Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)

The Emerald Pool (sometimes known as the Crystal Pool or Crystal Pond) is part of the Khao Phra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary in Khlong Thom, located about an hour’s drive from Krabi Town. Travelers generally stop here for a swim and a selfie as part of a tour of mainland Krabi attractions; tours generally include the Tiger Cave Temple and nearby hot springs.

• This is a natural pool with no changing rooms. Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel.

• Parents should ensure that children visit the bathrooms before swimming.

• Shops, eateries, and bathrooms are all located at the park office, which is over half a mile (800 meters) from the pool itself.

• No swimming is allowed at the Blue Pool, which is located past the Emerald Pool.

• The walkways are manageable with a wheelchair, but there is no disabled access to the pool.

The Emerald Pool is in the Khlong Thom area, about a 47-mile (75-kilometer) drive southeast of Krabi town, and around 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Wareerak Hot Spring Retreat. There is no public transportation to the area, and the highway is difficult to navigate, so most travelers visit on an organized tour.

The Emerald Pool is open from quite early in the morning until late afternoon. It can get crowded with both locals and tourists on weekends and public holidays, so try to arrive early to beat the rush—especially if you aim to take photos. During the rainy season (roughly May–October), the water can be murky.

Most travelers pair a dip at the Emerald Pool with a trip to one of the many nearby hot springs. One popular (and sometimes very crowded) option is Namtok Ron, a hot-spring waterfall with warm water that tumbles over a series of short ledges. Many travelers prefer to escape the crowds at privately-operated hot springs, such as Wareerak Hot Spring Retreat or Nattha Waree Hot Spring Resort and Spa.

The water color makes Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) so special. The presence of limestone and other minerals, combined with the water temperature, causes the water to change from emerald to turquoise. The area has several pools, but this is one of the most beautiful.

Aim to visit Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) in the early morning before other tourists arrive, and the temperatures get too warm. The dry season is from November to February, the peak tourist season in Thailand. You can visit Emerald Pool in other months.

Yes, you can swim at Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot). This area has several pools, but you cannot swim in all of them. This cool, refreshing pool is just right for a swim, especially when there aren’t many other tourists, and you have the place to yourself.

Yes, there is a fee to visit the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) in Krabi. You need to pay the entrance fee to the national park and hot springs and a fee for the pool. If you park, there’s a fee for that. All the fees help to preserve the pools.

Yes, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is great for the entire family. The area on the pool's edge is shallow but a bit slippery. Make sure an adult accompanies young children. Everyone should wear water shoes with a grip or take care when entering and exiting the pool.

Yes, Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is worth it. It’s not every day that you see turquoise and emerald green natural pools in the lush Thai jungle. There are fees, but they help preserve the area and are for a good cause. The pools are refreshing in the Thai humid heat.