdlife, butterflies and the sounds of the jungle along the trails.
• As a protected area, the whole reserve is managed for conservation, so visitors keep to marked paths.

How to get to the Emerald Pool

The pool sits inland from Krabi's main tourist centres, so getting there is part of the day. From Ao Nang it is around 60–70 km, or roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by road; from Krabi Town the drive is a little shorter. You have three practical ways to make the trip.

Routes from Krabi's main tourist spots

Self-driving gives you the freedom to arrive early and set your own pace, but ride only with a valid licence and take care on the rural roads. A taxi or tour removes the navigation, and many tours combine the pool with the nearby hot springs waterfall.

Coordinates and useful maps

The Emerald Pool is well signposted from the main road once you are close, and it appears on the usual navigation apps under 'Emerald Pool' or 'Sa Morakot'. Download an offline map before you set out, as mobile coverage can drop in the forested interior, and follow the brown attraction signs on the final approach.

What to expect when you visit the Emerald Pool in Krabi, Thailand

From the car park and ticket gate, a shaded trail and boardwalk lead through the forest to the pool — an easy walk of a few hundred metres to the main Emerald Pool. There are viewpoints, changing areas and boardwalks between the pools, and the area is designed for a relaxed couple of hours of walking, swimming and photography rather than a strenuous hike.

Emerald Pool vs Blue Pool: the difference

A short walk beyond the main pool lies the Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut), a smaller, deeper spring of intense blue water. The crucial difference for visitors is that you can swim in the Emerald Pool but not in the Blue Pool, which is fenced and protected because of its unstable, spring-fed depths. Many first-timers are surprised by the swimming ban, so plan to admire the Blue Pool rather than dip in it.

• Emerald Pool: larger, shallow, warm, and open for swimming.
• Blue Pool: smaller, deeper, more vivid blue, and closed to swimming for safety and conservation.

The Crystal Pool (Glass Pool)

Less well known is a third pool sometimes called the Crystal or Glass Pool (Sra Kaew), prized for water so clear you can watch small fish moving among the submerged tree roots. It is a quiet, magical spot for those who make the extra walk, though access can vary, so check on arrival.

Trails and routes through the park

The reserve has both a short, easy route to the Emerald Pool and longer trails deeper into the forest toward the Blue and Crystal pools. The short trail suits most visitors and families; the longer routes reward those wanting more nature and solitude. Wooden boardwalks, signs and a viewing area guide you along the way.

Facilities and amenities on site

• Parking, toilets and simple changing rooms near the entrance.
• A few cafés and small shops for drinks and snacks at the trailhead.
• Basic overall — bring water, and pack a small towel and a change of clothes.

The best time to visit

The Emerald Pool is at its most beautiful in the morning, when the light brings out the green and the crowds are thinnest. Visiting soon after opening also means cooler air for the walk. Weekends, Thai public holidays and school breaks are the busiest times, so a weekday morning is ideal if your schedule allows.

Seasonal notes and opening hours

The pool is generally open daily from about 08:00 to 17:00, though times can change, so confirm before travelling. The dry season (roughly November to April) has the clearest water and easiest access; heavy rain in the green season can cloud the pool or occasionally affect access, and after downpours the colour is less vivid.

Practical information for visitors

Entry fees and extra costs

As part of a protected forest reserve, the Emerald Pool charges an entry fee set by the Department of National Parks — as of 2026, around ฿200 for foreign adults, with lower rates for children and Thai nationals. Budget a little extra for parking, a locker or changing facilities, and refreshments. Bring cash, as card payment is not guaranteed at the gate.

Personal tips for enjoying the Emerald Pool

• Wear your swimwear under your clothes to save time at the basic changing rooms.
• Bring insect repellent for the forest trails and drinking water for the walk.
• Combine the visit with the nearby hot springs waterfall for a fuller day out.
• Respect the swimming ban at the Blue Pool and keep to the marked boardwalks.

Sources: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand (dnp.go.th); Tourism Authority of Thailand (tourismthailand.org).