How to Visit Emerald Pool Krabi: Complete Guide + Insider Tips

Last Updated on 23rd April 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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If you’ve come to Thailand, one of the greatest joys is exploring its lush jungles and mineral-rich waters. The colours feel almost unreal, as if the saturation has been turned all the way up. And if there’s one place you shouldn’t miss in Krabi, it’s the Emerald Pool – a freshwater lagoon just as vivid in person as its name suggests. In this guide, I’ll tell you how to visit Krabi’s Emerald Pool, as well as top tips to know before you go!

What is Emerald Pool?

Emerald Pool, known in Thai as Sa Morakot (สระมรกต), is a stunning natural freshwater lagoon in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve in Krabi, Thailand. Named after a precious gemstone for its vivid, crystal-clear green water, an effect which is created by limestone and mineral deposits from warm volcanic springs.

It’s one of the most popular highlights in Krabi’s jungle, with several nearby highlights including the Blue Pool, a scenic nature trail, and a local shrine.

Things to do at Emerald Pool

There are actually a few different kinds of pools to visit, and each is slightly different; this is mainly due to geology and water chemistry. The area itself sits in a limestone-rich karst landscape, and the water flowing through dissolves calcium carbonate, which interacts with the differing rock and mineral layers. Putting the geology aside for a moment, here’s what you can expect to explore…

Please note that, as this is a nature reserve, you are only allowed to swim in the designated swimming spots, which are clearly marked throughout the area.

Follow the nature trail

The best way to reach Emerald Pool is via the scenic 1.4 km circular jungle trail through the nature reserve. Along the path, you’ll find plenty of signage giving a brief insight into which pool is which, and you’ll also get to wander through the beauty of the jungle, slowly uncovering the sparkling pools and wildlife as you wander.

See the Crystal Pool

The Crystal Pool, as you can probably guess, takes its name from its exceptionally clear waters. This smaller pool is nestled within the rich jungle foliage and has a glass-like and glossy appearance to it.

See the Blue Pool

Around 600 meters or so from Emerald Pool, you’ll come across the striking turquoise waters of Blue Pool. This pool is much deeper and has more concentrated mineral content, which affects how light is absorbed and scattered, contributing to its blueish tint. I recommend stopping here for the ultimate photograph opportunity, as the blue and green contrast is simply stunning!

Swim in Emerald Pool

Of course, one of the best ways to experience Emerald Pool is to literally go for a dip! This is a designated swimming area, and so you’re welcome to soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters. The water is naturally heated by underground thermal springs, and while it’s not “hot” as such, it’s definitely a comfortable and pleasant temperature.

Taking a dip in Emerald Pool is absolutely worth it, but it can get very busy. We opted to visit before the daytime rush, when many people arrive on tours, so I would suggest avoid visiting between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM if you want a quieter swim in the pool.

Shrine of the Hermit

Situated halfway between Blue Pool and Emerald Pool, you’ll come across a small, colourful, spiritual hut that is known as the Shrine of the Hermit. Surrounded by animals, the shrine honours a revered ascetic figure from Thai tradition and is believed to offer protection to visitors and the surrounding natural area.

Spy local wildlife

As the area you’re exploring is quite literally a tropical jungle, you can be sure to spy out some pretty fascinating wildlife – though you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled! From small lizards and geckos, to floaty butterflies, and loud tweets from birds like hornbills, bulbuls, drongos, and sunbirds.

Though the nature reserve is also known to support small mammals, like macaque monkeys, they don’t tend to be commonly seen around Emerald Pool.

Local walks

While there are no official hikes as such, the paths do differ in length, winding throughout the jungle foliage. For the most part, all of the paths are flat and very clear to follow. So, if time is no restriction, I suggest wandering through and allowing the nature park to reveal itself to you at each turn.

How to visit Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool is located in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary. There’s a large car park at the visitors’ entrance, and before entering, foreign visitors must pay the 400 Baht entry fee to the pools/nature trail.

There are lockers at the visitors’ entrance, which you can put your belongings in, but I recommend bringing your camera for the walk. To be honest, it feels very safe to leave your things in eyesight as you swim, but I always recommend taking it in turns to stay with your belongings (if with multiple people) as it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Entry fee

The entry fee is: 400 Baht for adults & 200 Baht for children.

Opening hours

Emerald Pool is open from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

What to bring?

I suggest packing light, as with the combination of heat and walking, you’ll probably be grateful to have less with you! That being said, for the ultimate experience of the pools I recommend bringing the following:

You can easily combine a visit to Emerald Pool with a plunge in the nearby Hot Stream Waterfall. You’ll also find that Tiger Cave Temple is not too far either. We personally opted to rent our own car as this gave us greater flexibility to get around the region, though you could also book to go on a guided tour:

• Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour (full day tour) – Book here.
• Krabi: Kayaking, Emerald Pool, and ATV Adventure Tour (half-day tour) – Book here.
• Ao Nang: Hot Spring, Emerald Pool & Tiger Cave Temple Tour (full day) – Book here.
• Krabi: Emerald & Blue Pool with Hot Springs & Kayaking (full day) – Book here.

There are actually a few restaurants located near the entrance area of Emerald Pool, although you should note that food is not permitted inside the national park reserve itself. It makes for the perfect place to stop and indulge in traditional Thai food, all the while soaking up the tranquil surroundings of the nature reserve.

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