Krabi is blessed with abundance of incredible forests and beaches. The forest national parks are so stunning that it will leave you spellbound. When you are in Krabi, if you want to spend a day away from the hustles and bustles of the city, a day trip to the Emerald Pools and Hot Springs would be a perfect choice. Let’s jump into my complete guide for a fantastic trip to Krabi’s Emerald Pool and Hot Springs.
How to travel?
If you are staying anywhere in Ao Nang or the Krabi town then there are many ways to travel to the Emerald pools. The distance from Ao Nang would be around 70 km, you can choose to commute with a small group or in private.
The group trips are mostly combined with the stunning Tiger Cave Temple which is on the way to the Pools and Hot Springs. A tour guide will accompany you.
Note: Visiting Krabi’s emerald pool and hot springs is a must do when you are in Krabi.
Group tours:
Tuk tuk to Emerald pools, Hot Springs and Tiger Cave Temple – A tuk tuk will come to pick you up at your hotel and will drop you back. Ticket cost to the national parks are excluded here.
Van to Emerald pools, Hot Springs and Tiger Cave Temple – A mini van will come pick you up and drop you back at the hotel. All tickets are included here.
Van to Emerald pool and Hot Springs – A mini van will come pick you up and drop you back. The ticket costs are excluded.
Private tours:
Private Emerald Pool, Hot Springs and Tiger Cave Temple tour – The entry fees are excluded from this package
Hot Springs Spa – This is a dedicated tour to the Hot Springs along with spa. This includes the entry fee.
How to get to the Emerald Pool?
Emerald Pool is located in the picturesque Thung Teao Forest National Park. It is quite far from Ao Nang (70 km), but the roads are butter smooth. In case you choose to ride a 2-wheeler, it will give you the freedom to stop and explore places on the way whenever and wherever you want.
Once you reach the parking spot and get the tickets, you will see 2 trails to reach the emerald pool. One is the dirt road of 800 m, which will get you directly to the pool and the other one is a concrete walkway for a km amidst nature. I chose the latter to enjoy the walkway and spot rare birds in striking backgrounds.
Crystal Pool
The Crystal Pool receives water from the Emerald Pool and other water sources. It is 1-3 meters deep. Tourists are not allowed to take a plunge into this pool because the bottom of the pool is littered with various debris and mud. When you take the walkway this is the first big pool that you will come across.
The Emerald Pool
It is a round shaped pool formed by the hot spring water and groundwater. The pool water contains Calcium Carbonate produced by the chemical weathering of the limestone. The limestones are deposited at the mouth of the spring. The high mineral content of the water gives it its striking emerald color.
We kept our belongings like our mobile phones and wallets in the locker service available close to the Emerald Pool.
Timing: 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Blue Pool
Blue Pool is a 800m walk from the Emerald Pool. The striking colors of the Blue Pool will leave your mind blown. The pool is closed between May – Dec. The pool is said to be 4-5 meters deep. Groundwater is heated by subsurface magma which produces steam and hot water. Tourists are not allowed to take a dip into the pool as it is not safe.
Also read: Koh Phi Phi – Guide to Touring Thailand’s Most Famous Island
Ticket costs:
Entry ticket for locals: 20 THB (adults), 10 THB (children)
Entry ticket for foreigners: 200 THB (adults), 100 THB (children)
2 wheeler parking cost – 15 THB
4 wheeler parking cost – 30 THB
Washroom access – 10 THB
Locker – 10 THB
Tip: It is better to visit the pool on a weekday because on weekends you will find a lot of locals visiting which makes in crowded
Krabi Hot Springs
Krabi Hot Springs is on the way back from Emerald Pools to Ao Nang. It is a 15 min drive from Emerald Pools. On Google Maps you will find it as ‘Hot Stream Krabi’. It is good to pair these 2 places considering the proximity to each other.
The water flowing in the hot water spring originates from the volcanic chambers. It forms many small pools into which you can get into and enjoy the natural hot water jacuzzi. The temperature of the water ranges from 35-40 degrees Celsius. The water is said to have a lot of minerals which are beneficial to the human skin.
If you want to swim after the hot natural jacuzzi, you can get into the river that flows few meters away from the hotsprings.
Note: It is recommended to stay at the hot stream only for 20-30 minutes at the max.
Timing: 8.30am to 6 pm
Ticket cost:
Foreign nationals entry fee: 100 THB
Parking: 10 THB
Tiger Cave Temple
On the way back if you still have the time and energy, you can hike to the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). There are 1260 steps to the Buddha statue at the top of the mountain. Since it is a temple you are expected to wear appropriate clothes.
Note: Beware of the huge number of monkeys during your hike.
My complete guide to East Krabi will serve as a fantastic trip to the Emerald Pools, Hot Water Springs and Tiger Cave Temple which can be done in a day.
Krabi was one of the most amazing places I visited in Thailand. If you are in Krabi then I’d highly recommend you to visit the Krabi emerald pool and hot springs. Krabi offers you both, beautiful forests, and pristine beaches. I hope my complete guide to the emerald pool and hot springs would have provided you with all the information that you need to enjoy these wonders in Krabi.
Also read: My other posts from Thailand
