We shot by the Krabi Airport in our tiny rented car – on our way to the Emerald Pool from Phulay Bay. We tried to wake up early and beat the rush at this natural attraction but by the time we were within spitting distance of the pool, it was already nearly 10am. All the locals we talked to highly recommended getting here before 10am as this attraction can quickly fill up with several hundred tourists after 10am. Supposedly vans and buses carrying tour groups leave by late afternoon – which is the the other more peaceful time to visit during the day.
Once you park you must ‘wade’ your way through a lineup of vendors and food stalls lining both sides of the road. At a small ticket counter you pay 200 baht (for non Thai’s) and Thai’s pay 20 baht/person. After a 2400 meter walk we reached this picturesque pool with its emerald and aquamarine colors. The selfie sticks, the go pro’s and the #friendsies were already well on their way but we found a corner of the pool in the back next to a small waterfall and relaxed in the shade of a small tree.
At times you may not think you are in Thailand while soaking or sunning at this pool as their are visitors from around the world and languages to accompany them.
Culinary tip: try the delicious Durian Ice Cream from the vendor located not far from the bathrooms!
Then it was a short hike up to the Blue Pool. This tiny inviting pool looks perfect for swimming – other than the tree branches and logs that line its shallow bottom. However, looks can be quite deceiving – the bottom is layered with pockets of quicksand and the water is extremely hot. Fortunately a sign near the viewing platform warns against swimming.
The natural Thermal Stream is located about a 15 minute drive from the Emerald Pool parking lots. Access is via a short trail that parallels a small clear stream ending in a stepped series of naturally hollowed out rock pools. The naturally heated water is a fine temperature, not to hot and not to cold. This stream ends in a much larger muddy river but a quick dip in this cold water can be refreshing after a 20 minute soak in the hot water.
Video: Ko Hong Underwater + Emerald Pool
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 |  Emerald Pool Krabi Khlong Thom Nuea Krabi Thailand |
Getting crowded at the Emerald Pool!
The clear and hot waters of the Blue Pool
Roots growing on the edge of the Blue Pool
Enjoying the hot waters of the Thermal Stream
Small waterfall at the edge of the Emerald Pool
Durian Ice Cream – I was able to try that when we were in the Philippines. Doesn’t smell nice but it’s really really good. I remember my friend who visited Thailand lately, he was talking about “sticky falls” (the rocks aren’t slippery as expected).. The emerald pool looks nice! Thanks for sharing Dave.
William – the ice cream didn’t smell to bad actually – and it was certainly quite flavorful 🙂
Now there’s an attraction I didn’t hear about last time I was in Krabi. Will have to check it out when I’m down there this winter!
Larry – yep it is def worth visiting – just get there early to avoid the crowds 🙂