Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Krabi’s Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), one of Thailand’s most stunning natural wonders:
A natural thermal spring with crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters that glow emerald green
Surrounded by lush rainforest in Thung Teao Forest Park
Connected to the even more stunning (but swimming-prohibited) Blue Pool
40km from Krabi Town (~1 hour drive)
Best reached by:
Rental scooter (200-300 THB/day – follow Route 4035)
Private taxi (~1,200 THB roundtrip with waiting time)
Tour van (500-800 THB including other attractions)
Parking: 30 THB for motorbikes, 50 THB for cars
Admission: 200 THB for foreigners (includes Blue Pool)
Open: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry)
Best Time: Arrive at 8:30 AM or after 3 PM to avoid crowds
Jungle Walk: 800m elevated boardwalk through rainforest (watch for monkeys!)
Emerald Pool: 30-40°C warm waters perfect for swimming (depth 1-4m)
Blue Pool: Additional 300m walk (no swimming allowed – even more vivid color)
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
Water shoes (rocky bottom)
Waterproof camera
Small change for lockers (20 THB)
Don’t bring: Soap/shampoo (prohibited)
No sunscreen/lotion allowed in the water (harms ecosystem)
Weekends get packed with Thai tourists
Check water levels – after heavy rain it may be murky
Respect the rules: No diving, no alcohol, no food in water
Guides not needed – easy DIY visit
By Rental Scooter/Car:
Distance: ~50 km (1-hour drive)
Route: Take Highway 4038 toward Khlong Thom
Parking: Available (20 THB fee)
Tip: Use Google Maps (“Emerald Pool Krabi”) – roads are well-signed.
By Taxi/Private Transfer:
Cost: ~1,200–1,500 THB round-trip (negotiate with driver to wait 2–3 hours).
Book via: Grab app or local taxi stands.
By Tour/Tuk-Tuk:
Group tours (~800–1,200 THB) often combine with Blue Pool and Hot Springs.
Tuk-tuks charge ~1,000 THB round-trip (good for small groups).
By Scooter/Car:
Distance: ~60 km (1.5-hour drive).
Route: Take Highway 4203 → Highway 4038 (scenic but winding).
By Taxi:
Cost: ~1,500–1,800 THB round-trip.
By Tour:
Many half-day tours (~1,000 THB) include transport + entry fees.
Longtail to Ao Nang (~15 mins, 100–150 THB).
Then follow Ao Nang options above (taxi/tour recommended).
By Car/Scooter:
Distance: ~130 km (2.5-hour drive via Highway 402).
Stop at Khao Sok for a longer road trip.
By Tour:
Full-day tours (~2,500 THB) combine with Krabi Hot Springs or Tiger Cave Temple.
From Krabi Bus Terminal: Take a bus to Khlong Thom (~60 THB, 1.5 hours).
From Khlong Thom: Hire a tuk-tuk to the pool (~5 km, 100–150 THB each way).
Emerald Pool: 200 THB (includes Blue Pool access).
Open: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (last entry).
Best Time: Arrive by 9 AM to avoid crowds and midday heat.
✔ Wear water shoes – Rocky bottom in some areas.
✔ Bring snacks/water – Limited food options onsite.
✔ Combine with Blue Pool – Just 500m walk from Emerald Pool (more stunning but no swimming allowed).
✔ Avoid weekends – Packed with local tourists.
