Krabi Emerald Pool
Anyone in Krabi who perhaps has caught too much sun, or just wants to escape the beach for an afternoon, can take a lovely day trip to the stunning Emerald (Crystal) Pool. This incredible natural phenomenon is nestled in a lush forest that will take your breath away. This secluded oasis is often overlooked but offers up a chance for some relaxation and exploration of nature’s beauty. With its crystal clear water reflecting shades of blue and green, this gem of Thailand promises a unique experience with plenty to offer every type of traveler!
Known as Sra Morakot in Thai, Emerald Pool is formed by natural spring water and is situated only 50 km from the center of Krabi Town. Those renting motorcycles should head southeast towards Khlong Thom and follow the main road. Ignore any ‘shortcut’ signs as these appear to be a cunning ruse simply to snare unsuspecting tourists!
🌴 BEST TOURS TO EMERALD POOL
Emerald Pool and Blue Pool
Entrance Fee
There is an entry fee of 400 baht for foreigners (yes, that’s quite a lot considering the price was only 200 baht before February 2023), or 30 baht for Thai nationals. Those living in Thailand long-term and have documentation, such as a Thai driver’s license or work permit, can sometimes get away with paying the local price.
How to Get to the Pool from the Entrance
After stopping past the entrance gate it is a nice walk from the car park through the woods to the lagoon. There’s a wooden boardwalk over the marshier parts and it is a cool and pleasant saunter for less than one kilometer.
Upon entering, visitors are greeted with the option of two routes: a quick 800-meter journey or a longer nature trail spanning 1.4 kilometers. Those who opt for the latter will be treated to a peaceful and serene walk through nature, where they can truly immerse in the beauty of their surroundings. As you approach the Emerald Pool, make sure to watch your step on the mossy rocks that surround it. But don’t let that deter you from taking a refreshing dip in the emerald waters.
Facilities
There’s even a restroom and small lockers near Emerald Pool for visitors to store their belongings.
Just be careful not to lose track of time, as the nearby Blue Pool closes earlier in the day than its emerald counterpart.
While you can’t swim in the Blue Pool, it’s still worth a visit for its stunning natural beauty, perfect for capturing those picture-perfect moments.
Keep in mind that the Emerald Pool is open from 8 am to 5 pm, while the Blue Pool has shorter hours from 10 am to 3:30 pm, so plan accordingly and make sure to visit the Blue Pool first before heading to Emerald Pool for a truly unforgettable experience.
Blue Pool (Blue Lagoon)
As you make your way through the lush landscape of Emerald Pool, you’ll eventually come across the stunning Blue Pool. After a short 600-meter trek from Emerald Pool, you’ll be greeted with a sight that’s sure to take your breath away. The vibrant blue water is positively mesmerizing, but unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed in this particular location. Despite this restriction, the Blue Pool remains a popular destination for visitors thanks to its fascinating high calcium carbonate content. So take a moment to admire this natural wonder before continuing on your journey through this beautiful region of Thailand.
Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool is simply divine with clear green water and rocky surroundings. The place fills up with Thai children at the weekend so try to go during work hours, although you have to be extremely lucky to find it quiet. Early morning is the best time to visit Emerald Pool and when the water is most vibrant, although even at this time you will be extremely lucky to find it with less than 10 people!
As the area is forested, different parts remain shady for most of the day and the color of the water changes slightly depending on how the light hits the surface. The water turns a shade of blue-green when it increases in temperature, and then it becomes pale green when the contents cool down again.
Emerald Pool’s clear water is just over a meter deep and feels thick on your skin due to its high mineral content – mainly calcium carbonate – which also makes it unsuitable for drinking. Visitors should also be careful when walking around the edge as any part of the rock which lies beneath the surface can feel extremely slippery.
How to Get to Emerald Pool
A great idea is to combine a dip at Emerald Pool with a trip to Krabi’s famous Tiger Cave Temple. The cool, clear water is the perfect way to relax after sweating to the top of the hill. There is also a natural hot spring nearby as well.
Renting a motorbike to reach Emerald Pool is cheap and easy in Krabi, costing around 200 baht per day, but remember to always wear a crash helmet and take care on the road. Krabi has lots of winding narrow tracks which may seem picturesque but can be extremely hazardous for those that lose concentration, and Thai driving standards also leave a lot to be desired.
Otherwise, there are plenty of tour operators around Ao Nang who can help book minibus tours of Emerald Pool which typically also take in Tiger Cave Temple and the hot springs. Enquire at your hotel or hostel reception for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Krabi Emerald Pool
How much does it cost to go to the Emerald Pool Krabi?
It now costs 400 baht for foreigners to visit the Emerald Pool, while Thai citizens can enter for just 30 baht. This price increase was implemented in February of 2023, which has created some buzz among tourists. While it may seem like a hefty fee, visitors to the pool will find that the experience of such natural beauty is simply priceless.
How far is Emerald Pool from Krabi?
The Emerald Pool is located about 50 kilometers from Ao Nang, Krabi, and it’s definitely worth the roughly hour-long journey. The journey to Emerald Pool is scenic, with lush jungles and picturesque landscapes lining the roads.
Can you swim in Emerald Pool Krabi?
Yes! With its crystal-clear, emerald waters, it’s hard to resist the temptation to dive in for a refreshing swim. Luckily, visitors are able to do just that, as swimming is permitted in the Emerald Pool. For those concerned about changing facilities, fear not – there is a restroom located nearby. However, it’s important to note that the nearby Blue Lagoon is off-limits for swimming, so make sure to stick to the Emerald Pool for your swimming adventures.
How far is the Emerald Pool from Ao Nang?
It’s located around 50 kilometers from Ao Nang or a 60-minute drive by car.
Can you swim in emerald pools?
You can only swim in the Emerald Pool, but swimming in the Blue Pool (Blue Lagoon) is prohibited.
How do I get to the Blue Lagoon Krabi?
Getting to the Blue Lagoon is relatively easy. You have 2 options to get here from Krabi:
- By car/scooter – takes 1-1.5 hours from Krabi. Address: W7G9+27J, Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120, Thailand.
- By organized tour
The journey is worth it as you’ll be able to bask in the beauty of nature and relax in the clear water. Blue Lagoon is located just 5 minute’s walk from the Emerald Pool. You can take a short hike through the jungle, which is an adventure in itself, to reach the Blue Lagoon. If you’re not an avid hiker, don’t worry; the path is well-trodden and doable for most.
