When you think of Thailand, chances are your mind goes straight to postcard-perfect beaches and island hopping adventures. And while those are definitely worth the hype, Thailand has a few hidden gems inland that totally deserve your attention too.
On our recent trip, we decided to switch things up and explore the Emerald Pool in Krabi — and spoiler alert: it was one of the best decisions we made.
Starting the Day Right
We booked a private tour through a local travel agency the day before our trip. It was super easy and totally worth it for the flexibility. Our driver arrived right on time at 7:00 AM and we hit the road early, aiming to beat the crowds.
After about an hour’s drive, we reached the entrance to the Emerald Pool. Entry is 200 Baht per person (just a heads-up: this isn’t usually included in the tour package). The pool opens at 8:00 AM, and we were among the first to arrive — which meant we had the entire place to ourselves. A peaceful, crowd-free paradise!
Getting to the Pool
To reach the Emerald Pool, there’s a short walk involved — about 15 minutes. You’ll have two route options: one is a shorter concrete path, and the other is a longer elevated wooden walkway. Now, we know what you’re thinking — “Why would I take the longer one?” But trust us: take the elevated path. It’s shaded, smoother on your feet, and winds through the beautiful Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. Think lush wetlands, towering trees, and some truly Instagrammable views. It’s not just a path — it’s part of the experience.
A Dip in the Emerald Pool
As the name suggests, the Emerald Pool is a dazzling natural spring with water so clear and green it looks surreal. The pool isn’t too deep (around 5.2 ft at most), and the water is refreshingly cold — the perfect way to cool down in Krabi’s tropical heat.
There are tiny fish swimming around, but don’t worry — they’re harmless and actually kind of fun to watch. For extra peace of mind, lifeguards are stationed nearby, and you can rent a life jacket for about 100 Baht if you’re not a confident swimmer.
Swimming in the crisp, emerald-colored water early in the morning, with mist still hanging in the air and not a single crowd around, was absolute bliss.
By the time we wrapped up around 10:30 AM, the tour buses had started to roll in and the pool was getting crowded. So here’s a solid tip: arrive early if you want to enjoy the magic in peace.
Surprise! There’s a Blue Pool Too
Once we were done soaking in the Emerald Pool, we hiked another 15 minutes uphill to visit the Blue Pool — a lesser-known but equally beautiful spot. This one’s not for swimming, but it’s a must-see.
The Blue Pool is a geothermal spring with water so blue it looks photoshopped. The color comes from mineral deposits and underground activity, and if you listen closely, you can actually hear water bubbling up from below. It’s mesmerizing!
Just a note: the Blue Pool is only open from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, so plan accordingly. We stayed there for about 20 minutes, soaking in the serenity and snapping some gorgeous photos before heading back out of the park (a 20-minute walk).
Quick Tips Before You Go:
- Bring a swimsuit — swimming in regular clothes isn’t allowed.
- If you have sensitive eyes, pack a pair of swimming goggles. The mineral water can cause mild irritation.
- Don’t forget your camera — both pools are stunning and totally Instagram-worthy.
- To visit the Emerald Pool, you must stay at Krabi. We stayed at Cha Da resort which is an amazing place to base yourself at. It is closer to the beach and night markets yet far from the hustle and bustle. Book yourself a room at Krabi Cha Da Resort.
A Warm Stop at the Hot Springs
After our pool adventure, we made a quick 20-minute drive to Klong Thom Nuea Hot Springs — another popular spot in Krabi. The drive was lovely, with coconut trees lining both sides of the road. The entry fee here is also 200 Baht per person.
To reach the springs, you’ll walk about 15 minutes. We chose the jungle path instead of the concrete one — it was cooler, shaded, and far more pleasant than walking under the direct sun.
We arrived around 1:00 PM and, unfortunately, the place was packed. While the setting is naturally beautiful and the warm water is soothing, the heavy crowd made it hard to truly relax. So instead of a full soak, we just dipped our feet and enjoyed the vibe for a bit.
Hot Tip!
If you’re really into hot springs, go here first thing in the morning — before it gets too crowded and hot. The springs open at 8:30 AM and are usually peaceful before noon.
Also, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, you might want to skip a full-body soak — the warm mineral water can cause irritation for some.
Perfect for a Half-Day Escape
The entire tour was a half-day trip, which means you’ll still have plenty of time left to explore more of Krabi in the afternoon. We made the most of our day by heading out on a Railay Beach boat tour later that day — and wrapped it all up watching a mesmerizing sunset over the ocean. Absolute perfection.
Final Thoughts
This day trip turned out to be a beautiful blend of nature, relaxation, and a little light hiking. The Emerald Pool and Blue Pool were hands-down our favorite part — peaceful, photogenic, and something totally different from Thailand’s beach scene.
The hot springs were beautiful but definitely more enjoyable with better timing. Still, the entire journey through Krabi’s hidden gems was an experience we won’t forget.
If you’re planning your Thailand itinerary and want help organizing private tours like this one — with transport, early access, and all the local tips — we’re here to help make it happen.