Swim in the Mineral-Rich Waters
The stunning emerald-green pool is naturally warm (about 30-35°C) due to underground hot springs
Perfect depth (1-2m) for swimming and relaxing
Hike to the Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut)
15-minute jungle walk from Emerald Pool
Even more vivid blue waters (but NO swimming allowed – the fragile ecosystem is protected)
Explore the Jungle Trails
Well-maintained boardwalks through lush rainforest
Spot wildlife like monkeys, tropical birds, and monitor lizards
Visit Nearby Hot Waterfall (Krabi Hot Stream)
10-minute drive away
Natural warm waterfall perfect for soaking
From Ao Nang/Krabi Town: ~1 hour drive (rent a scooter for ~250 THB/day or take a tour)
Tour Option: Often combined with Tiger Cave Temple or Krabi Hot Stream (~800-1,200 THB)
Parking: 30 THB for motorbikes, 50 THB for cars
Pro Tip: Visit as part of a Krabi jungle tour to save transportation hassle
Entry Fee: 200 THB for foreigners (includes both Emerald & Blue Pools)
Open: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry)
National Park Rules: No soap/shampoo, no food in water
Early Morning (8:30-10 AM): Fewest crowds, best light for photos
Avoid Weekends: Gets crowded with local tourists
Dry Season (Nov-Apr): Water is clearest
Swimwear & quick-dry towel
Water shoes (rocky bottom)
Waterproof phone case
Small cash for lockers (20 THB) and snacks
Leave behind: Valuables (limited secure storage)
Changing rooms & showers
Basic restaurants (try grilled chicken)
Souvenir shops
Limited cell service in the jungle
No jumping/diving – The pool is shallow with hidden rocks
Rinse off first – Required before entering to protect the ecosystem
Watch your step – Boardwalks can be slippery when wet
Combine with: Tiger Cave Temple (30 mins away) for a full day trip
Morning light makes the colors pop
Drone use requires special permission
Best angles from the far side of the pool
Where: Thung Teao Forest Natural Park (about 50km from Krabi Town)
Transport Options:
Rent a scooter (~250 THB/day) – Most flexible option
Private taxi (~1,500 THB roundtrip from Ao Nang)
Tour van (~800 THB/person including Blue Pool)
Pro Tip: Combine with Blue Pool and Hot Springs for a full-day nature trip
Entrance fee: 200 THB for foreigners (includes Emerald Pool & Blue Pool)
Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry)
Best time to visit: Early morning (8:30-10 AM) to avoid crowds and midday heat
Distance: 800m easy boardwalk through lush rainforest
Duration: About 15-20 minutes each way
What to bring:
Water shoes (rocky bottom)
Towel & swimwear
Waterproof bag for valuables
Wildlife: Watch for monkeys and tropical birds
Water depth: 1-2 meters (great for all swimmers)
Temperature: Refreshingly cool (~25-30°C)
Best spots: Deeper areas near the waterfall
Warning: Don’t wear sunscreen/lotion in the water (eco-protected area)
Best light: Mid-morning when sun hits the water
Top angles: Shoot from the wooden platform above
Drone rules: Prohibited without special permit
No changing rooms – Wear swimwear under clothes
Limited facilities – Basic toilets only, no lockers
Footwear – Mandatory in some areas (protects feet)
Blue Pool rules: No swimming allowed (only viewing)
Rinse stations: Available near exit
Nearby eats: Local restaurants at parking area (try grilled chicken)
Combine with: Krabi Hot Springs (15 mins away) for a thermal experience
Quick-dry towel
Water shoes
Dry bag
Cash (no cards accepted)
Mosquito repellent (for the walk)
Dry Season (December – April)
Best months: Jan-Feb (coolest, least rain)
Water clarity: Crystal clear emerald hues
Crowds: Busiest (especially 10AM-3PM)
Shoulder Season (May-June, November)
Pros: Fewer tourists, still good weather
Cons: Occasional brief showers
Avoid Rainy Season (July-October)
Heavy rains can make water murky
Some trails may flood
Early Morning (7:30-9:30 AM)
✓ Coolest temperatures
✓ Fewest crowds
✓ Best photography light
Late Afternoon (3:30-5 PM)
✓ Day-trippers leave
✓ Softer sunlight
Avoid midday (10AM-2PM): Hottest hours + peak crowds
Check recent reviews: Heavy rains can affect water color
Bring: Water shoes (rocky bottom), quick-dry towel
Visit with Blue Pool (10-min walk further) in the same trip – it’s most stunning when sunlight hits around 10AM-noon.
Pro Tip: Combine with Tiger Cave Temple (morning) and Emerald Pool (afternoon) for a perfect day trip!