Emerald Pool
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
A natural pool of clear blue-green spring water in the forest, where swimming is allowed. It is busiest from late morning, when the tour groups arrive.
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Krabi, Thailand
Emerald Pool
A natural pool of clear blue-green spring water in the forest of Khlong Thom, often combined with the nearby hot springs.
Favourite places
Blue Pool
Further up the trail
A deeper pool of vivid blue water a further walk up the trail. Swimming is not allowed, and its colour is clearest on calm, sunny days.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Forest boardwalk
Thung Teao Forest
A boardwalk and trail through lowland forest lead to the pools. Look out for birds, butterflies and tall trees along the way.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Hot Springs
Khlong Thom
Natural hot springs in the Khlong Thom area, where warm water flows over rocks into pools in the forest. Many Emerald Pool tours combine the two.
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Local food
Khanom jeen
Krabi, Thailand
Rice noodles with southern curry, eaten for breakfast in Krabi province.
Gaeng tai pla
Krabi, Thailand
A spicy southern curry made with fermented fish innards, eaten with rice or khanom jeen.
Where to eat
Food stalls at the park entrance
Emerald Pool car park
Simple stalls sell drinks, snacks and Thai dishes.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Khlong Thom town
Khlong Thom
Local restaurants and a market in the nearby town.
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Where to stay
Krabi Town
Krabi, Thailand
The nearest town with plenty of hotels, about an hour away.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Ao Nang
Krabi, Thailand
Krabi's main resort area, the base for most tours.
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Culture
The pool is in a protected forest. Do not use soap or sunscreen in the water, keep to the boardwalk and take all rubbish with you.
History
Sa Morakot lies in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. A boardwalk through the forest leads to the pool, and a further trail climbs to the deeper Blue Pool, where swimming is not allowed.
Tour plans
Krabi jungle tour
1 dayStep 1: Emerald Pool
Arrive early for a swim.
Step 2: Blue Pool
Walk up to see the Blue Pool.
Step 3: Hot Springs
Relax in the nearby hot springs.
Step 4: Tiger Cave Temple
Stop at Wat Tham Suea on the way back.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April; arrive early in the morning before the tour buses, when the water is clearest.
How to get there
About 1 hour south-east of Krabi Town by car or tour.
Getting around
The Emerald Pool is about an hour from Krabi Town. Reach it by car, scooter or on a tour; there is no regular public transport.
Travel tips
Arrive early before the tour buses. A park fee applies.
